Amends R.S. 1:55(A)(3), a Louisiana statute that designates days of public rest, legal holidays, and half-holidays. The bill specifically focuses on extending the legal holiday status associated with the Washington Parish Free Fair, an annual event in Washington Parish, Louisiana. The proposed change would affect the operational authority of the parish clerk of court by expanding the number of days the office can legally close during the fair.

Under the existing R.S. 1:55(A)(3), the Friday of the Washington Parish Free Fair is already recognized as a legal holiday, but only for the limited purpose of allowing the Washington Parish clerk of court to close their office. This provision is specific to Washington Parish and does not broadly impact other public institutions or private entities unless otherwise specified by local authorities. The current law reflects a tailored accommodation for a significant local event, balancing administrative flexibility with operational continuity.

HB 26 proposes to extend this legal holiday to include "the whole of Wednesday, the whole of Thursday, and Friday" of the Washington Parish Free Fair. The amendment retains the narrow scope of the holiday—applying solely to the clerk of court’s office closure—rather than establishing a parish-wide or statewide public holiday. The stricken text in the document ("Friday of the Washington Parish Free Fair") is replaced with the underscored addition ("whole of Wednesday, the whole of Thursday, and Friday"), indicating a clear expansion from one day to three consecutive days.

• Limited access to clerk of court services (e.g., filing documents, obtaining records) for three days instead of one, potentially requiring advance planning by legal professionals and the public.

Seeks to enact R.S. 29:740, a new statute under Louisiana’s emergency preparedness laws (R.S. 29). The bill addresses the release of inmates during a declared state of emergency, imposing strict procedural requirements to prevent unauthorized releases. It targets the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C), sheriffs operating parish prisons, and private prison contractors, mandating individualized court orders for any inmate release within an emergency-declared area.

1.    Prohibition on Releases Without Court Order (Section A):

•   During a declared emergency, neither the DPS&C nor local facilities housing inmates (e.g., parish jails) may release inmates unless a court issues an individualized order. This applies specifically to the geographic area under the emergency declaration.

2.    Restriction on Authority (Section B):

•  Courts, sheriffs, private prison contractors, or any other officers are explicitly prohibited from releasing inmates without a court order. Such orders must follow a formal process: a motion must be filed and served upon the district attorney of a parish within the emergency area, ensuring prosecutorial oversight.

3.    Effective Date (Section 2):

•   The law takes effect upon the governor’s signature or, if unsigned, after the constitutional period for bills to become law without a signature (per Article III, Section 18). If vetoed and overridden, it becomes effective the day after legislative approval.

Safeguards public order during chaotic emergency periods. Requiring individualized court orders ensures case-by-case evaluation, preventing mass releases that could overwhelm communities or law enforcement already stretched thin. The involvement of district attorneys adds a layer of prosecutorial scrutiny, likely intended to weigh public safety risks (e.g., releasing violent offenders) against humanitarian needs.

HB 27 is a targeted measure to regulate inmate releases during declared emergencies, emphasizing judicial oversight and public safety. While it addresses a legitimate concern—uncontrolled releases in crises—its strict requirements could strain emergency response systems unless paired with robust implementation plans (e.g., emergency court protocols). If passed, its success will depend on judicial agility and coordination among DPS&C, sheriffs, and courts.

Amends R.S. 29:381 to expand eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities in Louisiana. It retains current access for war veterans (discharged honorably, served during U.S. wars including Korea and Vietnam) and other veterans/nonveterans under Title 38, U.S.C., while adding nonveterans, National Guard, and reservists not activated under Title 10, U.S.C. Focused on psychiatric and geriatric care, it broadens state support without altering operations. Effective upon enactment, it enhances veteran-related healthcare access. No fiscal note because it is private pay. It would allow certain veterans to be allowed to stay in a retirement home among other veterans. Jay is running this for the VA.

HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] simplifies language to clearly establish mandatory retirement age at 75 for judges and removes references to judicial retirement system.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] judges must mandatorily retire upon reaching the age of seventy. Specifically, they insert explicit references to a judge’s seventieth birthday as the trigger for mandatory retirement, tightening the original language to ensure clear age-based retirement criteria. The amendments remove ambiguous phrasing and reinforce the age requirement consistently throughout the bill.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Proposes amending Article V, Section 23(B) of the Louisiana Constitution to remove the mandatory retirement age of 70 for judges, replacing it with a limit tied to reaching 100% of their final average compensation from the judicial retirement system. Judges turning 70 mid-term can finish their term. Applicable to those sworn in on or after January 1, 1997, it requires two-thirds legislative approval and voter ratification on November 3, 2026, or earlier if authorized. It shifts retirement from age-based to compensation-based, extending judicial tenure potential.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

