HOUSE committee amendment makes significant changes to include the manner in which audio, video and other materials documenting parole hearings for these minor victims can be handled/disclosed. AMENDMENTS [LINK].

Amends R.S. 44:4.1(B)(8) and adds R.S. 14:81.5.1 and R.S. 15:574.12.1 to protect the confidentiality of Board of Pardons and committee on parole hearings involving minor or sex offense victims. It makes such records exempt from public disclosure under the Public Records Law, allowing release only by court or administrative judge order after strict conditions (e.g., in-camera review, clear evidence of need). The bill creates a new crime—unlawful posting of these records online—punishable by up to $500 fine or 6 months imprisonment, or both. Exceptions permit access for defendants, their lawyers, victims, or guardians without court approval. Protective orders limit reproduction and ensure victim anonymity. Named "The Maggie Grace Act," it’s effective upon governor’s signature or veto lapse.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

Focuses on enhancing executive branch compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It outlines the powers and responsibilities of the state ADA coordinator’s office and modifies the return-to-work program for state employees.

Key points:

1. State ADA Coordinator’s Role: The bill expands the coordinator's duties to include consultation on state employee accommodations, oversight of annual compliance plans, and drafting rules for uniform administration of ADA-related laws.
2. Return-to-Work Program: The bill refines the program under the Office of Risk Management, aiming for a structured return of injured employees to transitional or regular employment. It shifts oversight from the Department of Civil Service to the ADA coordinator’s office.
3. Definitions and Compliance: The bill clarifies that "agency" refers to executive branch entities with at least 15 employees and mandates consistent compliance efforts across agencies.
4. Legislative Process: The bill takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Centralizes the oversight of disability accommodations under the state ADA coordinator instead of multiple agencies.

NEEDS FISCAL NOTE

Proposes increases in compensation for election commissioners and commissioners-in-charge in Louisiana. The key changes outlined in the bill are as follows:

Compensation for Election Commissioners:

Commissioner-in-Charge:

• Current compensation: $250
• Proposed compensation: $300

For those serving at more than one precinct:

• Current compensation: $350
• Proposed compensation: $400

Commissioners with Certificates of Instruction:

For commissioners who have completed a general course of instruction:

• Current compensation: $100
• Proposed compensation: $150

For commissioners who have completed an advanced course of instruction:

• Current compensation: $200
• Proposed compensation: $250

Uncertified Commissioners:

• Current compensation: $35
• Proposed compensation: $85

Compensation for Parish Board Commissioners:

For service on election day, during the counting and tabulating of provisional ballots, or during a recount:

• Current compensation: $50
• Proposed compensation: $100

Additionally, the bill retains provisions that allow for increased compensation in certain circumstances, such as during emergencies declared by the governor. In such cases, upon application by the parish board of election supervisors and approval by the secretary of state, commissioners may receive additional compensation beyond the standard rates.

In Louisiana, the compensation for election commissioners is primarily funded by the state. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 18:1400.3, the secretary of state is responsible for paying certain election expenses incurred by clerks of court and registrars of voters, which includes the compensation for commissioners. However, local governing authorities may also bear some election-related expenses, depending on the specific circumstances and agreements in place.

Seeks to amend R.S. 33:9611(A)(1) to authorize St. Tammany Parish to establish local ethics entities. These entities may include an ethics review board or an office of inspector general, with the authority to adopt and enforce local codes of conduct or ethics ordinances. The bill extends provisions currently applicable to the City of New Orleans and the parishes of East Baton Rouge and Jefferson to now include St. Tammany Parish. This includes the ability to designate local ethics entities as law enforcement agencies, granting them investigative powers and privileges under state law, and permitting them to investigate all entities receiving funds through or for the benefit of the local governmental subdivision. The bill also maintains the confidentiality of records and proceedings during preliminary investigations.

Amends Louisiana Revised Statute 18:1462(A)(4) to enhance regulations concerning activities prohibited during early voting and on election day.

The primary focus of this bill is to explicitly prohibit individuals from wearing campaign apparel within polling places or within a 600-foot radius of their entrances during these periods.

