Appropriates $50,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment in the lawsuit "Rodney Dean Brunet and Nora Earline Brunet v. State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development, et al.," signed January 13, 2025, in the Twelfth Judicial District, Avoyelles Parish (No. 93-9977, Division B). The judgment involves the state, through the Department of Transportation and Development, and the Brunets, individually and on behalf of Rodney Darrell Brunet.

Appropriates $200,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment in "Landon Howard Powell et al. v. State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development et al.," signed August 26, 2024, in the Ninth Judicial District Court, Rapides Parish (No. 254,503, Division F). The funds are allocated as follows: $25,000 to Landon Howard Powell, $50,000 to William Brayden Powell, and $125,000 to Kynlee Ann Powell.

Appropriates $330,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay two consent judgments against the state in the consolidated cases "William Mangum v. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries et al." and "Jackie Shaw Mangum v. State of Louisiana et al.," both involving the Department of Transportation and Development, in the Twenty-Sixth Judicial District, Bossier Parish. The funds are split equally: $165,000 for William Mangum (signed May 29, 2024, No. C-167,370-B) and $165,000 for Jackie Shaw Mangum (signed May 24, 2024, No. C-167,521).

Appropriates $3,639.68 from the State General Fund (Direct) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment in "State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development v. Martin T. Frey, Four Oaks Farm, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company," signed July 14, 2022, in the Eighteenth Judicial District, Pointe Coupee Parish (No. 48,028, Division A). The payment benefits Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company as subrogee of/and Four Oaks Farm.

Appropriates $10,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment in "State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company as partial subrogee of B & T Farms v. Herman D. Oliver and State of Louisiana through the Department of Transportation and Development," signed March 2, 2023, in the Eighteenth Judicial District, West Baton Rouge Parish (No. 1046191, Division B). The payment is awarded to State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.

Here’s a condensed analysis of Louisiana House Bill No. 46 (HLS 25RS-405): HB 46, introduced by Rep. Villio in the 2025 Regular Session, appropriates $25,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for FY 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment from January 17, 2024, in "Troy Singleton v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Ins. Co. et al." (Case No. 2018-13505, 22nd Judicial District, St. Tammany Parish). The state, via the Department of Transportation and Development, is a party. Payment covers principal, interest, court costs, and fees, but only if the judgment is final, with interest stopping on the Act’s effective date (upon governor’s signature or lapse of veto period). The bill prioritizes the judgment’s terms in conflicts and is a routine settlement funding measure, likely to pass barring budget issues. Details of the dispute are unclear but may involve transportation and insurance liability.

Appropriates $45,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for FY 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment in "Sharon Wilkerson v. State of Louisiana et al." (Case No. C-685,939, 19th Judicial District, East Baton Rouge Parish).

Appropriates $450,000 from the State General Fund (Direct) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay a consent judgment in the case "Jared Marchand v. State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development, et al."

HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] effective only if and when the legislature separately appropriates funding for it, instead of immediately upon signature by the governor.

WHY would you leave this funding mechanism hanging out there?? This is RECURRING money? We are bankrupting ourselves.

Seeks to INCREASE FUNDING for parish councils on aging by adjusting the existing state allocation formula. The bill increases the per capita funding for residents aged 60 and older from $2.50 to $4.00 and raises the minimum allocation per parish from $100,000 to $150,000. Additionally, the total minimum annual appropriation for these distributions is set to rise from $6.9 million to approximately $10.49 million.

The funding, distributed quarterly by the Office of Elderly Affairs, ensures financial support for parish councils that provide essential services to senior citizens. The bill's provisions will not affect the 2025-2026 fiscal year but will take effect on July 1, 2025. If vetoed by the governor and later approved by the legislature, it will become effective immediately following such approval. By increasing these funding thresholds, the bill aims to strengthen resources available to aging populations across Louisiana.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK]:

• Reduces the maximum payment for extraordinary medical or dental expenses from $150,000 to $50,000 per injury.
• Specifies that these provisions apply to injuries sustained by officers during the performance of their duties on or after January 1, 2023.

Seeks to provide financial support for firemen and law enforcement officers in Louisiana who incur extraordinary medical and dental expenses due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Key provisions of HB 203:

1. Establishment of Coverage for Extraordinary Expenses:
2. The bill defines "extraordinary medical and dental expenses" as costs not covered by workers' compensation or the employer-provided health insurance plan. This includes both medical and dental expenses that exceed standard coverage limits.
3. Role of the Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen's Survivor Benefit Review Board:
4. The existing board, established under R.S. 40:1665.3, is tasked with reviewing and deciding on claims for these extraordinary expenses. The board must reach a unanimous decision within 60 days of receiving the necessary documentation. If a claim is denied, the officer has one year from the date of denial to file suit against the state in the parish where the injury occurred.
5. Funding Mechanism:
6. Payments for approved claims will be made by the Office of Risk Management on behalf of the board, contingent upon specific appropriations received for this purpose. This is facilitated through the enactment of R.S. 39:1533(A)(3).

Implications:

If enacted, HB 203 would provide a structured process for injured firemen and law enforcement officers to seek reimbursement for substantial medical and dental expenses not covered by existing insurance or workers' compensation, addressing gaps in coverage for duty-related injuries.

BERYL has confirmed that the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation (an NGO)is being REMOVED from the mix. The reason the Executive Director now is paid by appropriated funding is the NGO will no longer be receiving the funding.

Proposes amendments to the allocation of funds within the East Baton Rouge Parish Enhancement Fund (sales tax to an NGO). Currently, the fund designates $100,000 annually for urban mass transit purposes and another $100,000 for the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation, with the stipulation that none of these funds be used to pay the salary or related benefits of the foundation's executive director.

As of now, specific information regarding the salary of the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation (BRSF) is not publicly available. However, to provide context, the average base salary for an Executive Director in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is approximately $101,384 per year, with total compensation, including bonuses and additional pay, averaging around $154,607 annually. There is also no information as to the process of raising the salary once the Foundation is no longer paying for it. ASK HOW MUCH THE SALARY IS CURRENTLY AND WHAT THE PROCESS IS FOR CHANGING IT.

The proposed legislation seeks to redirect the $100,000 allocation from the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation to Visit Baton Rouge. The intent is for these funds to be used to promote athletic activities, facilities, and sporting events aimed at attracting visitors to East Baton Rouge Parish. The bill also removes the previous restriction on fund usage concerning the executive director's compensation.

