Seeks to repeal Section 2 of Act No. 384 from the 2024 Regular Session. Act No. 384 mandated that the State Civil Service Commission and the Civil Service Commission of the City of New Orleans collaboratively develop a plan to transfer all employees of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to the state civil service system, with full implementation required by August 1, 2025. However, House Resolution No. 334 of the 2024 Regular Session directed both commissions to disregard this mandate and not proceed with the proposed transfer plan. By repealing Section 2 of Act No. 384, HB 190 aims to nullify the requirement for this transfer plan, effectively maintaining the current civil service status of the Sewerage and Water Board employees. The bill includes an emergency clause, stipulating that it will become effective immediately upon the governor's signature or upon the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

RAISES PARCEL FEES in this special district must be APPROVED BY VOTERS

Proposes amendments to the statutes governing the Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Increase in Parcel Fee: The bill seeks to raise the maximum allowable parcel fee from $450 to $600 per parcel annually. This fee is levied on each parcel within the district to fund crime prevention and improvement initiatives.
2. Fee Expiration and Renewal: The proposed legislation modifies the terms for the expiration and renewal of the parcel fee. Specifically, it allows for the fee to expire on December 31st following the 2010 mayoral election for New Orleans, with provisions for renewal or adjustment of the maximum fee amount upon approval by a majority of registered voters in the district. The renewed fee's term is capped at eight years.

3.    Residents of the Lakewood Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish have the opportunity to vote on the parcel fee. House Bill No. 191 proposes increasing the maximum parcel fee from $450 to $600 annually. For this increase to take effect, it must be approved by a majority of registered voters in the district during an election. Additionally, any renewal or adjustment of the fee amount in the future would also require voter approval, with each approved term lasting up to eight years.

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.

Amends and reenacts R.S. 11:3383, a section of Louisiana law governing the New Orleans Firefighters' Pension and Relief Fund. The bill focuses on ensuring a minimum pension benefit for retired firefighters and their surviving spouses while maintaining current contribution levels for active firefighters.

1.    Minimum Pension Benefit (Section A)

•   The bill mandates that every firefighter on the retired list of the New Orleans Fire Department, as well as each surviving spouse of a department member, receives a pension of at least $1,200 per month.
•   The phrasing "notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary" emphasizes that this minimum benefit overrides conflicting laws, ensuring its enforceability.
•   This provision appears to codify or reinforce an existing minimum benefit.

2.    Employee Contributions (Section B)

• The bill explicitly states that the contributions currently required from active firefighters into the pension fund will not increase due to this legislation.

3.    Technical Corrections

• The digest describes the proposed changes as "technical corrections," suggesting that the bill clarifies or refines existing law rather than introducing substantial new policy. The struck-through and underscored text in the document supports this, indicating minor adjustments to wording for clarity or consistency.
• Fiscal Implications: By preventing contribution increases for active firefighters, the bill shifts the burden of funding this minimum pension elsewhere—likely to the state, city, or fund reserves. The lack of detail on funding sources could raise questions about sustainability.
• Does not address potential funding gaps or inflation adjustments.
• Lacks specificity on how the pension fund will maintain solvency without raising contributions.

Prevents credit card companies from charging swipe fees on state/local taxes and gratuities during electronic payment transactions in Louisiana.

Key Provisions: 

1. Definitions: 

  Establishes definitions for terms like "swipe fee," "payment card," "gratuity," "payment card network," and "assessment fee."

2. Swipe Fee Exclusion: 

  - Prohibits swipe fees from being charged on separately listed state/local taxes and gratuities. 

  - Payment card networks must either: 

    - Exclude tax and gratuity from swipe fee calculations during settlement. 

    - Provide a rebate to merchants for swipe fees applied to taxes and gratuities. 

3. Process for Rebate: 

  - Merchants must provide proof if they cannot transmit tax and gratuity amounts at the time of sale. 

  - Rebates must be provided within 180 days of the transaction or within 30 days of merchant submission. 

4. Unlawful Practices: 

  - Prohibits manipulation of swipe fees to circumvent this law. 

5. Enforcement & Penalties: 

  - Attorney General can enforce penalties up to $1,000 per violation. 

  - Injunctions can be sought to prevent ongoing violations. 

  - Violators must refund merchants for improper fees. 

  - Penalties are credited to the state treasury. 

6. Severability Clause: 

  - Invalid provisions will not affect the remainder of the Act. 

7. Effective Date: 

  - Becomes effective upon the Governor’s signature or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. 

Implication: 

If passed, the bill will protect merchants from paying swipe fees on tax and tip amounts, potentially reducing operational costs.

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.

MORE TAX CREDITS

Creates a state income tax deduction for 50% of net capital gains from the sale or exchange of an equity interest in, or substantially all assets of, a nonpublicly traded business domiciled in Louisiana. To qualify, the taxpayer must have held the interest or assets for at least five years. Applies to transactions on or after January 1, 2025. Requires the Department of Revenue to issue rules to reduce administrative burdens and limit abuse. Effective upon governor’s signature or lapse of time.

This bill adjusts the current boundaries of this special district.