Current Law:

Under existing law, certain activities are prohibited within polling locations and their immediate vicinity during early voting and on election day, specifically within a 600-foot radius of the polling place entrance. These prohibited activities include:

1.    Soliciting votes for or against any candidate or proposition on the ballot

2.    Remaining within the specified area after being directed to leave by an election official or law enforcement officer, unless exercising the right to vote

3.    Distributing or displaying campaign materials such as cards, pictures, or literature advocating for or against any candidate, proposition, or political party appearing on the ballot

4.    Circulating petitions or seeking handwritten signatures to a petition

Proposed Changes:

House Bill No. 281 proposes the following amendment to the current law:

·       Inclusion of campaign apparel: The bill seeks to add "campaign apparel" to the list of prohibited items, making it unlawful to wear clothing or accessories that advocate for or against any candidate, proposition, or political party appearing on the ballot within the polling place or the defined 600-foot radius.

Rationale:

The proposed amendment aims to ensure a neutral and intimidation-free environment at polling locations, allowing voters to cast their ballots without undue influence or pressure. By prohibiting campaign apparel, the bill intends to prevent subtle forms of electioneering that could affect voter behavior or create a charged atmosphere within the polling area.

Enforcement:

Enforcement of these provisions would remain the responsibility of law enforcement officers of the relevant political subdivision, upon request by a registrar, deputy registrar, or other authorized election officials.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] are date changes

Proposes changes to the election schedules for municipal officers and school board members in Louisiana. Currently, these elections are held during congressional election cycles. The bill allows school boards and municipalities to adopt plans to align their elections with the gubernatorial election cycle, starting with the 2031 gubernatorial elections. To implement this change, school boards must file their plans with the Secretary of State by July 29, 2026. Members elected under this new schedule would begin their terms on January 1 following the election and serve four-year terms. The bill also includes provisions for handling vacancies and unfilled positions under the new election schedule.

Proposes reducing the campaign-free zone around polling places in Louisiana from 600 feet to 100 feet. The bill aims to amend R.S. 18:1462(A) to reflect this change. If enacted, the law would take effect immediately upon the governor's signature or upon the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] reduce the qualifying fee for a candidate for the U.S. Senate from five thousand dollars to two thousand five hundred dollars. Additionally, the amendments establish a qualifying fee of one thousand five hundred dollars and a signature requirement of one thousand seven hundred fifty signatures for candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Proposes changes to Louisiana's election laws concerning qualifying fees and nominating petitions for certain candidates.

Key provisions include:

·       Qualifying Fees: The bill increases the qualifying fees for specific state offices. For instance, the fee for gubernatorial candidates rises from $750 to $5,000, and for positions such as lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, commissioner of agriculture, and commissioner of insurance, the fee also increases to $5,000.

·       Nominating Petitions: The bill reduces the number of signatures required on nominating petitions for statewide candidates from 5,000 to 2,500, with at least 250 signatures from each congressional district. Additionally, candidates in a party primary election may be nominated only by individuals affiliated with the same recognized political party or by unaffiliated voters qualified to vote for the office sought.

These amendments would take effect concurrently with Act No. 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session, which establishes closed party primary voting for certain offices starting January 1, 2026.

HOUSE committee Amendment 1 [LINK] Amendment requires courts to assess costs and attorney fees, and allows other sanctions, if a candidate knowingly files false information in a notice of candidacy.

HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] sets effective date

Proposes penalties for candidates who knowingly provide false information in their notice of candidacy. Specifically, such candidates would be required to pay court costs and attorney fees, with the court also having the discretion to impose additional sanctions as deemed appropriate.

Proposes an amendment to the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics. The bill seeks to create an exception allowing former sexual assault nurse examiners to provide services on a contractual basis to their former public employers after leaving public service. Currently, the law restricts former public employees from offering services to their previous agencies for two years post-employment, with certain exceptions. This bill aims to add sexual assault nurse examiners to the list of exceptions, enabling them to continue their specialized work without the two-year waiting period.

Proposes changes to election sections for judgeships in the Second District of the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal.

The bill divides the Second District, consisting of East Baton Rouge Parish, into two election sections:

·       Election Section One: comprising specified precincts within East Baton Rouge Parish.

·       Election Section Two: comprising the remaining precincts of East Baton Rouge Parish.

Under this proposal, two judges (Divisions A and B) would be elected by voters in Election Section One, while the other two judges (Divisions C and D) would be elected by voters in Election Section Two.

Need to ask why she’s trying to add two judges to this district. Racial representation?

Proposes the Louisiana Earned Wage Access Services Act. This legislation aims to regulate earned wage access (EWA) services, which allow consumers to access their earned but unpaid income. This focuses primarily on timely wage payments upon termination and addresses compensation such as commissions, bonuses, and other similar forms. It does not address EWA services, which allow employees to access earned but unpaid wages before their scheduled payday. Currently, Louisiana law does not specifically regulate EWA services.