The remainder of the monies in the fund will continue to support the Riverside Centroplex Arena and Exhibition Center. Unexpended and unencumbered funds at the end of the fiscal year will remain in the fund, and interest earned will be deposited into the state general fund.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Enhancement Fund is financed through state appropriations as outlined in Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 47:322.2. This statute directs a portion of the state's sales tax revenue to be deposited into the fund, which is then allocated for various projects and initiatives within East Baton Rouge Parish. These allocations include support for urban mass transit, the Riverside Centroplex Arena and Exhibition Center, and previously, the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation.

NOTE: The bill removes the restriction on using allotted sales taxes to pay the salary of the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation (SportsBR). It is currently paid by the NGO through private donations, sponsorships, event revenues and grants. This would allow the sales taxes to pay the salary, yet another state-supported NGO. ASK HOW MUCH THE SALARY IS AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO INCREASE THE SALARY?

Appropriates $400,000 from the State General Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to settle a consent judgment in the case "Ronnie Rogers and Andrea Rogers, individually and on behalf of their minor child, Hayley Rogers versus Richard A. Dantin on behalf of his minor child, Olivia Elizabeth Dantin; Geico Casualty Company, the State of Louisiana through the Department of Transportation and Development, and the Parish of Jefferson." This case, bearing Number 777-197, Division B, is filed in the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District, Parish of Jefferson. The judgment was signed on March 20, 2025.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK]:

• Limits the bill's provisions to parishes with populations between 240,000 and 255,000.
• Requires employers to provide lifetime health insurance coverage for surviving spouses and dependent children of firefighters and law enforcement officers who die from injuries related to their official duties, whether on or off duty, protecting life or property.
• Applies these provisions retroactively to January 1, 2017.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:1665 and 40:1665.2 concerning financial security for the surviving spouses and children of firemen and law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty.

Key Provisions:

1.    Health Insurance Coverage for Surviving Spouses:

The bill mandates that employers provide and pay for health insurance coverage for the surviving spouse of a fireman or law enforcement officer who dies as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. This coverage is to continue for the lifetime of the surviving spouse, extending the current provision which offers coverage for two years following the officer's death.

2.    Health Insurance Coverage for Surviving Children:

Employers are required to provide and pay for health insurance coverage for the deceased officer's or fireman's children, stepchildren, or adopted children who meet any of the following criteria:

o  Under the age of 18.

o  Under the age of 23 and enrolled in and regularly attending a secondary school or a full-time student at an accredited college or university.

o  Physically or mentally disabled.

The coverage for each child continues until they no longer meet the specified qualifications.

3.    Retroactive Application:

The bill stipulates that these provisions apply retroactively. Surviving spouses and children of all law enforcement officers and firemen who have previously died in the line of duty are eligible for the extended health insurance benefits.

The employer would be obligated to re-enroll eligible surviving family members into a health insurance plan, even if coverage had previously ended under the old two-year limit. The bill mandates coverage moving forward, but it does not explicitly address whether employers must reimburse or retroactively cover medical expenses incurred during the lapse.

Implementing retroactive coverage could require significant administrative work/cost.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] added this language in several places "from a Pro Board accredited agency or an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress approved entity"

Proposes updates to the training standards for firefighters in Louisiana, particularly concerning eligibility for state supplemental pay. The key changes include:

• Accredited training programs: Firefighters hired after March 31, 1986, must complete and pass a certified fireman's training program from either a Pro Board accredited agency or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). This training should be equivalent to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001 Firefighter I Certification.
• State Fire Marshal approved training: Alternatively, firefighters can fulfill the training requirement by completing a firefighter's training program approved by the Office of State Fire Marshal Fire and Emergency Training Academy, as outlined in R.S. 40:1541 et seq.
• Maritime firefighter training for port authority officers: For full-time fire protection officers employed by port authorities headquartered in New Orleans, the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District, and the Port of South Louisiana, the bill introduces the option to complete a state or federally approved maritime firefighter training program to meet the training requirements.

NEEDS FISCAL NOTE companion to Constitutional Amendment

House Bill No. 320, introduced in the 2025 Regular Session by Representative Bagley, proposes extending state supplemental pay to public emergency medical services (EMS) practitioners. Currently, Louisiana provides a $600 monthly state supplement to regularly employed firefighters who have completed one year of service. This bill seeks to offer the same $600 monthly supplemental pay to EMS practitioners employed by political subdivisions of the state, effective July 1, 2027. Eligible EMS practitioners include licensed emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, and paramedics who are full-time employees; part-time employees and volunteers are explicitly excluded. The bill also outlines procedures for disbursing these supplemental payments and specifies that the additional compensation should be factored into calculations for retirement benefits and other employment-related computations. The implementation of this act is contingent upon the adoption of a proposed amendment to Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution.

Is this really necessary and a state not local expense?

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] rewrites the funding and oversight provisions. It requires the state treasurer to deposit legislative appropriations, grants, donations, or other available funds into the Local Infrastructure FUnd. All interest earned and unspent money will remain in the fund at the end of each fiscal year. The money in the fund must be used to reimburse local governments for costs related to repairing or mitigating damage caused by broadband expansion. The Office of Community Development must develop guidelines for how the funds are used, and those guidelines must be approved by the Water Sector Commission. The office must also submit quarterly reports to the commission detailing how the funds are spent. The bill becomes effective upon the governor’s signature or as otherwise allowed by law.

HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] creates a new Local Infrastructure Fund in the state treasury. It dedicates state sales tax revenues and other funds to offset local ad valorem tax losses caused by inventory tax exemptions. After those offsets, up to $10 million per year may be appropriated for the repair, improvement, or consolidation of community water and sewer systems, with priority given to systems that have not received Water Sector Program grants. Use of the fund requires specific legislative appropriation. The infrastructure fund provisions take effect only if the constitutional amendment in HB366 is approved by voters.

Establishes the Local Infrastructure Fund as a special fund within the Louisiana state treasury. The fund would receive revenues from state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services, cable television services, direct-to-home satellite services, video programming services, and satellite digital audio radio services, along with donations, gifts, grants, appropriations, or other revenue sources.

The bill outlines two primary purposes for spending from the fund:

1.    Repair, improvement, and consolidation of community water and sewer systems for parishes or local authorities that have not previously received grants from the Water Sector Program.

2.    Repair and construction of roads, streets, alleys, bridges, causeways, dykes, dams, culverts, ditches, levees, and other drainage facilities under the jurisdiction of parishes or local governing authorities.

Expenditures from the fund would require legislative appropriation, and unspent or unobligated funds at the end of the fiscal year would remain in the fund. The state treasurer is authorized to invest any remaining monies in the Local Infrastructure Fund in the same manner as monies in the state general fund. Interest earned from these investments would be credited back to the Local Infrastructure Fund itself.

