AMENDMENTS technical in nature.

Implications: Eases reemployment restrictions for certain retirees, particularly law enforcement, while ensuring additional costs are fully funded by employers.

Amends R.S. 11:416(A)(3)(b) to adjust reemployment rules for retirees in the Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System (LASERS).

Key Provisions:

• Retirees avoid suspension, reduction, or change to LASERS benefits if:
• They have at least 30 years of service (or 25 years if P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement).
• They have been retired for at least one year.
• They are eligible for full benefits.
• They are appointed by the governor to an unclassified civil service position.
• Reemployment choice under LASERS remains irrevocable.
• Employer must cover any added cost under constitutional funding rules.

Changes from Current Law:

• Lowers service requirement from 30 to 25 years for P.O.S.T.-certified law enforcement officers only.

Aims to amend sentencing guidelines for violent offenders in Louisiana. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:

1. Sentencing for Violent Offenders (R.S. 15:524):

• This section applies to individuals convicted of felony crimes of violence as defined under R.S. 14:2(B), unless the district attorney pursues charges under the Habitual Offender Law (R.S. 15:529.1).
• For a third conviction, the offender must be sentenced to at least 50% of the maximum sentence prescribed for a first conviction of that offense.
• For a fourth or subsequent conviction, the offender must be sentenced to at least 75% of the maximum sentence prescribed for a first conviction.

1. Amendment to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 817(B):

• Current law allows juries to make specific findings of fact that increase the maximum or mandatory minimum penalty for a crime, excluding prior convictions.
• The proposed amendment removes the exclusion of prior convictions, allowing the jury to consider and make specific findings regarding prior convictions as well, which could influence sentencing.

1. Purpose and Citation:

• The bill is designed to strengthen sentencing for repeat violent offenders and is officially named "The Segus Jolivette Act."

The legislation establishes mandatory minimum sentencing thresholds for third and subsequent violent felony convictions and expands the jury’s role in determining facts related to prior convictions that affect sentencing. The digest provided by House Legislative Services clarifies that these changes build on existing laws without altering their core structure, except where specified.

Proposes the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act" to regulate kratom sales in Louisiana. Key points:

·       Defines kratom-related terms.

·       Bans sale of ALL kratom products with unsafe additives, high alkaloid levels, synthetic compounds, or improper labeling.

·       Restricts items not banned to individuals 21 and older.

·       Requires product registration and approval by the Louisiana Department of Health.

·       Mandates clear labeling and serving sizes.

The bill focuses on consumer safety and product regulation.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] change how horse racing funds are distributed. They decrease the share of funds used as racing purses to 55% for Thoroughbreds and 24% for Quarter Horses, and set aside specific percentages (14% for Thoroughbreds, 7% for Quarter Horses) for breeder awards. The funds for purses will go directly to the Horsemen's Bookkeeper, and the recognized horsemen’s group receiving certain funds is specifically named as the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

Authorizes fixed odds wagering on horse races in Louisiana. 

Key Provisions: 

- Defines "fixed odds wagering on horse races" as wagers with predetermined odds on live or simulcast races. 

- Allows such wagering only under specific regulatory conditions, including consent from racetracks and horsemen’s groups. 

- Permits these wagers to be combined with other sports bets in parlays. 

- Establishes the Fixed Odds Horse Wagering Purse Supplement Fund. 

- Directs 5% of net gaming proceeds from fixed odds horse wagering to the fund. 

- Allocates 70% of the fund to thoroughbred purses and 30% to quarter horse purses. 

- Authorizes the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to set rules for fixed odds horse race wagering. 

- Effective upon signature of the governor.

HOUSE floor amendments technical

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Creates the Louisiana Equestrian Corporation to support and expand Louisiana’s equine industry through economic development, research, and facility development. 

Key Provisions: 

- Establishes a nonprofit corporation, not a state agency or political subdivision. 

- Purpose includes promoting equine heritage, jobs, research, and property development. 

- Nine-member board: 3 Horsemen’s Association designees, 4 parish presidents (Calcasieu, St. Landry, Bossier, Orleans), 2 governor appointees from higher education. 

- Grants authority to contract, acquire property, borrow funds, develop facilities, and partner with public/private entities. 

- Subject to public records and open meetings laws, with exceptions for property negotiations. 

- Corporation’s debts are not state liabilities; assets transfer to the state upon dissolution.