This does not require parental consent.

Instead, the bill gives students themselves—regardless of age—the option to authorize the disclosure of certain health information during a mental health crisis. Participation is voluntary, and students can choose whether or not to designate anyone (such as a parent or guardian) to be contacted in such situations.

Parents can be named as contacts, but it’s entirely up to the student to decide REGARDLESS OF AGE.

Proposes the enactment of R.S. 17:3138.1, mandating that public postsecondary education institutions in Louisiana offer students the option to authorize the disclosure of certain health information during mental health crises.

Key provisions of the bill:

• Authorization form availability: Institutions must provide a standardized form allowing students to permit the disclosure of protected health information to designated individuals in situations where the student experiences a mental health crisis or poses a risk to themselves or others.
• Designated contacts: Students can specify primary and secondary contacts, including their relationship to the student and contact information, to be notified during such events.
• Scope of information shared: The authorization permits the institution to share general information about the nature of the mental health crisis, actions taken by the institution (such as hospitalization or counseling referrals), and recommendations for follow-up care. Specific diagnoses or treatment details will remain confidential unless otherwise authorized or required by law.
• Duration and revocation: The authorization remains in effect until the student's enrollment concludes or until they submit a written request to revoke it. Revocation does not apply to information already shared under the consent.
• Voluntary participation and privacy protections: Granting this authorization is voluntary. Institutions are required to safeguard disclosed information in compliance with federal and state privacy laws.

This proposed legislation aims to enhance communication between educational institutions and designated contacts during mental health emergencies.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's abortion laws by introducing exceptions for pregnancies resulting from specific sex offenses committed against minors under 17 years of age. The bill seeks to exclude the termination of such pregnancies from the legal definition of "abortion" when they result from offenses including:

• Rape (R.S. 14:41)
• First-degree rape (R.S. 14:42)
• Second-degree rape (R.S. 14:42.1)
• Third-degree rape (R.S. 14:43)
• Sexual battery (R.S. 14:43.1)
• Felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile (R.S. 14:80)
• Molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability (R.S. 14:81.2)
• Crime against nature (R.S. 14:89)
• Aggravated crime against nature (R.S. 14:89.1)

Notably, the proposed legislation stipulates that no police or investigatory report, forensic evidence from the pregnant female, or prosecution of the alleged offense is required to qualify for these exceptions.  

OVERREGULATION

Proposes several amendments concerning real estate appraisers in Louisiana.

1.    Continuing Education Requirements (R.S. 37:3408(B))

Current law:

Continuing education requirements vary based on the appraiser’s license classification. Not all licensees are subject to the same number of required hours, and there is no universal requirement for USPAP-specific training.

Proposed change:

All appraisers, regardless of their registration or license classification, must complete at least 28 hours of board-approved continuing education before renewing their license. Of those 28 hours, at least 7 must specifically focus on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

2.    Definitions – Appraisal Management Companies (R.S. 37:3415.2(3) and (4))

Current law:

The definitions of "Appraisal Management Company" and "Appraisal Management Services" are broader and may not align precisely with federal standards or current industry practice.

Proposed change:

The definition of "Appraisal Management Company" is updated to refer specifically to entities that provide services to creditors or secondary mortgage market participants for valuing a consumer’s principal dwelling in credit transactions or securitizations.

"Appraisal Management Services" is redefined to include activities such as recruiting, selecting, and retaining appraisers; contracting with state-certified or state-licensed appraisers for assignments; and overseeing administrative aspects of the appraisal process, such as receiving orders and managing reports.

Expands employment discrimination protections in Louisiana by explicitly including gender identity and sexual orientation as protected characteristics under existing anti-discrimination laws. The bill modifies various statutes to prohibit intentional discrimination based on these factors by employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, and insurers. It also clarifies definitions for "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" and asserts that these protections do not infringe upon constitutional rights related to freedom of expression, association, or religious exercise.

1. The bill could force religious organizations or employers with sincerely held religious beliefs to act against their doctrines, violating their First Amendment rights. 

2. The bill restricts employers’ ability to enforce standards necessary for specific jobs where sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation may be relevant for safety, authenticity, or privacy reasons. 

3. Expanding discrimination laws will increase legal complexity and costs for employers, especially small businesses that lack resources to ensure to defend against LGBTQ lawsuits. 

4. Creates conflict with already-established policies that focus on merit-based hiring and promotions, potentially leading to quotas or preferential treatment concerns. 

5. The terms "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" are too broad and vague leading to frivolous lawsuits. 

Increases annual and permanent registration fees for trailers and semitrailers statewide. Do you think the people of Louisiana are paying enough in taxes and fees? They do. This is ridiculous.

Key Provisions:

• Raises annual registration fee for semitrailers/trailers from $10 to $15.
• Raises 4-year registration option from $40 to $60.
• Raises permanent registration fee from $70 to $105.
• Increases refund for unused trailer years from $10 to $15/year.
• Increases 4-year registration fee for light/farm/boat trailers (≤6,000 lbs) from $3 to $4.50.