DEFER TO Tarver/Geymann

Proposes changes to the approval thresholds for capital outlay project change orders. Currently, the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) must approve any change order exceeding $100,000 per month, and review (without requiring approval) change orders between $50,000 and $100,000. The bill seeks to raise the approval threshold to $250,000 and adjust the review range to between $50,000 and $250,000. The bill would become effective upon the governor's signature or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 49:316.1(C) concerning electronic payment processing by Louisiana state entities. The bill mandates that the state treasurer designate acceptable forms of electronic payments, including credit and debit cards, for state entities to receive payments. It also changes the publication frequency of the approved payment methods list from at least annually to at least biannually. Additionally, the bill authorizes the treasurer to negotiate contracts, not exceeding five years, with providers of electronic payment services to ensure uniformity and cost-effectiveness across state entities. The proposed law would become effective upon the governor's signature or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] clarify that responsibilities belong specifically to the secretary of Louisiana Economic Development, revise language about the types of money deposited into the fund, broaden the allowed uses of fund monies from specific projects to general purposes, and make technical corrections to bill section numbering.

Establishes the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund in the Louisiana state treasury to support economic development through site investment and infrastructure improvements.

Funding Sources: 

1. Annual Contributions: Starting FY 2025-2026, 10% of recurring state general fund revenue exceeding the Official Forecast, capped at $50 million per year. 

2. Other Contributions: Donations, gifts, grants, appropriations, or other revenue.

Initial Deposit: A one-time transfer of $150 million from the State General Fund for FY 2024-2025.

Fund Management: 

- Interest earned is credited to the State General Fund. 

- Unused funds remain in the special fund at the end of each fiscal year.

Usage: Funds appropriated by the legislature to Louisiana Economic Development specifically for economic development projects involving site investment and infrastructure improvements.

Rulemaking Authority: Louisiana Economic Development may establish rules via standard procedures or emergency rulemaking.

Effective Date: Upon the governor’s signature or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

HOUSE committee amendments [SEE LINK] revise budget figures and provides an updated breakdown of funding allocations to parishes across the state.

Provides for the Revenue Sharing Distribution allocations of $90 million from the state Revenue Sharing Fund to local taxing bodies for reimbursement of ad valorem tax losses due to homestead exemptions.

Key Points: 

- Distribution formula: 80% based on parish population, 20% based on number of homesteads. 

- Requires state treasurer to distribute funds in thirds by Dec. 1, Mar. 15, and May 15. 

- First priority payments: sheriff commissions (11.9%) and retirement system contributions (2.44%) deducted from each parish allocation. 

- Remaining funds reimburse tax recipient bodies for homestead exemption losses, capped at 1977 levels with adjustments for homestead growth. 

- New millages after Jan. 1, 1978, excluded unless specifically authorized. 

- Any excess funds after reimbursements are distributed locally by formulas that vary by parish and may include specific allocations (e.g., school boards, municipalities, sheriffs, special districts). 

- Bond millages are generally excluded unless explicitly allowed. 

- Local authorities must file required data with the state treasurer to receive distributions. 

- Allows the state treasurer to correct formula errors with legislative budget committee approval; total distribution cannot exceed $90 million.

This bill retains all participation authorized in the 2024 revenue sharing act and continues prior practices with updated figures for FY 2025-2026.

Appropriates funds for FY 2025-2026 to support ancillary operations of state agencies through internal service funds, auxiliary accounts, and enterprise funds.

Key Provisions: 

- Appropriates approximately $3.24 billion total:

 - $997 million from interagency transfers 

 - $2.04 billion from fees and self-generated revenues 

 - $202 million from statutory dedications 

 - $1.2 million from federal funds 

- Funds are used for working capital in interagency, public, and auxiliary services. 

- Requires compliance with public bid laws. 

- Unexpended balances as of June 30, 2026, must be remitted to the state treasury by August 14, 2026. 

- Allows fund equity from prior years to carry over as a resource. 

- Agencies with over $30 million must have internal auditing positions, including a chief audit executive. 

- Authorizes adjustment of performance indicators to reflect appropriations. 

- Commissioner of administration may transfer IT and procurement functions across agencies to increase efficiency, with exceptions (e.g., Dept. of Culture, Recreation & Tourism). 

- Excess cash funds (not from working capital) are to be invested with interest credited to the respective funds. 

- Effective July 1, 2025.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] increase specific percentages related to hospital revenue allocations outlined in the resolution. Overall, the amendments slightly increase the percentages originally proposed. The amendments raise:

• From 1.3% to 1.38% for certain revenue categories.
• From 4% to 4.99% for other designated hospital revenues.
• From 5% to 6.49% and from 5% to 6.74% for inpatient and outpatient revenues of specific hospitals, respectively.
• From 2% to 2.36% for another group of hospitals' inpatient and outpatient revenues.

Establishes a hospital stabilization formula under Louisiana’s Constitution, providing a method to levy assessments on certain hospitals and implement reimbursement enhancements. This approach aims to sustain hospital funding without using state general funds, minimize costs shifted to insured residents, preserve rural hospitals, and enhance Medicaid hospital financial stability through federally compliant payment models.

Key Provisions: 

- Authorizes the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to levy quarterly assessments on hospitals, contingent on CMS approval. 

- Assessment rates based on hospitals' inpatient/outpatient net patient revenues (from federal fiscal year 2023):

 - Long-term acute care, psychiatric, and rehabilitation hospitals: 1.3%. 

 - Hospital Service Districts (non-rural): 4% up to $125M; 2% above $125M. 

 - Other acute care hospitals: 5% up to $125M; 2% above $125M. 

- Exempts small urban hospitals (≤40 beds), freestanding psychiatric hospitals, and rural hospitals. 

- Requires LDH to pursue federal approval for directed payment arrangements enhancing hospital reimbursements. If CMS disapproves, LDH must propose a new arrangement, requiring Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) approval. 

- Ensures hospital reimbursement rates are no less than rates effective on Jan. 1, 2025. 

- Requires LDH to publish quarterly data on reimbursement enhancements and CMS-approved payment arrangements online. 

- LDH must submit any necessary Medicaid state plan amendments within 120 days and may adopt rules to implement this resolution promptly.

Directs the legislative auditor to investigate the firemen's supplemental pay program due to concerns over ineligible recipients.

Key Provisions:

• Authorizes a full audit of the firemen’s supplemental pay program.
• Targets departments with over 100 employees, 10 departments with 50–99, and 5 departments with under 50.
• Responds to a 2024 audit showing supplemental pay was awarded to non-firefighting personnel (e.g., IT staff, clerks, mechanics).
• Auditor must determine whether payments comply with R.S. 40:1666.1.
• Report due to the House Appropriations Committee by February 1, 2026.