Amends R.S. 42:265 and R.S. 49:21 to expand the attorney general’s authority to protect Louisiana’s sovereign interests against federal overreach. It empowers the AG to represent the state, its agencies, officials, and local subdivisions in legal matters involving the federal government, including initiating, defending, or intervening in suits. State entities must notify the AG and governor within 30 days of federal claims, seeking a 60-day litigation stay for AG intervention. Consent judgments in federal court require AG and governor approval if they impose ongoing jurisdiction. Applicable to pending cases, it’s effective upon governor’s signature, reinforcing state autonomy under the 10th Amendment.

Expands the definition of "first responder" to include electrical linemen under specific conditions. Below is a concise analysis of the bill: 1. Definition Expansion: o Amends existing laws (R.S. 23:1017.1(6) and R.S. 29:739(C)) and adds R.S. 29:723(20) to classify "electrical linemen" as first responders. o Defines "electrical lineman" as a person employed to install, maintain, or repair electrical transmission and power distribution systems. 2. Scope and Limitations: o Electrical linemen are considered first responders only during weather emergencies declared by the governor under R.S. 29:721 et seq. o This status does not entitle them to state or local government compensation, pensions, or benefits based solely on their employment as linemen. 3. Employment Status: o Electrical linemen remain private sector employees, not governed by state or local government entities. o Employers retain responsibilities under Civil Code Article 2320 (vicarious liability). 4. Practical Implications: o Allows electrical linemen to display "first responder" on their uniforms. o Includes them as skilled support personnel under the Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact, facilitating their involvement in emergency response and recovery operations. Intent and Impact: • Recognizes the critical role of electrical linemen in restoring power during weather-related emergencies, granting them priority access to emergency scenes without altering their employment benefits or status. • Enhances emergency preparedness by formally integrating linemen into the first responder framework, aligning with federal guidelines (e.g., Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8), while maintaining clear boundaries on their classification as private sector workers.

Amends various existing statutes to include the United States Space Force in the definitions of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill modifies multiple sections of Louisiana law (R.S. 13, 14, 15, 17, 37, 46, and 47) that currently define terms such as "veteran," "active member of the United States Armed Forces," "disabled veteran," "uniformed service," "military," "military medical personnel," "activated military person," and "honorably discharged military person." These definitions already encompass branches like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard, and the proposed law adds the Space Force to each relevant category.

The amendments ensure that members of the Space Force are recognized consistently across statutes related to veterans’ rights, military obligations, licensure, education programs, and special license plates (e.g., "Blue Star Mothers"). The bill retains the existing legal framework and simply extends it to include the Space Force, reflecting its establishment as a distinct branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Seeks to modify regulations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in Washington Parish. Under current law, local political subdivisions have the option to hold elections to determine whether alcohol sales should be permitted or restricted. This bill removes that local option election requirement, ensuring that alcohol sales and consumption cannot be completely prohibited within the parish.

Instead, the bill grants the governing authorities of Washington Parish and its municipalities the power to regulate, but not ban, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, including both high- and low-alcohol content beverages. These regulations would still be subject to statewide laws governing alcohol sales.

Effectively, the bill shifts the local control framework, limiting the ability of local governments to prohibit alcohol sales entirely while maintaining their authority to regulate specific aspects of alcohol distribution and consumption. This could lead to uniform alcohol policies across the parish, preventing dry zones or outright bans while still allowing for oversight.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] replace the term "retirees" with "their spouses," clarifying that the bill’s provisions now explicitly apply to veterans or their spouses, rather than veterans or retirees.

Seeks to expand the authorized expenditures of the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund. It adds provisions for covering burial fees for deceased indigent veterans or retirees and for funding expenses for eligible beneficiaries under existing state law.

The bill defines indigent individuals as those receiving public assistance or earning below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline before their death. It retains existing authorized uses of the fund, which include need-based claims for military families, transportation costs for activated military personnel, outreach activities for veterans, and educational benefits for eligible dependents.

This legislation aims to provide financial relief for low-income veterans and their families while maintaining the fund's original purpose of supporting military personnel and their dependents.

HOUSE committee amendment specifically adds third party vendors to the filing fee deferment.

Proposes changes to Louisiana law regarding the deferral of court costs by governmental entities. It expands the definition of "court costs" to include electronic filing fees and related service charges. The bill eliminates the requirement for governmental entities to pay deferred costs within 30 days of a final judgment. Instead, payment is deferred until the judgment is non-appealable or all issues in the case are resolved. It also allows the government to deduct court costs from settlement payments before remitting them to litigants. The bill primarily affects how and when governmental entities settle financial obligations in litigation.

