Seeks to revise the criteria and procedures for the recognition, maintenance, and revocation of political parties in Louisiana.

Key Changes: 

1. Prohibition of "Independent" or "Independent Party" Registration (R.S. 18:107(G)): 

  - From August 1, 2025, individuals cannot register as "Independent" or with the "Independent Party." 

  - Such registrants will be designated as "No Party." Existing "Independent" registrants will also be changed to "No Party." 

  - Department of State is responsible for notifying affected registrants. 

2. Increased Requirements for Party Recognition (R.S. 18:441(B)(1)): 

  - Voter Threshold: Increased from 1,000 to 5,000 registered voters for party recognition. 

  - Registration Fee: Increased from $1,000 to $5,000. 

  - Party recognition is required 90 days before the qualifying period for any election. 

3. Prohibition Against Recognizing Parties Named "Independent" (R.S. 18:441(B)(4)): 

  - Political parties named solely as "Independent" or "Independent Party" cannot be recognized in Louisiana. 

4. Provision for Party Recognition Rescission (R.S. 18:441(E)): 

  - A political party can voluntarily rescind recognition through procedures outlined in its bylaws and a notarized statement filed with the Secretary of State. 

  - Registrants affiliated with a rescinded party will be reclassified as "No Party" and notified by the Department of State. 

Implications: 

- The bill aims to avoid confusion with "Independent" party designations and tighten the requirements for party recognition. 

- Increased thresholds and fees may limit the formation of smaller or newly established political parties. 

- Enhanced procedures for voluntary rescission provide a clear process for disbanding parties. 

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] remove page three lines 10-19 in their entirety which are generally about how hair braiding is not a licensed action, etc. See BILL LINK page three.

Amends and repeals certain licensing requirements and regulations administered by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology regarding alternative hair and alternative hair design. It eliminates the special permit and the 500-hour instructional requirement for practitioners of alternative hair styling, citing the lack of significant health or safety risks and unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity.

Key Provisions: 

- Amends definitions for "alternative hair" and "alternative hair design," clarifying what activities are included and explicitly excluding the use of chemical or dye treatments on natural hair. 

- Removes the requirement for a Special Permit for Alternative Hair Design, previously mandatory for individuals practicing alternative hair styling. 

- Eliminates the rule mandating practitioners of alternative hair design to operate only within licensed cosmetology salons. 

- Repeals the mandatory 500-hour curriculum previously required for alternative hair design licensing. 

- Requires the state register to update the Louisiana Administrative Code accordingly.

The resolution argues that current licensing rules for alternative hair styling impose unnecessary economic barriers without providing meaningful health or safety protections.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

Focuses on enhancing executive branch compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It outlines the powers and responsibilities of the state ADA coordinator’s office and modifies the return-to-work program for state employees.

Key points:

1. State ADA Coordinator’s Role: The bill expands the coordinator's duties to include consultation on state employee accommodations, oversight of annual compliance plans, and drafting rules for uniform administration of ADA-related laws.
2. Return-to-Work Program: The bill refines the program under the Office of Risk Management, aiming for a structured return of injured employees to transitional or regular employment. It shifts oversight from the Department of Civil Service to the ADA coordinator’s office.
3. Definitions and Compliance: The bill clarifies that "agency" refers to executive branch entities with at least 15 employees and mandates consistent compliance efforts across agencies.
4. Legislative Process: The bill takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature or upon lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Centralizes the oversight of disability accommodations under the state ADA coordinator instead of multiple agencies.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] clarify boundary lines.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 56:651 concerning hunting preserves in Louisiana.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Licensing for Hunting Preserves: Individuals or entities seeking to establish, maintain, or operate a hunting preserve for the release and shooting of pen-raised quail and pen-raised mallards may apply for a license from the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
• Geographical Restrictions: Licenses would be issued exclusively to hunting preserves located outside of Louisiana's coastal zone. The coastal zone is defined as areas south of Interstate 10 from the Texas state line to Baton Rouge, south of Interstate 12 from Baton Rouge to Slidell, and south of Interstate 10 from Slidell to the Mississippi state line.
• Grandfather Clause: Hunting preserves situated within the coastal zone that were designated as such before January 1, 2025, would be exempt from the new restriction and allowed to continue operations.

The bill aims to regulate the licensing of hunting preserves, specifically addressing the geographical areas where such preserves can operate within the state.