Directs the Office of Group Benefits to study potential savings from requiring eligible participants to enroll in Medicare and evaluate options to return savings to those participants.

Key Provisions:

• Requires analysis of cost savings if Medicare-eligible state retirees are mandated to enroll in Medicare.
• Seeks recommendations on using savings to reduce premiums or improve benefits for affected participants.
• Report due to legislative committees by December 1, 2025.

Enacts R.S. 17:5024(D) to revise TOPS-Tech award eligibility. It adds a third criterion—nine early college credit hours via dual enrollment or approved skills measures—to the existing requirements (2.5 GPA on core curriculum, ACT 17 or WorkKeys silver). Students qualify by meeting any two of these three, effective for first-time freshmen in 2025-2026. Enacted upon governor’s signature, it broadens access to technical education funding by valuing early college credits. • Added Criterion: Students can qualify with at least 9 credit hours of early college credit (via academic or technical dual enrollment) or equivalent skills/learning measures approved by the Statewide Articulation and Transfer Council. • Existing Criteria Retained: o Minimum 2.5 GPA on the TOPS-Tech core curriculum (per Subsection A). o Minimum ACT score of 17 or WorkKeys silver rating (per Subsection B). • Requirement: Students must meet at least two of these three criteria, as determined by the administering agency (Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance). Applicability: • Applies to first-time freshmen enrolling in eligible colleges or universities starting in the 2025-2026 academic year.

HOUSE floor amendment set 3146 [LINK] broadens eligibility by allowing students who completed their undergraduate degree either in Louisiana or out of state to qualify for applying unused TOPS award funds toward medical or dental school in Louisiana. It removes the prior limitation that only out-of-state undergraduate graduates were eligible.

HOUSE floor amendment set 3138 [LINK] allows students who qualified for a TOPS award but earned their undergraduate degree out of state to use any unused award funds for in-state medical or dental school tuition. Eligible students must enroll in an approved Louisiana medical or dental program and sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the award with interest unless they enter a residency or practice full-time in Louisiana for three years after residency. The award is limited to the remaining unused semesters (up to eight) and capped at either the program's tuition or the highest undergraduate tuition at a Louisiana public university, whichever is less. The Board of Regents must establish rules for repayment, exemptions, and administration.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] narrow the bill's focus, preserving existing award amounts while expanding ways students can qualify for technical awards. Modifies the original bill by:

1. Adjusting the bill's scope by removing provisions that revised the award amounts for certain scholarships under TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students).
2. Adding new eligibility options for TOPS-Tech awards, allowing students who meet two out of three criteria (GPA, ACT score, or completing nine credit hours of early college/dual enrollment courses or equivalent) to qualify.
3. Clarifying that students eligible for an Excellence Award will receive either the actual tuition charged by the public college or university or $12,000, whichever is less.

TOPS changes effective for 2025-2026 freshmen:

• Adds new "Excellence Award" for students with ACT 31+ and 3.50 GPA.
• Sets fixed award caps by school type (e.g., $12,000 max at public colleges).
• 2025-2026 public college students get the higher of old or new amount.
• Tuition now includes mandatory fees.
• National Guard students in the Excellence tier get added stipends.
• Keeps current GPA and course rules; Excellence tier must maintain 3.00 GPA.

Proposes the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act" to regulate kratom sales in Louisiana. Key points:

·       Defines kratom-related terms.

·       Bans sale of ALL kratom products with unsafe additives, high alkaloid levels, synthetic compounds, or improper labeling.

·       Restricts items not banned to individuals 21 and older.

·       Requires product registration and approval by the Louisiana Department of Health.

·       Mandates clear labeling and serving sizes.

The bill focuses on consumer safety and product regulation.

Proposes amendments to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). The bill seeks to allow students who qualified for a TOPS award but completed their undergraduate studies at an out-of-state institution to apply their unused award amounts toward medical or dental school in Louisiana.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1.    Eligibility Criteria:

o  The student must have been deemed eligible for an Opportunity, Performance, or Honors Award upon high school graduation.

o  The student must have completed a bachelor's degree at an out-of-state postsecondary institution.

o  The student must enroll in a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or Doctor of Dentistry program at a qualifying Louisiana institution during or after the 2024-2025 academic year.

2.    Award Application:

o  The administering agency will determine the number of unused semesters or equivalent units from the student's original TOPS award and apply them toward the medical or dental school tuition, not exceeding eight semesters or equivalent units.

o  The award amount will be the lesser of the tuition charged for the medical or dental program or the undergraduate full-time tuition charged by the highest-cost public college or university in Louisiana.

3.    Repayment Obligations:

o  Students must sign a promissory note agreeing to repay the awarded amount plus interest upon graduation or exit from the program.

o  Repayment is deferred during residency programs.

o  Repayment is waived if the student practices medicine or dentistry full-time in Louisiana for three consecutive years after completing their residency.

4.    Administrative Provisions:

o  The administering agency is tasked with promulgating rules to implement the bill's provisions, including collection methods for amounts owed and interest on unpaid amounts.

This bill aims to incentivize Louisiana residents who pursued undergraduate education out-of-state to return and contribute to the state's healthcare sector by utilizing their remaining TOPS benefits for advanced medical or dental education within Louisiana.

FISCAL NOTE over $7 million in 5 years; ENGROSSED fiscal note unchanged. [Large portion of the setup money appropriated last year through law enforcement board]

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] require the sheriff or designee to immediately notify all local law enforcement agencies, media outlets, victims, and known witnesses if an inmate escapes. Notification must be made by the fastest reasonable means. If the inmate is recaptured, those same parties must be notified within one working day. The amendments also define “law enforcement agency” and “local media outlet” and update the bill title to reflect the new content.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] adds a new section, R.S. 15:715, requiring sheriffs or their designees to immediately notify all local law enforcement agencies, media outlets, known witnesses, and victims when an inmate escapes from a parish jail or prison. If the inmate is recaptured, those same parties must be notified within one working day. The amendment defines “law enforcement agency” and “local media outlet” for clarity.

Creates a comprehensive, statewide victim services system and establishes a consolidated Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. Directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to coordinate services across law enforcement and prosecutors, with implementation required by July 1, 2026. Codifies over 20 specific rights for crime victims, witnesses, and family members, including notice of proceedings, protection measures, access to services, and the right to make victim impact statements. Clarifies that violations of these rights do not create grounds for a defendant to overturn a conviction or sentence. Requires the Governor’s Office to publish a printable version of the Bill of Rights.

