SENATE floor amendment set 1021 [LINK] adjust dates for enactment and amendment set 1051 [LINK] require by 2027-28 school year that a minimum of 20 percent of food must come from Louisiana.

SENATE floor bureau amendments technical

SENATE committee amendments [LINK] apply not only to public schools but also to nonpublic schools receiving state or federal funding. Additionally, the amendments clarify that the rules regarding food and beverages provided to minors extend to these nonpublic schools. Finally, the amendments specify that concession stands and vending machines, regulated separately under R.S. 17:197.1, are exempted from the provisions of this bill.

MAHA bill. Prohibits serving or selling ultra-processed foods in Louisiana public schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill aims to improve child nutrition, reduce obesity, and promote healthier food consumption among students.

Key Provisions: 

- Prohibits public schools from serving or selling ultra-processed foods during regular school days; does not restrict foods provided by parents or guardians.

- Defines ultra-processed foods as foods or beverages containing specific artificial additives and ingredients listed explicitly in the bill (such as aspartame, various dyes, certain vegetable oils, and other additives).

- Requires the state Department of Education to publish a standardized compliance certification form and maintain an online list of compliant schools.

- Effective immediately upon the governor's signature or following the standard legislative approval process.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's statutes concerning the illegal carrying of weapons. The bill seeks to modify definitions and exceptions related to possessing dangerous weapons on school properties and other specified areas.

Key Provisions:

1. Definition of "School":
2. The bill aims to standardize the definition of "school" across relevant statutes to encompass any elementary, secondary, high school (removes vocational-technical school, college, or university as schools for this purpose) in Louisiana.
3. Exceptions to Illegal Carrying of Weapons:
4. The bill proposes that the prohibition against carrying concealed weapons without a permit shall not apply to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Are not prohibited from possessing a firearm under specific state or federal laws.

1. Concealed Handgun Carry Near Schools:
2. The bill seeks to allow individuals with a valid concealed handgun permit, or those carrying under the proposed exceptions, to carry a concealed handgun within 1,000 feet of any school campus.

The proposed effective date for these amendments is August 1, 2025.

SENATE committee amendment [LINK] mandates use of the SAVE System at the federal Department of Homeland Security to verify citizenship at all of these agencies. The Secretary of State says she has already done this at DHS with the voter data. These results need to be made public. FLOOR AMENDMENT?

Proposes the "State Services and Benefits Legal Status and Accountability Act." This legislation mandates that specific Louisiana state agencies—including the Department of Health, Department of Education, Office of Motor Vehicles, Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Revenue, and higher education institutions—ascertain and report the legal status of individuals receiving state services and benefits. The bill defines key terms such as "illegal alien" and "unaccompanied alien child" in alignment with federal law. The objective is to enhance accountability and transparency by quantifying the extent and cost of services provided to these individuals. This initiative aligns with Executive Order JML 24-05, which addresses the impact of illegal immigration on Louisiana.

LOSER PAYS

Requires plaintiffs to pay a defendant’s legal costs and attorney fees if the case is dismissed in full, either before or after trial.

Key Provisions: 

- If all claims are dismissed pretrial by dispositive motion or exception, the defendant is entitled to recover costs and attorney fees from the plaintiff. 

- If all claims are dismissed after trial, the same recovery applies. 

- Applies to any plaintiff who filed the dismissed action. 

- Effective August 1, 2025.

Creates the Louisiana First Transparency, Investing, and Reporting Act of 2025 to limit foreign influence, increase reporting requirements, and restrict public contracts and incentives involving foreign entities.

Key Provisions: 

- Requires individuals transacting with state officials on behalf of foreign entities to register as foreign agents with the Secretary of State and submit monthly public reports. 

- Bars corporations with 5% or more ownership by foreign adversaries (e.g., China, Russia, Iran, etc.) from receiving economic development incentives. 

- Mandates solar and renewable energy projects receiving public support use only U.S.-made solar panels. 

- Requires Louisiana postsecondary institutions to report gifts of $50,000+ from foreign sources and submit detailed agreements. 

- Prohibits the state and local governments from purchasing drones or computer hardware from companies based in China or owned 5% or more by Chinese entities. 

- Establishes penalties for violations, including fines and forfeiture of public funds.

Effective Date: August 1, 2025.