HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] added this language in several places "from a Pro Board accredited agency or an International Fire Service Accreditation Congress approved entity"

Proposes updates to the training standards for firefighters in Louisiana, particularly concerning eligibility for state supplemental pay. The key changes include:

• Accredited training programs: Firefighters hired after March 31, 1986, must complete and pass a certified fireman's training program from either a Pro Board accredited agency or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). This training should be equivalent to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001 Firefighter I Certification.
• State Fire Marshal approved training: Alternatively, firefighters can fulfill the training requirement by completing a firefighter's training program approved by the Office of State Fire Marshal Fire and Emergency Training Academy, as outlined in R.S. 40:1541 et seq.
• Maritime firefighter training for port authority officers: For full-time fire protection officers employed by port authorities headquartered in New Orleans, the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District, and the Port of South Louisiana, the bill introduces the option to complete a state or federally approved maritime firefighter training program to meet the training requirements.

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.

TAX CREDITS EXPANSION

Expands eligibility for the student tuition organization (STO) tax credit program by adding students with disabilities as “qualified students,” regardless of household income.

Key Provisions: 

- Adds students with disabilities to the list of eligible recipients 

- Waives the 250% federal poverty limit for students with disabilities 

- Allows eligible students to receive scholarships from multiple STOs, up to 80% of the state average per-pupil MFP amount (K-8) or 90% (9-12) 

- Clarifies that students can receive STO scholarships along with other public scholarships or vouchers for nonpublic school attendance

Effective Date: 

January 1, 2026; applies to donations funding scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond

Impact: 

Broadens access to TAX CREDIT

COMMITTEE amendments [LINK] define “affiliate” broadly to include entities with shared ownership, control, or influence. The bill applies only going forward. Existing facilities operating without consent before the effective date are exempt. Impacted districts can open the same number of facilities in the other district’s territory in response.

Prohibits hospital service districts or their affiliates from establishing or operating healthcare facilities outside their district boundaries without consent from the affected district.

Key Provisions: 

- Defines "affiliate" broadly to include entities with ownership, control, or shared relationships. 

- Requires written consent from a hospital service district before another district or affiliate can operate a healthcare facility within its boundaries. 

- Consent is also required for expansions or new services requiring additional permits. 

- Exempts cases where no hospital service district exists or when districts have a cooperative agreement. 

- Requires detailed written notice 120 days in advance of establishing a facility, including operational details, staffing, services, financial plans, and prior collaboration efforts. 

- Prohibits applications for permits or licenses before the notice period ends and before consent is obtained. 

- Applications must include certified resolutions from both the proposing and affected districts to be valid. 

- Allows a private right of action to enforce the law.