Rights for Crime Victims and Designated Family Members (20):

1. Right to emergency, social, or medical services and to receive a Victim Notice and Registration Form.

2. Right to be notified of defendant’s arrest, release, bond, escape, or re-apprehension.

3. Right to advance notice of and presence at judicial proceedings or probation hearings.

4. Right to be interviewed by the prosecutor before trial and request restitution.

5. Right to have those interviews in a private setting with access to support personnel if requested.

6. Right to refuse interviews with the defense attorney.

7. Right to retain legal counsel for discussions with the DA and judicial agencies.

8. Right to request a conference with the prosecutor regarding case disposition and restitution.

9. Right to employer assistance regarding work absences due to case participation.

10. Right to be notified of court scheduling changes.

11. Right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings, away from the defendant and their family.

12. Right to review and comment on pre- or post-sentence reports.

13. Right to protections under laws governing criminal procedure and evidence.

14. Right to a speedy disposition and final resolution post-conviction and sentencing.

15. Right to be present and heard at all critical stages, including submitting a victim impact statement.

16. Right to request that a victim impact statement be sealed for privacy.

17. Right to notice of sentencing range and opportunity to comment on proposed sentence.

18. Right to have personal property returned.

19. Right to seek restitution from the defendant without court filing fees.

20. In death penalty cases:

   - Right to be notified of execution details and to be present.

   - Right to not be contacted by the offender or their supporters.

Rights for Witnesses and Designated Family Members (5):

1. Right to emergency, social, or medical services and to receive a Victim Notice and Registration Form.

2. Right to be notified of the offender’s release, sentence discharge, escape, or re-apprehension.

3. Right to employer assistance for participation-related absences.

4. Right to be notified of scheduling changes.

5. Right to a secure waiting area during court proceedings.

Effective upon governor's signature.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] rename the fund as an account (Louisiana Conservation Incentive Program Account), to allow broader funding sources, tie grant awards to specific appropriations, simplify rulemaking language, and delay the program’s start until funding is enacted.

Establishes the Louisiana Conservation Incentive Program to assist private landowners in enhancing wildlife habitats and managing native species on private lands.

Key Provisions: 

- Creates the "Conservation Incentive Program" within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, funded through a dedicated subaccount in the Conservation Fund. 

- Funds may come from legislative appropriations, grants, donations, or other sources. 

- Eligible projects include forest stand improvement, wetland and waterfowl habitat enhancement, prescribed burns, and feral swine control. 

- Requires the department to adopt rules and procedures for project selection and implementation. 

- Program is contingent on legislative appropriation of sufficient funds.

HOUSE floor amendments technical in nature except Amendment 4 [LINK] which removes the language requiring enactment of HB594

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK]: require that after constitutional debt obligations are met, dedicated funds be deposited into a special fund for NCAA-member university athletic departments. The Board of Regents must distribute the funds equally among eligible universities. Language is also adjusted for clarity, such as replacing “benefit awards” with “benefits.” The bill only takes effect if HB594 is enacted.

Revises the tax rate for online sports wagering and allocates portions of the revenue to higher education athletic departments and inclusive education programs.

Key Provisions:

• Changes the tax rate on online sports wagering to match the rate used for video draw poker at truck stop facilities.
• Dedicates 25% of the online sports wagering tax revenue to a new fund called the Supporting Programs, Opportunities, Resources, and Teams Fund (SPORT Fund).
• SPORT Fund dollars are appropriated to the Board of Regents and distributed equally to public universities in Louisiana that compete in NCAA Division I football.
• Funds must be used for student athlete benefits such as scholarships, insurance, medical coverage, facility upgrades, litigation settlement fees, and Alston awards.
• Funds cannot replace or displace other awards or scholarships.
• Dedicates an additional 3% of revenue to the Louisiana Postsecondary Inclusive Education Fund.
• Act takes effect only if HB 594 is enacted.

Appropriates $18,000 from the state general fund to pay a consent judgment.

Key Provisions:

• Pays consent judgment in Deroche v. DOTD et al., 21st JDC, Tangipahoa Parish.
• Covers principal, interest, court costs, and expert fees as awarded.
• Interest stops accruing on the effective date.
• Effective upon governor’s signature or lapse of time for signature.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] increase state funding by $540,000, allocating $390,000 to Court Appointed Special Advocates and $150,000 to Families in Need of Services. They adjust the bill's sections and budget totals to reflect this increase.

Appropriates funding for the Louisiana judiciary's operational expenses for FY 2025–2026.

Key Provisions:

• Total appropriation: $220,424,711, including:
• $199,188,937 from State General Fund (Direct)
• $9,392,850 from Interagency Transfers
• $11,842,924 from Statutory Dedications
• Covers salaries, retirement, operational expenses, and specialty programs for:
• Louisiana Supreme Court ($98.99M)
• Courts of Appeal ($57.46M)
• District Courts ($59.12M)
• Criminal Court of Orleans Parish ($7.5M)
• Juvenile and Family Courts ($2.93M)
• Other statutory courts and programs ($4.86M total)
• Includes funding for the Judicial College, Protective Order Registry, CASA, FINS, and Drug/Specialty Courts.
• Authorizes transfer of surplus funds within the judiciary and includes a $11.87M SGF reduction plan.
• Effective July 1, 2025.

Legislative Expenses Appropriation

Summary:

Appropriates funds for legislative operations in Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including salaries, staffing, facilities, and expenses for both legislative chambers and support agencies.

Key Provisions:

• Total state general fund appropriation: $93,371,312
• Total self-generated funds: $24,785,375 (for the Legislative Auditor)
• Allocations include:
• House of Representatives: $32,998,300
• Senate: $28,117,511
• Legislative Auditor: $15,295,000
• Legislative Fiscal Office: $3,791,600
• Louisiana State Law Institute: $1,198,901
• Legislative Budgetary Control Council: $11,970,000
• Establishes the Legislative Auditor Ancillary Enterprise Fund with $350,000 from the general fund and authorizes $24,785,375 in ancillary expenditures.
• Authorizes reimbursement for audits and self-generated revenue collection.
• Legislator per diem rate tied to the IRS federal deduction rate for Baton Rouge.
• Legislative assistants employed before December 1, 2007 may retain their salary as of that date.
• Unused funds must be returned to the general fund by October 1, 2026.
• Effective July 1, 2025.

Proposes amendments to the R.E.A.D. (Reading Enrichment and Academic Deliverables) Program, aiming to broaden student eligibility and enhance resource distribution. Laurie Schlegel is a co-author so likely her bill.

