Updates Louisiana's congressional district boundaries based on revised precinct shapefiles from January 16, 2025. It maintains the existing number of districts (six), revising boundaries according to updated population and precinct information, effective for congressional elections starting in 2026 and for all other purposes beginning January 3, 2027.

Key Provisions:

- Repeals existing congressional districts outlined in R.S. 18:1276.1 and establishes new districts in R.S. 18:1276.

- Redistricting based on "2025 Precinct Shapefiles," reflecting precinct changes submitted by parish authorities as of January 16, 2025.

- Ensures districts are nearly equal in population, complying with federal constitutional requirements.

- Clarifies district boundaries remain effective despite future precinct changes by parish authorities.

- Protects the terms of current officials holding offices tied to existing district boundaries until January 3, 2027.

- Immediate effectiveness for the 2026 elections; full effectiveness for all purposes at noon on January 3, 2027.

NOTE: Still leaves a suspect district stretching from northwest to southeast. Map at the bill link:

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1403794

Provides updated Senate district boundaries based on the 2020 census and precinct changes as of January 16, 2025, effective for elections in 2027 and for all other purposes starting January 10, 2028.

Key Provisions:

- Updates boundaries for all 39 Louisiana Senate districts according to the most recent precinct data ("2025 Precinct Shapefiles").

- Maintains the current number of Senate districts (39).

- Does not shorten the term of any current senator; applies fully to elections occurring after January 10, 2028.

- Precinct definitions reflect the latest parish-level adjustments submitted through January 2025.

- Clarifies that district boundaries remain in effect regardless of subsequent precinct changes by local authorities.

This redistricting is required to comply with the constitutional mandate to reapportion based on the latest federal census data.

Requires disclosure of paid celebrity endorsements in campaign communications. Defines a “celebrity” and “paid celebrity endorsement,” and mandates that any such endorsements must clearly disclose who paid for them and whether they were authorized by a candidate or committee.

Candidates must report expenditures for celebrity endorsements, including payment amount, celebrity’s name, date of payment, and type of endorsement.

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.

Requests Secretary of State Nancy Landry to review recent presidential executive orders related to election integrity, assess Louisiana's election laws, and recommend any needed changes to ensure fair, free, and unbiased state elections.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] create an exemption from state licensing for certain homemade or farm-produced foods sold directly to consumers. It defines "farm food products," distinguishes between hazardous and non-hazardous items, and sets requirements for labeling, sanitation, transportation, and tax registration. Only producers on USDA-registered residential farms are eligible, and sales are capped at $50,000 annually. Hazardous foods must be sold directly or at farmers markets and transported under strict conditions. Cannabidiol or THC products are prohibited. LDH retains authority to investigate foodborne illness.

Proposes regulations for the production and sale of homemade food in Louisiana.

Key Provisions:

• Definitions:
• Homemade food: Food produced and, if packaged, packaged at the private residence of the producer.
• Non-potentially hazardous food: Homemade food that doesn't require time or temperature control for safety.
• Potentially hazardous food: Homemade food that requires time or temperature control to ensure safety.
• Exemptions from State Sanitary Code:
• Homemade food producers would be exempt from certain state Sanitary Code provisions, specifically those related to equipment, design, construction, utensils, supplies, preparation, or services, except as outlined in the bill.
• Requirements for Homemade Food Producers:
• Sales can be conducted in person or remotely (e.g., online or via telephone).
• All homemade food must be labeled with:
• A statement indicating production in a private residence exempt from state licensing and inspection.
• The producer's name, address, and telephone number.
• A list of ingredients in descending order of predominance.
• Use of pasteurized milk or milk products is mandatory in potentially hazardous foods.
• Production areas must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner, free from domestic pets during food preparation.
• Equipment used must be clean, sanitary, and made of non-corroding, smooth, impervious materials.
• Sales of homemade food containing cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol are prohibited.
• Producers are responsible for collecting any applicable sales and use taxes.
• Additional Requirements for Potentially Hazardous Foods:
• Delivery must be made directly to the consumer by the producer or an employee.
• During transportation, appropriate temperatures must be maintained to ensure food safety.
• Transportation should not exceed two hours or occur more than once.
• Sales and Shipping of Non-Potentially Hazardous Foods:
• Producers may sell and ship these foods to individuals or retailers for resale.
• Examples include baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, pies), candies, and cane syrup.