Redraws Louisiana's 39 Senate districts based on 2020 Census data. Repeals the current statutory district definitions (R.S. 24:35.1) and enacts new ones under R.S. 24:35 using updated precincts submitted through January 16, 2025.

Key Points: 

- Defines each Senate district by listing precincts across multiple parishes. 

- Based on "2025 Precinct Shapefiles" published by the Legislature, reflecting verified 2020 Census data. 

- Preserves current Senate terms; changes take effect for new elections only.

Effective Dates: 

- District definitions (Section 1) effective for candidate qualifying and elections upon governor’s signature or default enactment. 

- Full implementation for all purposes on January 10, 2028, at 10:00 a.m. 

- Repeal of current law (R.S. 24:35.1) also effective January 10, 2028.

Population Deviation: 

- Ideal population per district: 119,429 

- Range: from -4.95% (District 1) to +4.97% (District 6) 

- Total deviation range: 9.92%, within the legal standard of +/-5%

Notes: 

- Statistical data and maps accompany the bill for reference but are not part of the statutory language. 

- If precincts have been subdivided, all parts are included under the listed precinct number. 

- District boundaries remain unchanged unless modified by future law, regardless of local precinct changes.

Full bill here with map: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1403994

On general principle, any redistricting map offered by a Democrat should be roundly rejected because the people of Louisiana have overwhelmingly rejected their ideology. Just sayin…

HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] include:

• Adds a new provision to enact Code of Criminal Procedure Article 230.1(E). This new paragraph defines the phrase "conclusion of the case" for legal purposes
• Defines “conclusion of the case” as the entry of final judgment in the trial court by conviction, acquittal, or dismissal of all charges, and includes completion of sentencing if applicable.
• Updates the bill title and body to reflect the new definition.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] scale back the bill to focus only on changes to bail and pretrial procedures. They remove unrelated sections, delete most of the original bill text, and keep only amendments to three specific criminal procedure Articles 230.1(B), 293, and 294(D) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.[SEE BELOW]

Proposes significant changes to Louisiana’s Code of Criminal Procedure, aiming to strengthen rights for indigent defendants and speed up pretrial timelines.

1.    Appointment of Counsel (Article 230.1(B))

Current Law:

Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants is not consistently mandated from the initial appearance onward.

Proposed Change:

Requires immediate appointment of counsel at the first court appearance for indigent defendants. Counsel must remain through case resolution unless private counsel is retained. 

2.    Preliminary Examinations (Articles 292 & 293)

Current Law:

Preliminary exams are discretionary and not guaranteed, especially when grand jury indictments are involved.

Proposed Change:

Courts must grant a preliminary exam upon request in all felony cases, unless already indicted. Courts must also appoint counsel for indigent defendants and hold exams promptly.

3.    Transcript Access (Article 294(D))

Current Law:

Transcripts are provided at the court’s discretion; costs are typically borne by the requesting party.

Proposed Change:

Mandates prompt transcript delivery when requested. Indigent defendants receive transcripts at no cost.

4.    Time Limits for Filing Charges (Article 701(B))

Current Law:

·       60 days for most felonies

·       120 days for capital/life imprisonment felonies

Proposed Change:

·       15 days for most felonies

·       30 days for capital/life felonies

Proposes an individual income tax credit for Louisiana residents who pay homeowners' insurance premiums on properties for which they claim the homestead exemption. The credit is calculated as the lesser of:

1.    The amount of qualifying homeowners' insurance premiums paid exceeding $3,000 in a taxable year.

2.    $5,000.

If the credit exceeds the taxpayer's total tax liability for the year, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to five years. This credit applies to taxable periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and cannot be claimed for taxable years starting after December 31, 2031. Taxpayers must maintain records to verify eligibility and the amount claimed. The Department of Revenue is tasked with promulgating necessary implementation rules.

Proposes an individual income tax credit for Louisiana residents who pay high motor vehicle insurance premiums. Specifically, the bill offers a tax credit for insurance premiums exceeding $2,500 per vehicle, applicable to up to two vehicles per taxpayer. The maximum credit is capped at $5,000 per vehicle. If the credit surpasses the taxpayer's total tax liability for the year, the unused portion can be carried forward for up to five years. The proposed credit would be effective for taxable periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, and would not be available for taxable years starting after December 31, 2031.

Redistricts the 105 House of Representatives districts based on 2020 Census data and precinct changes through January 16, 2025. Enacts R.S. 24:35.2 with new district boundaries and repeals R.S. 24:35.3 (the current district boundaries).

Key Points:

- Each district’s composition is described using updated precinct data from the “2025 Precinct Shapefiles.”

- All districts fall within a ±4.93% population deviation range from the ideal district population (44,359).

- District boundaries reflect updated precinct changes submitted by parish governing authorities.

- The Act does not alter the terms of office for current officeholders.

- Effective for candidate qualifying and elections for the 2027 regular House election cycle upon gubernatorial signature or lapse of time for signature.

- Fully effective for all purposes, including appointment and representation, at 10:00 a.m. on January 10, 2028.

Impact:

- Aligns legislative districts with updated population data and precinct boundaries, ensuring compliance with constitutional equal representation requirements.

- May impact political competitiveness and demographic representation in specific districts depending on how the lines are redrawn.

Effective Dates:

- Section 1 (district descriptions): Effective upon signature for 2027 election purposes; fully effective January 10, 2028.

- Section 2 (repeals existing districts): Effective January 10, 2028.

- Sections 3 and 4 (definitions and protections for current officeholders): Effective upon signature.

(Adds R.S. 24:35.2; Repeals R.S. 24:35.3)

Full text of the bill including maps can be found here: https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1403997

Imposes a 15% excise tax on wholesale cannabis sales and dedicates the revenue to K-12 public school employee salary increases.

Key Provisions: 

- Applies a 15% excise tax on the wholesale sale of cannabis by licensed production facilities 

- Tax is calculated based on average market rates for different cannabis product categories (buds, leaves, seeds, plants, etc.) 

- Department of Revenue oversees rate determination, collection, and enforcement 

- Revenues are deposited into the state general fund, then annually appropriated to the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) 

- Funds must be used for salary increases for public school teachers and support personnel 

- Effective January 1, 2026

HB 650 by Rep. Jordan

Summary: Increases the mobile sports wagering tax and creates a compensation fund for overdetention.

Key Provisions:

• Raises the mobile sports wagering tax from 15% to 17%.
• Dedicates 2% of tax proceeds to a new Overdetention Compensation Fund.
• Fund pays $70 per day to individuals held beyond their scheduled release date.
• Receipt of payment does not limit the right to pursue civil lawsuits.
• Administered by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

CHECK WITH GABE FIRMENT ON THIS ONE

Authorizes the State Bond Commission to issue catastrophe bonds to fund a new Catastrophe Reinsurance Program aimed at stabilizing the homeowners insurance market in high-risk areas.

Key Provisions:

• Establishes the Catastrophe Reinsurance Program to offer reinsurance alternatives for property insurers.
• Authorizes issuance of catastrophe revenue bonds, backed by fees/assessments on insurance policies—not state credit or taxes.
• Bonds are tax-exempt, do not count toward net state tax-supported debt, and may be sold via public or negotiated sale.
• Proceeds go to a dedicated Catastrophe Reinsurance Fund held outside the state treasury but managed by a trustee.
• Requires participating insurers to offer more coverage in high-risk areas at reduced premiums.
• Bonds and fund administration are exempt from most state limitations and taxes.
• Program sunsets when all bonds are repaid.