Veterans

HB 165 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would require Louisiana voters to approve changing the state constitution to create a new lottery game specifically dedicated to funding benefits for Louisiana resident military veterans and their families. If passed, the amendment would direct annual appropriations from the Lottery Proceeds Fund - using revenue generated exclusively from this new game - to support veterans' programs, while also limiting funds for problem-gambling services to $500,000 annually. The bill does not alter existing lottery proceeds but mandates a new dedicated funding stream for veterans through a separate lottery game. Voters will decide on this amendment in the November 2026 statewide election. This is a procedural constitutional change requiring voter approval, not an immediate policy implementation.

HB 436 would allow Louisiana municipalities to appoint veterans as park police officers and the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to appoint veterans as state park wardens. It updates existing laws (R.S. 33:4558 and R.S. 56:1688) to explicitly include veterans - defined per R.S. 13:5364 - as eligible candidates for these roles. The bill directly affects veterans seeking such positions and the parks where they would serve. This is a procedural change to hiring criteria, not a new benefit or entitlement.

HB 385 requires Louisiana TOPS scholarship recipients to repay awarded funds if their eligibility is suspended or canceled due to failing to meet program requirements. It mandates the Board of Regents to create rules for repayment collection and specify exceptions, such as parental leave, disability rehabilitation, military service, or natural disasters. The law applies to students graduating high school in the 2025-2026 school year or later. This policy directly affects current and future TOPS recipients who lose eligibility, changing how repayment obligations are handled under the program.