HOUSE floor amendment technical

Focuses on the office of the Ward Three marshal of the city court of Lake Charles. The bill amends R.S. 13:2079.1 to authorize the use of community policing funds as an additional source of compensation for deputy marshals.

Previously, the marshal could use a portion of salary derived from civil fees to supplement deputy marshal salaries and cover operational expenses. The proposed amendment expands this by explicitly allowing funds from community policing to be used for the same purpose. However, it maintains the restriction that no deputy marshal’s salary can exceed that of the Ward Three marshal.

HOUSE floor amendments technical and [LINK] one allows an electronic copy to be provided with a certified copy upon request, rather than automatically.

HOUSE committee amendments technical in nature

Proposes a statewide revision of court reporter fees in Louisiana. The bill seeks to amend various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to standardize and update the compensation structure for court reporters.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Transcript Fees in Civil and Non-Indigent Criminal Cases: Court reporters may charge up to $5 per 31- or 32-line page for transcripts, and up to $2 per page for certified copies. These fees are to be set by a majority of the judges in the respective court.
• Transcript Fees in Indigent Criminal Cases: For cases involving indigent defendants, the bill allows court reporters to charge up to $3.50 per 31- or 32-line page for transcripts, and up to $1 per page for certified copies, with fees determined by a majority of the judges.
• Electronic Copies: Court reporters are prohibited from charging fees for providing electronic copies of previously transcribed transcripts.
• Sitting Fees: Salaried court reporters are not permitted to charge a sitting fee in any civil or criminal case.
• Expedited Transcription Fees: The bill introduces additional charges for expedited transcript requests:
• Transcription within 24 hours may incur a fee up to twice the standard per-page rate.
• Transcription within 48 hours may include an additional $3 per page over the standard rate.
• Transcription within five days may include an additional $1 per page over the standard rate.

Furthermore, the bill proposes the repeal of several existing statutes and legislative acts related to court reporter fees, aiming to consolidate and simplify the fee structure across the state.

By implementing these changes, the legislation intends to create a more uniform and transparent system for court reporter compensation throughout Louisiana.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 13:5554 concerning insurance premium payments for retirees of the East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office. The bill seeks to add Subsection NN, mandating that the sheriff's general fund fully cover 100% of the premium costs for group hospital, surgical, medical expense, vision, dental, and life insurance for qualifying retirees.

To be eligible, retirees must have departed directly from the East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office on or after January 1, 2022, be entitled to benefits from the Sheriff's Pension and Relief Fund, and meet one of the following criteria at retirement:

1. Be at least 62 years old with a minimum of 15 years of service credit (earned or purchased), including at least 12 years with the East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office.
2. Be at least 55 years old with at least 20 years of service credit, with a minimum of 15 years served in the East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office.
3. Have at least 30 years of service credit, including at least 20 years with the East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office, regardless of age

Proposes changes to how civil court costs are used in the City Court of Alexandria:

• Currently, 50% of these fees go to court operations, and 50% to the Rapides Parish Police Jury’s general fund.
• The bill allows these funds to supplement clerk and deputy clerk salaries with approval from both the court and the paying entity.
• It also permits using the funds for court operational expenses (e.g., clerical, stenographic) without needing approval.
• The bill repeals sunset provisions from a 2023 law, making these changes permanent.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Proposes designating "Cajun Night Before Christmas" as Louisiana's official state children's book. Authored by J.B. Kling, Jr. and illustrated by James Rice, this literary work offers a regional adaptation of the classic Christmas tale, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Louisiana. The bill seeks to amend Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes by adding Section 170.25, which would formally recognize this book as a state symbol. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to celebrating and preserving its distinctive traditions and cultural expressions.

Proposes creating a Fugitive Apprehension Unit within the Louisiana Department of Justice under the Attorney General.

Key Points:

1.    Unit Structure:

Composed of POST-certified agents, analysts, and support staff.

2.    Main Duties:

o  Work with local, state, and federal agencies to arrest fugitives

o  Focus on violent felony offenders (e.g., murder, rape, armed robbery)

o  Assist with violations of electronic monitoring

o  Execute warrants and make legal warrantless arrests

o  Target those who harbor or help fugitives

o  Join or form fugitive task forces

3.    Funding:

Backed by the Department of Justice Legal Support Fund

Goal: Strengthen coordination and law enforcement capacity to capture dangerous fugitives.