The bill distinguishes between two types of EWA services:

1.    Consumer-Directed EWA Services: Where consumers access their earned income based on their representation and the provider's reasonable determination of the earned but unpaid income.

2.    Employer-Integrated EWA Services: Where access to earned income is based on data obtained directly or indirectly from an employer.

Key provisions of the bill include:

·       Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "consumer," "earned but unpaid income," "employer," and "provider."

·       Transparency: Providers must clearly disclose all fees, terms, and conditions associated with the EWA services to consumers.

·       Data Security: Providers are required to implement measures to protect consumers' personal and financial information.

·       Compliance with Applicable Laws: Providers must adhere to all relevant federal and state regulations governing financial transactions and consumer protection.

These obligations are designed to establish a regulatory framework that safeguards consumers while allowing access to earned wages.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] require the Louisiana Secretary of State to publish updated versions of the Election Code on its website within 30 days after receiving revisions from the legislature. Additionally, within 90 days after legislative sessions resulting in Election Code changes, the Secretary of State must publish links to each enacted bill affecting the code, along with the effective dates and brief descriptions, directing users to the legislature's website for detailed bill information.

Mandates that the Secretary of State undertake specific actions following legislative sessions that result in changes to election laws:

1. Revised Election Code Publication: 

Within 60 days after the final adjournment of such a legislative session, the Secretary of State is required to prepare and publish an updated version of the Louisiana Election Code on the official website, incorporating all recent amendments.

2. Plain Language Digest: 

Within 90 days after the session's conclusion, the Secretary of State must also prepare and publish a plain language digest. This digest should summarize the effects of the changes, outline enforcement mechanisms, and specify implementation dates for each amendment.

Seeks to revise the criteria and procedures for the recognition, maintenance, and revocation of political parties in Louisiana.

Key Changes: 

1. Prohibition of "Independent" or "Independent Party" Registration (R.S. 18:107(G)): 

  - From August 1, 2025, individuals cannot register as "Independent" or with the "Independent Party." 

  - Such registrants will be designated as "No Party." Existing "Independent" registrants will also be changed to "No Party." 

  - Department of State is responsible for notifying affected registrants. 

2. Increased Requirements for Party Recognition (R.S. 18:441(B)(1)): 

  - Voter Threshold: Increased from 1,000 to 5,000 registered voters for party recognition. 

  - Registration Fee: Increased from $1,000 to $5,000. 

  - Party recognition is required 90 days before the qualifying period for any election. 

3. Prohibition Against Recognizing Parties Named "Independent" (R.S. 18:441(B)(4)): 

  - Political parties named solely as "Independent" or "Independent Party" cannot be recognized in Louisiana. 

4. Provision for Party Recognition Rescission (R.S. 18:441(E)): 

  - A political party can voluntarily rescind recognition through procedures outlined in its bylaws and a notarized statement filed with the Secretary of State. 

  - Registrants affiliated with a rescinded party will be reclassified as "No Party" and notified by the Department of State. 

Implications: 

- The bill aims to avoid confusion with "Independent" party designations and tighten the requirements for party recognition. 

- Increased thresholds and fees may limit the formation of smaller or newly established political parties. 

- Enhanced procedures for voluntary rescission provide a clear process for disbanding parties. 

Redraws the 105 Louisiana House of Representatives districts using data from the 2020 federal census and updated 2025 precinct shapefiles. The bill replaces current district boundaries with new ones to reflect population shifts and ensure compliance with redistricting requirements.

Key Points:

- Uses an ideal district population of 44,359.

- Population deviations range from -4.86% to +4.94%, keeping all districts within the legally acceptable range.

- Bill becomes effective for candidate qualification and the 2027 regular elections upon gubernatorial signature or default enactment.

- For all other purposes, the new districts become effective at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2028.

- Does not shorten any current officeholder’s term; changes apply to future terms.

Impact: 

Ensures compliance with constitutional redistricting obligations using updated population data. Repeals prior district definitions (R.S. 24:35.3) and replaces them with updated statutory language (R.S. 24:35.2). 

Effective Date: 

- For 2027 House elections: upon signature by the governor or lapse of gubernatorial action. 

- For all other purposes: January 10, 2028, at 10:00 a.m. 