Current Eligibility Criteria:

Under existing law, students qualify for the R.E.A.D. Program if they meet any of the following conditions:

1. Prekindergarten students who do not score satisfactorily on the literacy section of the early childhood assessment.
2. Kindergarten through third-grade students reading below grade level.
3. Fourth and fifth-grade students who scored below mastery in English Language Arts (ELA) on the prior school year's state assessment.
4. Students recommended by their ELA teacher when eligibility cannot be determined through screeners or assessments.

Proposed Changes:

House Bill No. 201 seeks to expand eligibility by including students enrolled in elementary schools that received a performance letter grade of "D" or "F" in the most recent school year, as per the school and district accountability system outlined in R.S. 17:10.1.

Implementation Details:

To support this expanded eligibility, the bill mandates the state Department of Education to:

• Ship books quarterly directly to the qualifying schools.
• Ensure these schools distribute the books, along with supplemental family literacy resources designed to support at-home reading engagement, to each student from prekindergarten through fifth grade.
• Determine the specific content and format of the family literacy resources.

By broadening the scope of the R.E.A.D. Program, the bill aims to provide additional support to students in underperforming schools, enhancing literacy development through increased access to reading materials and resources.

HOUSE approps committee amendments [LINK] make the bill only take effect if the Legislature separately provides funding for it.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] make substantial changes and clarifications to salary levels.

Revises compensation, evaluation, duties, and removal processes for registrars of voters and key staff.

Key Provisions: 

- Expands grounds for registrar removal by the State Board of Election Supervisors. In addition to existing reasons—such as willful misconduct, persistent failure to perform duties, public conduct that discredits the office, and felony conviction—the bill adds the following new causes:

 • Incompetence: A registrar who lacks the ability, knowledge, or capacity to effectively perform the duties of the office may be removed. 

 • Consistent underperformance: Pattern of not meeting performance expectations over time. 

 • Abuse of leave policies: Misuse or excessive use of leave in violation of policies established by the secretary of state. 

 • Violation of substance abuse policies: Any breach of substance abuse rules adopted by the secretary of state. 

 • Two consecutive “unsuccessful” merit evaluations: A registrar receiving the lowest rating in back-to-back annual evaluations may be removed for failing to meet basic job standards.

- Authorizes the commissioner of elections, along with parish governing authorities, to initiate removal proceedings. 

- Prohibits registrars from terminating staff while under active removal consideration.

- Requires annual merit evaluations in January for registrars, chief deputies, and confidential assistants, with ratings of “excellent,” “successful,” “unsuccessful,” or “unrated.” 

- Grants step-based or 5% salary increases for “excellent” evaluations, capped at five such increases.

- Restricts office closures to extreme circumstances and requires essential functions to continue even if the office is closed.

The 5% salary increase is available to registrars, chief deputies, and confidential assistants who meet both of the following conditions:

1. Their salary is already at step 12, the highest level of the current step-based pay scale. 

2. They receive a rating of "excellent" on their annual merit evaluation.

If both conditions are met, the employee will receive a 5% raise instead of a step increase. Each employee may receive no more than five of these 5% increases over the span of their career.

Employees below step 12 will continue to receive step increases upon an "excellent" evaluation until they reach the top step. Once at step 12, the 5% raise serves as a continued incentive for high performance.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Creates a loan repayment program and fund administered by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to recruit specialist physicians to practice in Louisiana.

Key Provisions: 

- Establishes a loan repayment program for physician specialists, defined as licensed allopathic or osteopathic doctors who completed an accredited residency in a specialty such as internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, psychiatry, or emergency medicine. 

- Eligible physicians must be U.S. citizens or nationals, have no conflicting service obligations, loan defaults, or legal issues such as child support arrears. 

- Participants may receive up to $30,000 annually in loan repayment assistance, with a maximum of $150,000 over five years. 

- Recipients must agree to practice full-time in Louisiana for five years, treat Medicaid and Medicare patients, and comply with contract terms. 

- Breach of contract may result in repayment obligations, including the full amount received, additional penalties, and interest. 

- Establishes the Health Workforce Needs Fund in the state treasury to support the program, allowing for public and private funding sources. 

- LDH is required to identify high-need areas, manage applications, verify loan payments, and promulgate necessary rules.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] fix citation formatting, remove references to the Public Assistance Fraud Hot-Line, and delete multiple sections of the bill text. They change all references from "Louisiana Workforce Commission" to "Louisiana Works." Several effective dates are adjusted: the main start date moves from July 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, with other parts delayed to July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027. The repeal section is also updated to reflect these changes.

HOUSE bureau floor amendments technical.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] mostly technical working out enactment dates and designating agency that would ajudicate fraud elements/cases.

HOUSE approps committee amendment [LINK] transfer administration of SNAP and related workforce training from DCFS to LDH and the Louisiana Works agency. They clarify agency responsibilities, update references consistently, outline procedures for transferring staff, contracts, and funding, and set phased implementation dates, fully effective by July 1, 2026, depending on available funding.

HOUSE H&G committee amendments technical in nature other than Amendment 42 [LINK] which sets effective dates for differing sections and funding levels.

"One Door Bill" Transfers certain family support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), which is renamed “Louisiana Works.”

Key Provisions:

- Renames the Louisiana Workforce Commission to Louisiana Works.

- Transfers administration of SNAP, TANF, FITAP, Kinship Care, and related programs from DCFS to Louisiana Works.

- Establishes integrated case management to streamline service delivery across workforce and social support programs.

- Grants Louisiana Works authority over eligibility determination, benefits administration, and vocational services for transferred programs.

- Creates a Fraud Detection Fund and related enforcement mechanisms under Louisiana Works.

- Repeals and consolidates various statutes to reflect the reorganization.

- Transfers contracts, employees, and funding from DCFS to Louisiana Works.

- Staggers effective dates: some provisions begin July 1, 2025; full transfer effective July 1, 2027.

Implications:

1. Saves taxpayer money by ending automatic payouts.
2. Reduces risk of false or questionable claims and technicalities
3. Exonerees can still sue under regular civil law.

Repeals Louisiana’s Innocence Compensation Fund.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] delay the start of premium tax reductions from 2026 to 2029 and phase them in gradually through 2032 with increasing percentage reductions each year. They cap the tax reduction for 2026–2028 so that no business can claim more than it received in 2024. The amendments also redefine what counts as a "qualifying Louisiana investment," including Louisiana-based bonds, property, loans, stocks, and certain in-state bank deposits. For HMOs to count these investments, they must be domiciled and operating in Louisiana, maintain their corporate office in the state, and keep at least 70% of their employees and core functions in Louisiana. The amendments also revise wording related to how premium taxes apply to surplus lines policies.

