SB 56 Louisiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

LEVEES: Provides for the reorganization of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank and the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District. (8/1/26)

SB 56 reorganizes Louisiana's flood protection governance by renaming the "Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank and Lafitte Area Independent Levee District" to "Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank." It directly affects Jefferson Parish residents within specific geographic boundaries (north of 29°17'52" N and south of 29°47'00" N latitude). Key changes include increasing the board of commissioners from 7 to 9 members, requiring specific geographic representation (e.g., 2 from Jefferson West Bank, 1 from Lafitte Area), and setting term limits. The reorganization takes effect on August 1, 2026, streamlining oversight for flood protection in the region.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

May 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Signed into Law

Jun 2026

Introduced Feb 18, 2026 Signed Jun 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons

What changed between versions

SB56 Original → SB56 Act · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill reorganizes two flood protection entities in Southeast Louisiana. It merges the West Jefferson Levee District into the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District and transfers all assets from the former to the latter. Additionally, it integrates the West Bank Levee Authority into the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank, consolidating governance and operational control under these new structures.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District by absorbing the territory and assets of the West Jefferson Levee District, and it broadens the authority of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank to include the reorganized West Bank Levee Authority.

DEFINITION

The Lafitte Area Independent Levee District is redefined to include all lands previously under the West Jefferson Levee District, specifically those in Jefferson Parish north of 29° 17' 52" N and south of 29° 47' 00" N.

REQUIREMENT

The board of commissioners for the reorganized Lafitte Area Independent Levee District is now comprised of five members (one from Jean Lafitte and four at-large) instead of the previous structure, with specific term limits and appointment rules.

ENFORCEMENT

A new provision mandates the automatic transfer of all books, records, property, and assets from the West Jefferson Levee District to the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District without requiring additional legal instruments.

SCOPE

The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank is now explicitly authorized to exercise management and oversight over the reorganized West Bank Levee Authority, consolidating flood protection efforts in the region.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 15, 2026 · House May 20, 2026

How they voted

38–0

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 40

Apr 15, 2026

D Democratic12

11 Yea 1

91% Yea

R Republican28

27 Yea 1

96% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Amendments proposed by the House read and concurred in by a vote of 34 yeas and 0 nays.

upper

May 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 97, nays 0. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

lower

May 12, 2026

Introduced

Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

lower

May 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported with amendments (10-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

lower

Apr 21, 2026

Committee

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

lower

Apr 15, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported favorably.

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Committee

Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

upper

1 primary · 13 co-sponsors