Proposes regulations concerning the handling and presentation of fentanyl as evidence in Louisiana courthouses.

Key Provisions:

1. Prohibition of Fentanyl in Courthouses: The bill seeks to ban the physical presence of substances containing fentanyl in courthouses. Instead, authenticated photographs and certificates of analysis from accredited criminalistics laboratories would serve as substitutes for the actual substance during legal proceedings.
2. Exceptions for Prescription Holders: Individuals with valid prescriptions for medications containing fentanyl would be permitted to bring their medication into courthouses, provided they present a copy of the prescription to court security upon entry.
3. Judicial Discretion: Judges retain the authority to allow the physical presence of fentanyl in the courthouse if deemed necessary for trial purposes. In such cases, only trained law enforcement officers would be authorized to handle the substance, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
4. Notification and Handling Procedures: When the presence of fentanyl in the courthouse is authorized, the responsible law enforcement agency must notify court security at least one day in advance, specifying the relevant case. Post-presentation, the substance must be returned to the custody of the law enforcement agency, with court security informed upon its removal from the courthouse.

The proposed legislation aims to enhance safety within courthouses by minimizing direct exposure to fentanyl, a substance known for its high potency and associated health risks.

Proposes changes to real estate brokerage practices. It amends existing law to clarify broker compensation sources, stating that funds may come from buyers, sellers, listing agents, listing brokers, or a combination. The bill prohibits requiring a buyer agreement before showing a property but mandates one before submitting an offer on behalf of a buyer for compensation. Additionally, it establishes advertising requirements for residential real estate, ensuring that property listings accurately reflect terms, value, and services. The bill also mandates that buyer’s brokerage fees be disclosed in all public advertisements.

Amends the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law by adding three substances to Schedule I: N-Desethyl isotonitazene and Etonitazepipne (opiates), and Ethylphenidate (a stimulant). These additions, detailed under R.S. 40:964, target drugs with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, including their derivatives. The Louisiana State Law Institute is directed to alphabetize the new entries. The bill enhances regulation of these substances to address addiction and abuse risks.

Aims to amend existing Louisiana laws concerning the management of behavior in students with exceptionalities. The key provisions of the bill include:

• Prohibition of Seclusion and Seclusion Rooms: The bill seeks to eliminate the use of seclusion and seclusion rooms as behavioral interventions for students with exceptionalities.
• Regulation of Physical Restraint: It proposes stricter guidelines on the use of physical restraint, emphasizing its application only when there is an imminent risk of harm.
• Reporting and Documentation: The legislation mandates comprehensive reporting and documentation whenever physical restraint is employed.
• Installation of Cameras in Special Education Classrooms: The bill requires the installation of cameras in special education classrooms to ensure transparency and safety.

These amendments aim to promote safer and more supportive learning environments for students with exceptionalities by focusing on preventive strategies and ensuring accountability in behavioral interventions.

HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] allows assessors to verify income eligibility for the special assessment level using the applicant's federal adjusted gross income from their Louisiana income tax return for the year before applying.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] modify the existing special assessment level rather than eliminating it. The amendments set a maximum adjusted gross income limit of $150,000 (combined for married taxpayers filing separately) for eligibility, starting in tax year 2028 instead of 2026, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index thereafter. They also revise the ballot language to reflect that the amendment increases, rather than eliminates, the income threshold for qualifying for the special property assessment.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the special assessment level for ad valorem property taxes in Louisiana. The primary objective of this bill is to eliminate the income eligibility requirement currently associated with qualifying for the special assessment level.

Current Provisions:

Under the existing law, certain groups—such as individuals aged 65 or older, certain veterans with service-connected disabilities, and certain non-veterans with disabilities—are eligible for a special assessment level on their primary residence. However, to qualify, the individual's adjusted gross income must not exceed $100,000, adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, applicants are required to file a signed application with the local assessor to establish eligibility.