HOUSE approps committee amendments [LINK] introduce a gradual reduction mechanism for the insurance premium tax rate beginning July 1, 2027, contingent on exceeding specific revenue thresholds. They also adjust the criteria and calculation method for qualifying Louisiana investments, implementing a phased schedule that gradually increases the payable tax percentages over multiple years. Additionally, the amendments include new reporting requirements and clarify eligibility standards for tax reductions. Starting January 1, 2034, the amendments eliminate these investment-based tax reductions entirely.

HOUSE W&M committee Amendments [LINK] keeps the insurance premium tax credit, tightens rules so only insurers with strong Louisiana presence qualify, defines eligible in-state investments, and sets up automatic tax rate cuts starting in 2027 if collections rise.

Establishes a flat 1.6% insurance premium tax rate and repeals multiple insurance tax credits and exemptions, including the Louisiana Capital Companies Tax Credit Program. Applies to taxable periods beginning January 1, 2026.

Key Provisions:

- Replaces the current tiered insurance premium tax structure with a flat 1.6% tax on gross annual premiums for all applicable insurance types.

- Repeals several tax credits and exemptions, including:

 - The insurance premium investment tax credit (R.S. 22:832)

 - The credit for retaliatory taxes paid by certain domestic insurers (R.S. 22:836(B))

 - The Louisiana Capital Companies Tax Credit Program (R.S. 51:1921–1935)

- Requires insurers to separately state premium and tax amounts on policy declarations.

- Retains local tax exemptions tied to "qualifying Louisiana investments" and standardizes the investment definition across relevant statutes.

- Effective January 1, 2026.

HOUSE APPROPS committee amendments [LINK] replace a fixed wage increase with a rule-based determination, define and use a "regional average wage" to set eligibility criteria, clarify that companies can't simultaneously receive benefits from the Quality Jobs Program, and establish a capped, tiered formula for annual fund deposits from corporate taxes.

HOUSE commerce committee amendments [LINK] make technical corrections and clarify eligibility and funding criteria. They specify wage standards for new jobs, clarify that businesses retaining (rather than employing) a minimum number of jobs qualify, prohibit simultaneous participation in the Quality Jobs Program, and ensure deposits into the High Impact Job Fund include both corporate income and franchise tax collections.

Establishes the High Impact Jobs Program within Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to incentivize high-wage job creation and retention.

Key Provisions:

Creates a reimbursable grant program for companies that:

 - Pay wages above parish averages

 - Offer basic health benefits

 - Hire full-time Louisiana employees

Grant amounts:

 - 8% of annual wages for jobs in distressed areas paying ≥110% of parish average wage

 - 18% for jobs paying ≥125% but <150% of parish average wage

 - 22% for jobs paying ≥150% of parish average wage

 - Maximum of $200,000 per year per job

Grants also available to retain highly skilled workers with advanced degrees

Ineligible sectors include gaming, retail, pro sports, construction, and local utilities

Companies cannot receive other LED incentives for the same jobs or expenditures

Establishes the High Impact Job Fund, funded by up to $25 million per year from corporate income tax collections

Program ends for new applicants after July 1, 2035

Effective date: July 1, 2025

Proposes transferring the management of the Cecil J. Picard Educational and Recreational Center in Bunkie, Louisiana, from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections' Office of Juvenile Justice to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). Under this bill, GOHSEP would assume all responsibilities related to the center's operations, including setting rental rates and usage fees, and establishing necessary rules and regulations consistent with its mission. The bill also calls for the repeal of existing statutes governing the facility under the Office of Juvenile Justice.

Pproposes increasing the daily payment rate by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) to parish jails for housing state inmates. The increases are scheduled as follows:

·       2025-2026: $35 per day

·       2026-2027: $37 per day

·       2027-2028: $39 per day

·       2028-2029 and onward: $40 per day

The previous rate was $26.39 per day since the 2020-2021 fiscal year. This bill aims to gradually raise compensation over several years to address costs related to inmate housing.

This was part of the package last year to combine funds for the purpose of freeing up money to pay down debt.

HOUSE floor bureau amendments technical

HOUSE floor amendment set 2433 [LINK] clarify and adjust references related to the Louisiana Constitution sections being changed. Specifically, they correct language to properly indicate that a new section (10.3(D)) is being "added" rather than "enacted," and they remove an unnecessary line for clarity. The amendments also clearly outline the exact constitutional sections amended, added, and repealed, ensuring accuracy and consistency in referencing.

HOUSE committee amendment 2290 technical.

HOUSE committee amendment set 2015 [LINK] adjusts provisions related to the dedication and distribution of mineral revenues. Specifically, they repeal certain existing dedications, redefine how revenues are deposited into and credited to the Mineral Revenue Audit and Settlement Fund, and clarify that funds in this account will count toward the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund, but not toward the Budget Stabilization Fund. The amendments simplify revenue allocations by removing some previously required distributions and clarify constitutional references to streamline the management of mineral revenue funds.

Constitutional amendment to eliminate the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and redirect certain state revenues to the Budget Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund), while raising the cap on its allowable balance.

Key Provisions:

• Repeals Article VII, §10.15, eliminating the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund.
• Redirects mineral revenue previously earmarked for the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund into the Budget Stabilization Fund through FY 2026–2027.
• Beginning FY 2027–2028, mineral revenue deposits into the Rainy Day Fund cease; other existing deposits remain (e.g., excess general fund and 25% of nonrecurring revenue).
• Raises the cap on the Rainy Day Fund from 4% to 7.5% of prior-year total state revenue receipts.
• Submits the proposed amendment to voters on November 3, 2026.

REENGROSSED FISCAL NOTE does not have adequate information only INCREASE across the board

HOUSE APPROPS committee amendments [LINK] delays implementation until funded and to any new health insurance policy issued on or after January 1 following the bill’s effective date. For policies already in effect, insurers must comply either by the policy’s renewal date or within 359 days after that January 1, whichever comes first. However, the main parts of the bill won’t take effect at all unless the Legislature also passes another law that specifically provides funding to implement it. The section explaining this funding requirement becomes effective immediately upon the governor’s signature or when the bill becomes law through the normal process or a veto override.

HOUSE INS committee amendment [LINK] requires health insurers and Medicaid to cover amino acid-based formulas for children aged two or younger when prescribed by a board-certified allergist or gastroenterologist as medically necessary. The amendment specifies that coverage must apply regardless of how the formula is delivered. It also sets implementation dates: new health plans must comply starting January 1, 2026, and existing plans must comply upon renewal, but no later than January 1, 2027.