(Adds R.S. 24:35.2; Repeals R.S. 24:35.3)

MAP is included in bill text: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1403721

Limits scope of constitutional amendments

Current law: Allows the legislature to propose a single constitutional amendment that revises an entire article, even if it includes multiple objects or changes.

Proposed change: Removes this allowance. Requires all constitutional amendments, including full article revisions, to be clearly confined to one object.

Effect: Prohibits multi-object amendments, even for full article revisions. Ensures each proposed constitutional change is presented separately to voters.

Election date: November 3, 2026

Amends: Article XIII, Section 1(B) of the Louisiana Constitution

Purpose: To improve transparency and voter clarity by preventing bundled constitutional changes.

Redraws Louisiana's 39 Senate districts based on 2020 Census data. Repeals the current statutory district definitions (R.S. 24:35.1) and enacts new ones under R.S. 24:35 using updated precincts submitted through January 16, 2025.

Key Points: 

- Defines each Senate district by listing precincts across multiple parishes. 

- Based on "2025 Precinct Shapefiles" published by the Legislature, reflecting verified 2020 Census data. 

- Preserves current Senate terms; changes take effect for new elections only.

Effective Dates: 

- District definitions (Section 1) effective for candidate qualifying and elections upon governor’s signature or default enactment. 

- Full implementation for all purposes on January 10, 2028, at 10:00 a.m. 

- Repeal of current law (R.S. 24:35.1) also effective January 10, 2028.

Population Deviation: 

- Ideal population per district: 119,429 

- Range: from -4.95% (District 1) to +4.97% (District 6) 

- Total deviation range: 9.92%, within the legal standard of +/-5%

Notes: 

- Statistical data and maps accompany the bill for reference but are not part of the statutory language. 

- If precincts have been subdivided, all parts are included under the listed precinct number. 

- District boundaries remain unchanged unless modified by future law, regardless of local precinct changes.

Full bill here with map: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1403994

On general principle, any redistricting map offered by a Democrat should be roundly rejected because the people of Louisiana have overwhelmingly rejected their ideology. Just sayin…

Redistricts the 105 House of Representatives districts based on 2020 Census data and precinct changes through January 16, 2025. Enacts R.S. 24:35.2 with new district boundaries and repeals R.S. 24:35.3 (the current district boundaries).

Key Points:

- Each district’s composition is described using updated precinct data from the “2025 Precinct Shapefiles.”

- All districts fall within a ±4.93% population deviation range from the ideal district population (44,359).

- District boundaries reflect updated precinct changes submitted by parish governing authorities.

- The Act does not alter the terms of office for current officeholders.

- Effective for candidate qualifying and elections for the 2027 regular House election cycle upon gubernatorial signature or lapse of time for signature.

- Fully effective for all purposes, including appointment and representation, at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2028.

Impact:

- Aligns legislative districts with updated population data and precinct boundaries, ensuring compliance with constitutional equal representation requirements.

- May impact political competitiveness and demographic representation in specific districts depending on how the lines are redrawn.

Effective Dates:

- Section 1 (district descriptions): Effective upon signature for 2027 election purposes; fully effective January 10, 2028.

- Section 2 (repeals existing districts): Effective January 10, 2028.

- Sections 3 and 4 (definitions and protections for current officeholders): Effective upon signature.

(Adds R.S. 24:35.2; Repeals R.S. 24:35.3)

Full text of the bill including maps can be found here: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1403997

HOUSE committee amendment set 1805 [LINK] keeps all reforms within DOTD by creating an internal Office of Transformation under the deputy secretary. It removes language about a separate construction authority and restores civil service rules. The new office is tasked with improving efficiency, setting performance metrics, prioritizing projects, decentralizing maintenance, and modernizing data, permitting, and payment systems, with key reforms due by mid-2026.

HOUSE committee amendment set 1238 [LINK] restructures shifting highway construction duties from DOTD to a new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction under the Division of Administration, replacing “project management” with “project delivery” throughout. It removes unclassified employee designations, limits salary authority to legislative approval, and empowers the new office to set performance metrics by 2026 focused on efficiency, safety, and service.

Reorganizes the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) by restructuring offices, redefining leadership roles, and allowing the transfer of certain functions to the Louisiana Highway Construction Authority (LHCA). 

Key Provisions: 

- Creates the Office of Transformation and Office of Project Management. 

- Eliminates the Office of Planning and the position of Chief Engineer. 