Amends R.S. 33:9091.5 to update the Lake Vista Crime Prevention District in Orleans Parish. It adjusts the district’s boundaries (now along Allen Toussaint Blvd, Marconi Dr, Beauregard Ave, and Lakeshore Dr), broadens its purpose to promote security, and expands powers to acquire/lease supplies and contract beyond just security patrols. The parcel fee rises from $220 to $400 max per year, subject to voter approval, with an 8-year term (up from 4) and renewable for 8 years. Funds must supplement, not replace, city/state services, and if the district dissolves, proceeds stay in a dedicated security account.

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK]

• Redefines and clarifies the scope and limitations of caregiver registries, distinguishing them explicitly from other healthcare service providers.
• Establishes clear prohibitions for caregiver registries, including:
• Employing or supervising caregivers.
• Providing clinical oversight.
• Dictating conditions of caregiver-client relationships.
• Requires caregiver registries to provide information on licensed healthcare providers and facilities.
• Mandates caregiver registries perform background checks on caregivers listed.
• Explicitly states that caregiver registries are not home health agencies, home- and community-based service providers, or nurse staffing agencies.

Establishes a caregiver registry licensing program under the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to regulate entities that refer independent caregivers to clients but do not provide direct care services.

Key Provisions: 

- Defines "caregiver" and "caregiver registry" and sets licensing requirements for registries. 

- Prohibits operating or advertising as a caregiver registry without a license from LDH. 

- Requires licensure application with detailed organizational, financial, and management information. 

- Sets a nonrefundable $1,200 application and biennial renewal fee, with a $100 delinquency fee for late renewals. 

- LDH may suspend, revoke, or deny licenses for noncompliance, including failure to report hours to the Certified Nurse Aide Registry. 

- Mandates caregiver registries to maintain records, conduct background checks, verify credentials, and ensure legal work status before referring caregivers. 

- Requires written agreements with caregivers establishing independent contractor status and outlining tax, liability, and licensing responsibilities. 

- Imposes penalties for unlicensed operation: misdemeanor charges and fines of $250–$1,000 per day, with possible cease-and-desist orders and court injunctions. 

- LDH must adopt rules to implement the program. 

- Effective January 1, 2026.

LOCAL TAX INCREASE--does authorize a local vote on the tax increase.

Increases the maximum occupancy tax that the city of New Orleans may levy on short-term rentals. 

Key Provisions: 

- Amends current law to raise the maximum short-term rental occupancy tax rate from 6.75% to 10%. 

- Applies to paid occupancy of short-term rentals within the city of New Orleans. 

- Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

HOUSE floor bureau amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] The original bill attempted a broad restructuring of the Sewerage and Water Board with new state and local appointees, dissolved the selection committee, and elimination of local residency requirements. The engrossed bill only keeps limited governance reforms:

• Internal election of board president,
• Legal independence from the city attorney,
• Technical updates on reporting and expropriation,
• Repeal of several obsolete provisions.

The core governance structure and local control remain unchanged in the engrossed version.

Reforms the governance of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans by restructuring its membership, eliminating the existing selection process, and revising board powers, duties, and reporting requirements.

Key Provisions: 

- Board Composition: Replaces the current board structure with 11 new appointments from a variety of local and state officials, including the mayor, city council, state departments, and Orleans legislative delegation. 

- Selection Process: Eliminates the existing selection committee composed of local university and civic leaders. Removes requirements for nominees to be registered voters or domiciliaries of Orleans Parish. 

- Diversity Clause: Requires board appointments to reflect the racial and gender diversity of New Orleans. 

- Experience Requirement: Board members must have experience in relevant fields such as law, engineering, finance, or public administration. 

- Board Leadership: Removes the mayor as ex officio president. The board will elect its own president for a one-year term. 

- Legal Counsel: Replaces the city attorney and special counsel system with authority for the board to directly hire legal counsel. 

- Service of Process: Updates who may serve as the board’s agent for legal matters to include the board’s legal counsel. 

- Expropriation Authority: Assigns expropriation responsibilities to board’s legal counsel instead of the city attorney. 

- Quarterly Reporting: Requires the executive director, rather than the mayor or chief administrative officer, to present quarterly reports to the city council. 

- Drainage System Funding: Repeals the city’s exemption from funding the drainage system. 

- Repealed Provisions: 

 - Local labor hiring preferences in contracts. 

 - Procedures for fund apportionment among water, sewer, and drainage systems. 

- Transition: Current board members' terms end January 12, 2026, with new appointments taking office under the new system.

Effective Date: January 12, 2026.

Requires the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to establish and maintain employment eligibility lists.

Key Provisions: 

- Retains current law allowing the Sewerage and Water Board to hire necessary staff and requiring civil service exams for most positions. 

- Reaffirms that executive management positions are exempt from civil service rules and city residency requirements. 

- Adds a requirement for the board to create and maintain employment lists of eligible candidates for positions. 

- Becomes effective only if a related constitutional amendment (proposed in another bill) is approved by voters.

Requires health insurance coverage for histotripsy procedures when medically necessary for treating liver cancer (already approved by Medicare/Medicaid)

Key Provisions: 

- Mandates that health insurance plans offering hospital, medical, or surgical benefits in Louisiana cover histotripsy procedures for primary and metastatic liver tumors. 

- Allows application of standard deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. 

- Defines histotripsy as a non-invasive treatment using high-intensity sound waves to destroy liver cancer tissue.