Proposes amendments to the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning document filings in civil and criminal courts.

Key Provisions:

1.    Filing Methods:

Effective January 1, 2026, all court filings, civil or criminal, must be submitted either in person in paper form or electronically through systems provided by the clerk of court or the Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority. This requirement applies to all individuals submitting filings, not just attorneys.

2.    Responsibility for Private Information:

Filers must ensure that their submissions do not include private information. Specifically prohibited information includes the first five digits of social security numbers, tax identification numbers, state identification numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account numbers, full dates of birth, or any other data protected from disclosure under state or federal laws.

3.    Clerk of Court's Role:

Clerks of court are responsible for creating systems for electronic filing, storage, and access to pleadings, documents, and exhibits. An electronically filed document is officially recorded as filed on the date and time provided by the electronic filing confirmation if accepted by the clerk. Public access to electronic filings will follow the same guidelines as traditional paper filings.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 13:5554(S), concerning the payment of insurance premium costs for retirees of the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office.

Key Provisions:

1.    Retirees prior to December 31, 2012:

o  The sheriff's general fund will pay 100% of insurance premiums for retirees who meet either of the following criteria:

• Age 55 or older with at least 24 years of full-time service with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office.
• Completed 30 years of continuous full-time service with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office, regardless of age.

2.    Retirees on or after December 31, 2012:

o  Insurance premium contributions based on service and age:

• 100% if the retiree has completed 30 years of full-time creditable service, primarily with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office, regardless of age.
• 75% if age 55 or older with at least 27 years of full-time creditable service, primarily with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office.
• 50% if age 55 or older with at least 23 years of full-time creditable service, primarily with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office.

3.    Retirees on or after January 1, 2025:

o  Applicable to those retiring from any sheriff's office in Louisiana, the Louisiana Sheriff's Association, or the Louisiana Sheriff's Pension and Relief Fund who have earned most creditable service with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office:

• 100% if the retiree has completed 30 years of full-time creditable service with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office, regardless of age.
• 75% if age 55 or older with at least 27 years of full-time creditable service with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office.
• 50% if age 55 or older with at least 23 years of full-time creditable service with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office.

The bill adjusts financial responsibilities related to retirees' insurance premiums for the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office based on age and length of service.

Seeks to expand the ability of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to charge for care and maintenance not only to veterans but also to nonveterans, allowing department to charge reasonable rates for maintenance and care for veterans and nonveterans residing in veterans’ facilities. This potentially increases revenue, extending services beyond the traditional veteran population. Amends and reenact R.S. 29:383 to expand the scope of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) in Louisiana.

Key Provisions:

1.    Charging Nonveterans:

o  Previously, the DVA could only charge veterans for services based on their income and estate.

o  The proposed law now includes nonveterans as eligible residents for whom reasonable charges can be applied.

2.    Promulgation of Rules and Regulations:

o  The DVA is permitted to create and enforce rules related to charges for maintenance and care.

o  The criteria for determining charges are based on the resident’s income and estate, which will continue to apply to veterans but may extend to nonveterans under this bill.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] repeal provisions under R.S. 13:713(B)(2)(m) and (3)(c) entirely, removing language related to specific judicial orders from the bill. The changes simplify and clarify the scope by fully eliminating these subsections rather than partially amending them. Louisiana Revised Statute 13:713(B)(2)(m) and (3)(c) cover the authority and duties of judicial commissioners. Specifically, subsection (B)(2)(m) allows commissioners to conduct hearings and make recommendations to judges on matters assigned to them, including preliminary motions. Subsection (3)(c) permits commissioners to issue opinions based on facts and evidence presented in court proceedings. The amendments in HB409 repeal these subsections, removing those specific authorities from commissioners.

Modifies the powers and duties of court commissioners of the 19th Judicial District Court (JDC) in Louisiana.

Key Changes

 - Clarifies that commissioners' duties are to be assigned only when necessary or if required by statute or as a condition of bail.

 - Grants commissioners the power to hear and dispose of preliminary motions but only when necessary.

 - Limits the issuance of protective orders by commissioners to situations where it is a condition of bail or required by statute.

 - Removes the authority of commissioners to recommend preliminary or permanent injunctions to district judges.

 - Repeals authority for commissioners to administer oaths, affidavits, and protective orders.

HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] Amendment increases permit fees for nicotine product sales, bans remote sales to anyone except licensed dealers, requires strict age verification for online orders and deliveries, and imposes escalating civil and criminal penalties for violations.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 26:926.1 concerning alternative nicotine products. The bill mandates that manufacturers of these products, whose items are sold in Louisiana, must submit a certification to the state's alcohol and tobacco commission. This certification should confirm, under penalty of perjury, one of the following:

1. The product was available in the U.S. market as of April 14, 2022, and the manufacturer submitted a premarket tobacco product application to the FDA by May 14, 2022. The application is either still under FDA review or has received a "no marketing" order that is currently under appeal.

2. The manufacturer has obtained a marketing order or other authorization for the product under 21 U.S.C. 387j from the FDA.

Additionally, manufacturers are required to provide a copy of the cover page of their premarket tobacco product application, along with evidence of the FDA's receipt, or a copy of the FDA's marketing order or authorization. They must also inform the commissioner within thirty days of any significant changes to the certification, such as the FDA issuing a market order, requiring product removal, or any other action affecting the product's market status.

Establishes a Civilian Honor Medal Program within the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize civilians who contribute to military and veteran communities. 

Key Provisions: 

- Honors state employees for service to military/veteran programs and other civilians for significant contributions. 

- Civilian recipients must be Louisiana residents, have no criminal record, and be of good moral character. 

- Selection is at the sole discretion of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 

- Civilian medals feature a white ribbon to distinguish from veterans’ medals. 

- Delivery options include mail, parish VA office, or public ceremony. 

- Medals must be delivered within 45 days unless a ceremony is requested. 

Impact: 

Extends recognition to civilians supporting veterans. Expected to have minimal administrative or fiscal impact.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] change the effective date from December 31, 2030, to December 31, 2026. They also restrict the bill's applicability to Class B or Class C licensed premises that contain less than 5,000 square feet of public habitable floor area. This size limitation is added consistently to ensure clarity regarding eligible premises.

Prohibits the issuance of new alcoholic beverage permits (both high and low content) within Louisiana House District 3 from August 1, 2025, through December 31, 2030. Existing valid permits may be renewed if compliant with laws and ordinances, but no additional locations may be permitted. Lapsed permits cannot be renewed.

Authorizes the district attorney of the 4th Judicial District Court to contribute funds from pretrial diversion programs to the court's criminal court fund. 

Key Provisions: 

- Allows the 4th JDC district attorney to transfer available funds from pretrial intervention or diversion programs to the criminal court fund. 

- Adds R.S. 15:571.11(P) to provide this authority.

Allows state legislators to block the issuance or renewal of alcoholic beverage permits in their districts.

Key Provisions:

- Requires the commissioner to notify the local state senator and representative within 5 days of receiving a permit or renewal application.

- Allows the legislator to block the permit by filing a sworn petition of opposition within 35 days.

- If filed, both state and local permits must be withheld.

- Exempts legislator-filed petitions from the current requirement to present supporting evidence or appear at a hearing.

HOUSE floor amendment technical

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Expands the retail sale and service options for Louisiana-based brewers and manufacturers by allowing them to sell directly to consumers at farmers markets.

Key Provisions: 

- Retains current law allowing Louisiana brewers to sell or serve products brewed at their facility, on-site, for on- or off-premises consumption (not for resale), subject to a cap of 10% of monthly production or 250 barrels, whichever is greater. 

- Requires brewers to pay applicable state and local taxes and comply with zoning laws. 

Adds new authority for brewers to sell or serve their finished products directly to consumers at farmers markets and similar venues, provided they: 

 - Comply with R.S. 26:286 

 - Notify the commissioner at least five days in advance 

 - Offer products at market prices consistent with the geographic area.

House Bill No. 569 by Representative Braud

Summary:

Requires that any judicial salary increases authorized for Fiscal Year 2024 be funded by the judiciary.

Key Provisions:

• Amends R.S. 13:50(3)(b) to add FY 2024 to the list of years in which judicial salary increases must be funded by the judiciary itself.
• Retains the requirement that salary increases for FY 2020 are also funded by the judiciary.

HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] adds a requirement that any court costs or fees in the bill will only take effect on January 1, 2026, if the Judicial Council of Louisiana finds that the fees meet its guidelines. No fees can be charged or collected unless approved by the Judicial Council.

Increases court filing fees and fines to fund judicial education and ethics enforcement.

Key Provisions:

• Raises the mandatory court cost from $0.50 to $1.50 for all civil filings and criminal convictions (including traffic offenses).
• Applies to all courts, including mayor’s and magistrate courts.
• One-third of the funds go to the Judicial College for program improvement.
• Remaining funds support judicial ethics education and enforcement via the Supreme Court and Judiciary Commission.
• Requires annual audit and public filing of financial records.