Requires health insurers that provide maternity benefits, including Medicaid, to cover amino acid-based elemental formulas for infants and children when deemed medically necessary by a physician. Applies to treatment of the following conditions: 

- Allergies to multiple food proteins 

- Severe food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome 

- Eosinophilic disorders (biopsy-confirmed) 

- GI tract disorders impairing nutrient absorption

Coverage must be equivalent to coverage for prescription drugs and related services. May include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Allows utilization review of medical necessity.

In Louisiana, Medicaid may cover formulas not included in WIC's offerings or amounts exceeding WIC's limits, provided there is proper medical documentation and prior authorization.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Implications:

To reduce tax costs for insurers, encourage competition, and potentially lower auto insurance premiums for Louisiana residents.

Summary:

Reduces the annual premium tax rate on vehicle insurance policies in Louisiana to ease the tax burden on insurers and potentially lower costs for policyholders.

Current Law:

• Insurers pay a $185 annual tax on gross premiums up to $6,000.
• For premiums above $6,000, insurers pay an additional $300 for each $10,000 or part thereof.

Proposed Change (Effective July 1, 2026):

• The $185 minimum tax remains the same for premiums up to $6,000.
• The additional tax for premiums over $6,000 is reduced from $300 to $200 for each $10,000 or part thereof.
• Applies to policies issued or executed on or after the effective date.

REINGROSSED FISCAL NOTE: removes dental care and reduces to tens-hundreds of thousands. See note.

FISCAL NOTE [LINK] over 12 million in MEDICAID increases over just the next five years.

HOUSE APPROPS committee amendment [LINK] removes references to “dental services”

HOUSE INS committee amendment [LINK] requires health insurance plans to cover cancer treatments for Medicare enrollees if the treatments are recommended by nationally recognized guidelines. It removes Medicaid provisions to state run healthcare and sets the effective date for new policies as January 1, 2026. Existing policies must comply by their renewal date or by January 1, 2027.

Mandates that health insurance issuers in Louisiana provide coverage for integrative cancer treatments when used in conjunction with standard medical care. These treatments include acupuncture, cryotherapy, dental services, and scalp cooling systems. The bill specifies that dental services encompass evaluations and, if deemed appropriate, subsequent treatments or extractions for patients requiring bisphosphonates in cancer treatments. It also defines a "scalp cooling system" as a device used to cool the human scalp to prevent or reduce hair loss during chemotherapy, designed for repeated use and primarily serving a medical purpose. The coverage requirements extend to individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. The bill allows for the application of annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments consistent with those established under the health coverage plan. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with making these integrative cancer treatments available to Medicaid beneficiaries, with eligibility determined in accordance with state and federal guidelines. The act is set to become effective on January 1, 2026.

Establishes an individual income tax deduction for contributions made to deductible savings accounts. These accounts are intended to help homeowners cover insurance deductibles and expenses related to retrofitting their roofs to fortified building standards.

Key points:

• Eligible account holders must be Louisiana residents who own and claim a homestead exemption on their primary residence.
• Contributions can be deducted from taxable income, with limits based on the homeowner's insurance deductible:
• Up to $2,000 for deductibles of $1,000 or less.
• Up to twice the deductible amount, capped at $25,000, for higher deductibles.
• Withdrawals for non-qualified expenses are taxable.
• If a non-taxable withdrawal is made in a given year, further contributions are not allowed that year.
• Documentation must be maintained but is not required from financial institutions.
• The law becomes effective on January 1, 2026.

This bill aims to provide financial relief to homeowners by incentivizing savings for insurance-related costs to purchase fortified roofing to help lower insurance rates.

Creates the Fortify Coastal Homes Fund to help strengthen residential roofs in Louisiana’s coastal zone. Starting July 1, 2026, the fund will collect money from two sources: legislative appropriations and a portion of state sales and use taxes (up to 5% or $60 million, whichever is less) collected in the coastal zone during the two months following a declared natural disaster. The coastal zone includes parishes along and below the boundary line set by a 2012 law. The money will be used exclusively for grants to fortify homes in this area. The Department of Revenue must submit an annual report by February 1 to the legislature and the Department of Insurance, detailing collections and methods. The Department of Revenue and the Insurance Commissioner can make rules to implement the law.

Provides promotional play allowances for gaming operators who make capital investments in Louisiana through tax credits.

Key Provisions: 

1. Increased Promotional Play Credit: 

  - Current law allows gaming operators up to $5 million annually in promotional play wagers, which are untaed. 

  - The proposed law allows operators to earn additional promotional play credits equal to qualifying capital outlays. 

2. Credit Limits: 

  - Credit cannot exceed 10% of certified capital outlay or 20% of gross gaming revenue, whichever is greater. 

  - Credits can be claimed for up to 10 years, after which unused credits are forfeited. 

3. Certification Requirement: 

  - The Louisiana Gaming Control Board must certify capital expenditures as "qualifying capital outlays" before promotional play credits are earned. 

4. Definition of Qualifying Capital Outlay: 

  - Includes expenditures for lands, buildings, equipment, or other improvements made after January 1, 2022, to increase taxable revenue or enhance licensed gaming facilities. 

  - Includes projects to move riverboat gaming facilities landside. 

5. Strategic Economic Development Plan: 

  - Louisiana Economic Development is directed to prepare and submit a strategic plan regarding gaming taxes and incentives by January 1, 2027. 

Potential Impact: 

The bill incentivizes capital investment in gaming facilities by providing tax credits tied to qualifying investments.

Calls for a constitutional convention to draft a new Louisiana Constitution, beginning December 2, 2025. Establishes procedures for delegate selection, convention operations, and submission of the new constitution to voters in December 2026.

Key Provisions:

- Calls the constitutional convention to convene at noon on December 2, 2025, to draft a new state constitution.

- Creates a 105-member convention: 78 elected delegates (2 from each of 15 populous parishes, 1 from each of the remaining parishes), 10 appointed by professional associations, 1 each from higher education and K-12 education leadership, and 15 appointed by the governor.

- Election for delegates set for October 11, 2025, with a runoff if needed on November 15, 2025.

- Convention must complete its work by October 2, 2026, and submit a draft constitution to the governor.

- Proposed constitution will be placed on the ballot for voter approval on December 12, 2026.

- Provisions of the current 1974 constitution not included in the new draft will be converted to statutes in a newly created Title 57, amendable only by a two-thirds vote of the legislature.

- Convention staff may not include registered lobbyists or delegates; attorney general to serve as legal advisor.

- Prohibits campaign fundraising by delegates during the convention period.

- Requires public transparency through Open Meetings and Public Records laws.

- Delegates receive the same per diem and travel reimbursement as legislators.

- Convention may not receive private funding and is subject to audit by the legislative auditor.

- Constitution becomes effective December 31, 2026, if ratified by voters.