Veterans

SB 180 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing surviving spouses of disabled veterans to transfer their property tax exemption to a new homestead property. Specifically, if a veteran with a service-connected disability (rated 50% or higher by the VA) received an expanded property tax exemption, their surviving spouse can transfer that exemption to a new home they own and occupy - once, and limited to the value claimed on the previous home. The exemption applies to properties where the veteran’s disability rating was 50%-70% (covering $10,000 in value), 70%-100% (covering $12,000), or 100% (covering all value beyond the homestead exemption). The transfer requires verification by the property assessor and is effective January 1, 2027, pending voter approval.

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.