- Shifts planning and engineering responsibilities to the Office of Project Management. 

- Requires the Deputy Secretary (appointed by the governor) to oversee transformation efforts and submit an annual report. 

- Authorizes the Secretary and Undersecretary to eliminate positions and transfer duties to LHCA. 

- Prohibits employee-related costs from being funded through the capital budget starting July 1, 2026. 

- Requires capital and operating budgets to clearly itemize employee and construction costs separately. 

- Establishes nine DOTD district offices led by unclassified administrators with expanded local authority. 

- Encourages privatization of services within project management and district offices. 

- Restricts mandatory licensure for engineering positions to roles where over 60% of duties require it. 

- Promotes hiring of project and contract managers without requiring engineering licenses. 

Centralizes policy authority under the Secretary and Governor, increases transparency in budgeting, expands unclassified personnel, and promotes efficiency and privatization. Sets up LHCA to take on more DOTD responsibilities with legislative oversight. 

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] revise election procedures by updating the reference for permissible dates to call special elections, linking them explicitly to existing dates set for federal, state and local elections.

Authorizes municipalities with a population between 15,000 and 16,000 to hold a sales and use tax election on a non-standard Saturday if the tax is set to expire before a regular election date is available. Requires approval by two-thirds of the State Bond Commission, the governor, and the secretary of state.

Redistricts the first district of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal by creating a third election section and redistributing judgeships among the three sections. Effective upon the governor’s signature.

Key Provisions: 

- Revises R.S. 13:312 and R.S. 13:312.1 to divide the first district of the Fifth Circuit into three election sections instead of two. 

- Assigns four judges to election section one, one judge to election section two, and one judge to election section three. 

- Provides that the next vacancy in a judgeship currently elected from election section one shall be reassigned to election section three. 

- If no such vacancy occurs before the 2030 statewide elections, the election for Division B will occur in election section three and be reassigned accordingly. 

- Specifies that precinct definitions are based on the “2025 Precinct Shapefiles” from the Louisiana Legislature, as aligned with 2020 Census data. 

- States that the district boundaries will remain in effect despite future changes to precincts by local authorities. 

- Becomes effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial acti

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.

SENATE floor technical amendments

SENATE DID NOT OFFER THIS FLOOR AMENDMENT designed for BILL CASSIDY to win in the closed primary with a plurality (eliminates primary runoff). If the threat of this amendment is ELIMINATED, this bill will go back to N/A.

SENATE committee amendments [LINK] add R.S. 18:1284(F)(1) and 1284.1 to require that local ballot propositions be written by the governing authority in clear, simple, concise, and unbiased language. The proposition must be in question form, limited to 200 words, and may not use strikethroughs, underlines, or boldface type.

As amended, HB592 does not completely disallow unaffiliated voters from voting in closed party primaries, but it does restrict how and when they may participate.

Specifically:

Before amendment: Parties had the option to open or close their presidential primaries to unaffiliated voters through bylaws.

After amendment: That discretion was removed, and participation rules are now fixed in statute.

• Under the new closed primary system, voters affiliated with a major political party may vote in that party’s primary.
• However, the bill includes a provision allowing unaffiliated voters to participate in a major party’s first primary election, if they select a party ballot.
• Once an unaffiliated voter selects a party’s ballot in the first party primary, they cannot vote in another party’s second party primary.

Unaffiliated voters may vote in one party’s first primary, but are barred from switching to another party’s second primary. This limits crossover participation and reinforces the “closed” nature of the primaries.

ANOTHER KEY CHANGE:

Data-Sharing Agreements:

• Original: Allowed the Secretary of State to enter agreements broadly with “other entities.”
• Amended: Restricts this to written agreements with state and federal governmental agencies or private vendors that provide voter registration and address data. Removed explicit reference to permission to participate in (NGO) ERIC system, a biased leftist system that did not properly vet voter lists and improperly share data with biased left organizations. Louisiana removed itself from participation in ERIC along with many other states.

FULL AMENDMENT CHANGES:

Here is a concise breakdown of the key differences in HB592 as amended by HCAHB592 3645 1303, compared to the original engrossed version:

1. Data-Sharing Agreements:

• Original: Allowed the Secretary of State to enter agreements broadly with “other entities.”
• Amended: Restricts this to written agreements with state and federal governmental agencies or private vendors that provide voter registration and address data.