Proposed Changes:

House Bill No. 300 seeks to:

1.    Eliminate the Income Limit: By removing the $100,000 income cap, all individuals who meet the other eligibility criteria would qualify for the special assessment level, regardless of their income.

2.    Remove Application Requirements: The bill proposes to repeal the necessity for eligible owners or their representatives to file an application with the local assessor to receive the special assessment level.

Implementation and Voting:

If passed, the amendment would become effective on January 1, 2027, and apply to all tax years beginning on or after this date. The proposed amendment is scheduled to be submitted to Louisiana voters at the statewide election on November 3, 2026.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's carbon dioxide sequestration regulations. The bill seeks to enhance definitions, safety measures, and liability provisions associated with carbon dioxide storage and transmission.

Key provisions include:

·       Definitions: Introduces terms such as "Public water system" and "Transmission pipeline" to clarify regulatory language.

·       Reservoir Use Restrictions: Prohibits using reservoirs for carbon dioxide storage if located above mineral reservoirs capable of producing resources like oil or gas in paying quantities unless conditions such as obtaining written consent from mineral interest owners are met, or after minerals have been extracted.

·       Penalties for Non-Compliance: Establishes civil and criminal penalties for willful or knowing failures to comply with reporting and recordkeeping requirements, including fines up to $25,000 per day and imprisonment for up to one year.

·       Emergency Preparedness and Community Notification: Requires emergency preparedness plans and community notification systems for storage facilities and carbon dioxide transmission pipelines to ensure public safety.

·       Financial Security and Liability: Mandates operators to provide financial security to address potential contamination of public water systems by carbon dioxide and holds storage facilities and transmission pipelines liable for damages from unauthorized releases.

·       Setback Requirements and Notifications: Increases setback distances for storage facilities and pipelines and requires operators to notify relevant parties prior to constructing Class VI injection wells and transmission pipelines.

·       Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation: Imposes groundwater quality monitoring requirements and mandates remediation plans in case of carbon dioxide contamination.

Creates a new injection tax on carbon dioxide (CO₂) used in geologic sequestration via Class VI wells.

Key Provisions: 

- Tax Amount: $3 per metric ton of CO₂ injected. 

- Reporting & Payment: 

 - Monthly electronic filing and payment to the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR). 

 - Operators must submit injection data to both LDR and the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR). 

- Verification: DENR certifies reported injection volumes. 

- Revenue Allocation: 

 - After state constitutional obligations, revenue is allocated to parishes where CO₂ is stored. 

 - If storage spans multiple parishes, distribution is proportional to the surface area over the storage site. 

- Data Access: 

 - Operators must maintain relevant data. 

 - DENR can share this data with affected parishes. 

- Parish Use of Funds: Revenue may be used for any lawful purpose.

Impact Summary: 

This bill establishes a new revenue stream for local governments hosting CO₂ storage projects, introduces administrative responsibilities for operators, and ensures local oversight through data transparency.

HOUSE floor amendment set 2529 [LINK] clarify notification timelines and requirements regarding student seclusion or restraint incidents. They require prompt notification of principals, special education directors, and parents within specific timeframes. The amendments add procedural steps for convening Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings after such incidents. Additionally, the amendments specify effective dates, with some sections effective August 1, 2025, and others February 1, 2026.

HOUSE floor amendment set 2500 [LINK] technical and specify that certain responsibilities apply explicitly to each public elementary and secondary school authority.

Strengthens guidelines on using seclusion and physical restraint for students with exceptionalities, requires crisis intervention training for teachers, mandates classroom cameras, and enhances reporting and parental notification procedures.

KEY PROVISIONS:

• Limits physical restraint to trained staff and emergencies only.
• Excludes brief protective holds (under 3 minutes) from restraint definition.
• Bans restraints that restrict breathing or risk injury.
• Requires same-day parental notification and nurse checks after incidents.
• Mandates camera installation in all special education classrooms.
• Requires IEP review after 3 restraint or seclusion incidents per school year.
• Establishes mandatory crisis intervention training for teachers.