2. Ballot Proposition Language (R.S. 18:1299.1):

• Original: Required propositions to be simple, unbiased, concise, and in question form; prohibited formatting like bold or strikethrough.
• Amended: Assigns responsibility for language clarity to the governing authority, not the Secretary of State, who now ensures only the formatting and length requirements are met.

3. Challenges to Constitutional Amendments (R.S. 18:1405(C)):

• Original: Only included deadline (10 days after promulgation).
• Amended: Adds that a challenge cannot be filed before the day after the election.

4. Technical Terminology Corrections:

• Replaces “recognized” political party with “major” political party in party primary provisions.
• Corrects “must be cured” to “shall be cured” in absentee ballot instructions.

5. Unaffiliated Voter Rules in Closed Primaries:

• Clarified: If an unaffiliated voter selects a ballot in one major party’s first primary, they cannot vote in another party’s second primary.
• Also clarifies procedures to request a replacement absentee ballot if they change their party ballot selection before casting.

6. Superseding Earlier 2024 Acts:

• Expanded: Adds language that specific sections of Act No. 640 and Act No. 1 of 2024 are superseded by this bill's provisions, removing any ambiguity.

7. Party Primary Second Round Clarification:

• Original: Used a lengthy paragraph to describe tie scenarios and advancement rules.
• Amended: Simplifies language to clearly state that the top two vote-getters from each party move to the second party primary.

8. Section Reference Clean-Up and Formatting:

• Corrects or reorganizes section numbers, references, and cross-citations throughout the bill, especially in the effective dates and repeals sections.

ORIGINAL BREAKDOWN: Revises the Louisiana Election Code to align procedures with recent law changes, update terminology, and establish processes for the new closed party primary system.

Key Provisions: 

- Changes definitions (e.g., adds “affidavit,” expands “immediate family” to include grandparents and grandchildren). 

- Authorizes the Secretary of State to share voter registration data via written agreements, not limited to ERIC (removes the specific reference to ERIC and allows the SOS to enter into written agreements with other entities to share voter registration data).

- Revises voter registration processes, allowing for reinstatement without a 3-year limit and simplified name change procedures. 

- Consolidates polling places and adjusts emergency relocation rules; expands rules for commissioners and watchers, including disqualifying registered sex offenders. 

- Adds alternate “political party super watchers” and clarifies appointment timelines for election personnel. 

- Adjusts deadlines when they fall on holidays or weekends. 

- Prohibits elections on the three days following Thanksgiving. 

- Updates procedures for ballot layout, absentee voting, early voting, and recall elections. 

- Requires updated voter address confirmation for nursing home residents if mail is returned undeliverable. 

- Revises machine allocation formulas to increase thresholds from 1,400 to 1,800 voters per precinct. 

- Implements closed party primary procedures: 

 - Establishes first and second party primary dates. 

 - Limits voting in party primaries to affiliated voters, with some provisions for unaffiliated voters. 

 - Sets qualification and withdrawal procedures for party candidates. 

 - Allows unaffiliated voters to choose a party ballot in the first primary but not in the second. 

- Defines emergency authority to call elections for party vacancies. 

- Makes effective dates for Act 1 and Act 640 (2024) align with the June 12, 2025 implementation of the closed primary system. 

Effective Dates: 

- Closed primary provisions: June 12, 2025 (for 2026 election prep); fully effective January 1, 2026. 

- All other provisions: August 1, 2025. 

- Some technical corrections effective upon gubernatorial signature.

HOUSE approps committee amendments technical

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE H&G committee amendments [LINK] clarify conditions under which excess state revenues can be returned as dividends to taxpayers (excess revenues are returned as dividends unless the legislature, by a two-thirds vote, opts to redirect the funds to capital outlay projects), adjust dates for reporting, legislative actions, and dividend payments, and allow the legislature, by a two-thirds vote, to redirect funds for capital outlay projects instead of paying dividends. The amendments also clarify procedural language and timing related to mid-year budget adjustments and the dividend payment schedule.

Establishes the Louisiana Dividend Program within the Department of the Treasury to return a portion of certain mineral revenues to eligible Louisiana residents when no state individual income tax is levied.

Key Provisions:

- The program is triggered the first July 1 after the repeal of the state individual income tax.

- Funded by 25% of mineral revenues exceeding $650 million annually, deposited into a newly created Louisiana Dividend Fund.

- Residents aged 18+ who were domiciled in Louisiana for the entire qualifying year and are U.S. citizens or lawful residents may apply.

- Ineligible individuals include those convicted of felonies or incarcerated during the qualifying year for serious offenses or repeated misdemeanors.

- Dividends are calculated annually if the fund exceeds $400 million at the end of a fiscal year.

- Applications must be submitted between Jan 1 and Mar 31 of the payment year; active-duty military deployed during that time may apply later.

- Twenty percent of each dividend is protected from seizure; remaining amounts are subject to garnishment only after May 1.

- A Restorative Justice Subfund will receive amounts equivalent to what would have gone to ineligible individuals, to fund incarceration costs.

- A fraud investigation unit is created, and penalties for fraudulent claims include fines, repayment, and permanent disqualification from the program.

- The program includes confidentiality protections, an appeals process with fee waivers for indigent applicants, and authority for subpoena enforcement.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] extend multiple deadlines from thirty to forty-five days and shift responsibilities related to redomestication filings from the Secretary of State to the Commissioner of Insurance.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] revise financial requirements, restrict captives from directly selling certain types of insurance (like life and health), but allow them to reinsure workers’ comp for affiliated companies. The changes also define what qualifies as common ownership, streamline redomestication procedures, adjust regulatory approval processes, and require commissioner approval for company names. Most of the changes are technical.

Renames and expands the Captive Insurers Law as the “Creating Holistic Options in Coverage for Enterprise and Self-Insurance (CHOICES) Law,” establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for captive insurance companies in Louisiana.

A captive insurance company is a special type of insurance company that is created and owned by a business or group of businesses to insure their own risks. Instead of buying insurance from a traditional carrier, the company forms its own insurer—called a captive—to cover things like property damage, liability, or workers’ compensation.

- set up by a business to insure itself.

- Gives the owner more control over coverage, claims, and costs.

- Captives can lead to cost savings, tax benefits, and customized coverage.

- They are regulated by state insurance departments and must meet specific capital, reporting, and licensing requirements.

Common users of captives include large corporations, industry associations, and even municipalities.

Key Provisions of HB635:

- Allows formation and licensure of various types of captive insurance companies, including pure, association, branch, and affiliated reinsurance companies.

- Reduces capital requirements for captive insurers (e.g., $250,000 for pure captives).

- Authorizes new activities including reinsurance and excess workers' compensation coverage under specified conditions.

- Imposes reporting, examination, confidentiality, and operational standards.

- Creates tax and fee structure specific to captive insurers with annual caps.

- Authorizes dormant status and redomestication procedures for captive entities.

- Exempts certain captive records from public disclosure laws.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Changes the rules for private groups requesting state funding. Nonprofits must now list their tax-exempt status and submit their last three IRS Form 990s if available. Budgets must explain any "other charges," but no longer have to list salaries. These updates aim to improve transparency and consistency in funding requests.

HOUSE floor amendment 2715 technical and amendment set 2800 [LINK] authorizes the Louisiana State Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition to submit applicant information to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for background checks, including fingerprinting and searches of federal databases. Applicants must successfully complete this criminal history check as part of their qualifications for licensure.

HOUSE HGA committee amendments [LINK] formally enacts the Dietician Licensure Compact into Louisiana law, allowing licensed dieticians to practice across member states while making technical corrections

HOUSE H&W committee amendments technical except for Amendment 5 [LINK] which further lists exceptions, exemptions and limitations.

Establishes a Dietitian Licensure Compact for the purpose of multi-state licensure across member states. Key points include:

·       Providing licensure portability for professionals.

·       Supporting active military members and their spouses relocating between member states.

·       Creating a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission to regulate and enforce standards.

·       Promoting data sharing for licensure, investigation, and disciplinary actions among states.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] extend multiple deadlines from thirty to forty-five days and shift responsibilities related to redomestication filings from the Secretary of State to the Commissioner of Insurance.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] revise financial requirements, restrict captives from directly selling certain types of insurance (like life and health), but allow them to reinsure workers’ comp for affiliated companies. The changes also define what qualifies as common ownership, streamline redomestication procedures, adjust regulatory approval processes, and require commissioner approval for company names. Most of the changes are technical.

Renames and expands the Captive Insurers Law as the “Creating Holistic Options in Coverage for Enterprise and Self-Insurance (CHOICES) Law,” establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for captive insurance companies in Louisiana.

A captive insurance company is a special type of insurance company that is created and owned by a business or group of businesses to insure their own risks. Instead of buying insurance from a traditional carrier, the company forms its own insurer—called a captive—to cover things like property damage, liability, or workers’ compensation.

- set up by a business to insure itself.

- Gives the owner more control over coverage, claims, and costs.

- Captives can lead to cost savings, tax benefits, and customized coverage.

- They are regulated by state insurance departments and must meet specific capital, reporting, and licensing requirements.

Common users of captives include large corporations, industry associations, and even municipalities.

Key Provisions of HB635:

- Allows formation and licensure of various types of captive insurance companies, including pure, association, branch, and affiliated reinsurance companies.

- Reduces capital requirements for captive insurers (e.g., $250,000 for pure captives).

- Authorizes new activities including reinsurance and excess workers' compensation coverage under specified conditions.

- Imposes reporting, examination, confidentiality, and operational standards.

- Creates tax and fee structure specific to captive insurers with annual caps.

- Authorizes dormant status and redomestication procedures for captive entities.

- Exempts certain captive records from public disclosure laws.

HOUSE H&G committee amendments [LINK] expand the resolution’s membership appointments by adding three new appointees: three by the governor, two from LHSAA member schools, and one from the community and technical college system. They also renumber the existing membership list to account for these additions.

HOUSE ED committee amendments [LINK] revise the task force membership and duties. The chair is now the House member from District 11. Membership is reduced to one additional House member, the attorney general or designee, six athletic directors (two from each university system), and the commissioner of higher education or designee. The task force will study name, image, and likeness (NIL) issues, including laws, transparency, compliance, fiscal impacts, and possible legislation. The first meeting must be held by August 1, 2025, with a final report due by January 23, 2026.

ENGROSSED FISCAL NOTE [LINK] it is unclear why the initial tens of millions in cost has disappeared. This question needs to be asked.

FISCAL NOTE [LINK] is staggering.. See the notes below the first chart in the fiscal note.

HOUSE H&G committee amendments [LINK] clarify that information submitted to the insurance commissioner by a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), if specifically marked as confidential, will remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure. This includes contract terms and other proprietary data. However, the amendment allows the commissioner to retain some authority over how the information is used or disclosed, which is addressed in the remaining bill text.

HOUSE INS committee amendments [LINK] clarify and expand transparency and oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). They redefine "rebates" to include all negotiated price concessions and discounts related to prescription drugs. The amendments authorize the insurance commissioner to review PBM compensation programs and examine PBM records to verify reimbursement fairness to pharmacies. Additionally, certain PBM records and compensation details provided to the commissioner are exempted from public records laws, except when shared with other state regulators or during official proceedings.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 22:1657.1(A) concerning the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana.

The bill mandates that PBMs apply pharmaceutical rebates in a manner that benefits both covered individuals and health plan sponsors.

Key provisions of the bill:

1.    Calculation of Cost-Sharing:

PBMs are required to determine a covered individual's cost-sharing amount for each prescription drug at the point of sale. This calculation must incorporate a reduction equivalent to 100% of all rebates associated with the dispensing or administration of the drug.

2.    Allocation of Excess Rebates:

In instances where the rebate amount surpasses the individual's cost-sharing obligation, the surplus savings must be transferred to the employer or entity sponsoring the health plan.

The primary beneficiaries of the cost-sharing provisions in House Bill No. 264 would be:

1.    Covered Individuals (Patients):

Patients filling prescriptions would benefit directly at the point of sale. The bill requires that 100% of pharmaceutical rebates be applied when calculating a patient's out-of-pocket cost. This would effectively lower copays or coinsurance amounts, meaning patients could pay less for medications.

2.    Health Plan Sponsors (e.g., Employers):

If the rebate amount exceeds what the patient owes, the remaining savings would go to the employer or organization that sponsors the health plan. This could reduce overall health plan costs, potentially helping employers lower premiums or invest in better benefits for employees.

3.    Indirectly, the Broader Healthcare System:

By increasing transparency and aligning financial incentives, the bill could pressure PBMs to manage drug costs more equitably, potentially contributing to broader cost control efforts in healthcare.

The group that might not benefit—or could even lose out—would be the PBMs themselves, since the bill reduces their ability to retain rebates without passing them on to others.

Creates the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Task Force to study and recommend best practices for managing and reducing the spread of CWD in Louisiana deer populations. The task force includes representatives from state and federal agencies, private industry, landowners, and conservation organizations. A final report with recommendations is due before the 2027 Regular Legislative Session.