SB 297 creates a formal process for insurers in Louisiana to claim certain rate filing information as trade secrets, preventing public inspection. Insurers must clearly mark such information, submit sworn affidavits meeting strict criteria (e.g., demonstrating economic value and secrecy efforts), and provide a public summary without disclosing protected details. However, the bill explicitly requires disclosure of financial models, affiliate transactions, compensation, and other specified data, which cannot be hidden as trade secrets. The commissioner reviews all claims, with penalties for false claims and independent annual reviews of trade secret assertions to ensure compliance.
SB 301 directs Louisiana to use surplus state-owned land for affordable housing by requiring the Louisiana Housing Corporation to maintain an annual public inventory of available property. It establishes a process where nonprofit or government housing entities can submit proposals to develop affordable housing on this land, with proposals evaluated based on criteria like the proportion of deeply affordable units (rent ≤30% of income for very low-income residents), nonprofit ownership models, and inclusion of supportive services. The bill directly affects affordable housing entities, which can develop housing for very low-income (≤50% median income), low-income (≤80%), and moderate-income (≤100%) residents, while requiring annual reporting on transferred properties to the legislature. Key mechanisms include mandatory scoring of proposals, cooperative agreements between the Corporation and housing entities, and gubernatorial review for property retention. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 298 prohibits Louisiana insurance companies from including institutional advertising expenses (like general brand marketing) when calculating their rate proposals. The bill amends state insurance statutes to define "expenses" as excluding such advertising costs and explicitly states insurers cannot use these expenses to set rates. This directly affects all property and casualty insurers operating in Louisiana that file rate changes with the state. The key mechanism is a statutory definition change that removes advertising costs from the expense calculations insurers use for rate filings. The bill does not alter other rate components like claims costs or operational expenses.
SB 302 reorganizes the election structure for judges in Louisiana's First Judicial District Court (covering Caddo Parish). It divides Caddo Parish into three specific election sections with defined precincts and designates one judgeship (Division F) to be elected at large across the entire district, rather than from a specific section. This change affects voters in Caddo Parish who will now elect one judge for Division F from the whole district, while other judges continue to be elected from their designated sections. The bill repeals a prior provision (Section 3(E) of Act No. 145) and clarifies that Division F vacancies will be filled by at-large elections following specific circumstances like retirement or resignation.
SB 309 requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety to establish rules governing pricing for prelicensing driving courses. It directly affects licensed driving schools (Class D/E providers) and adult students (18+) who take these courses instead of standard driver education. The bill mandates the department create rules covering course fees, classroom size, and facilities, without setting specific price points. These rules will be developed through administrative processes and reviewed by transportation committees. The legislation standardizes pricing oversight for this specific type of driver training.
SB 343 amends the structure of East Baton Rouge Parish's Recreation and Park Commission. It specifies that the commission will consist of three ex-officio members (mayors of Baker, Baton Rouge, Central, St. George, and Zachary, each appointing a designee) and six appointed members: at least two residents of Baton Rouge city and one resident of unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish. The bill requires the commission to adjust residency requirements after each federal census and mandates that all members serve without pay. This change aligns the commission's membership rules with East Baton Rouge Parish's Home Rule Charter, correcting a previous law that conflicted with local government structure.
SB 337 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana by requiring transparency in how they handle drug pricing and payments. It directly affects PBMs, local pharmacies (those with fewer than 10 locations), health insurers, and patients enrolled in health plans. Key provisions include banning "effective rate pricing" (hidden fee reductions), mandating clear compensation rules for pharmacies, allowing pharmacies to sue PBMs for violations, and requiring regular audits of PBM practices. The bill also creates new definitions for terms like "maximum allowable cost list" to ensure fair reimbursement for pharmacist services.
SB 344 would make it illegal to store a firearm unsecured (not in a locked container or with a tamper-resistant trigger lock) on property under a person's control if they know or should know a minor (under 18) or a prohibited person (e.g., banned due to a crime, mental health issue, or protective order) might access it. It directly affects firearm owners on their own property, such as parents or guardians. The bill includes exceptions for firearms carried on the person, unlawful entry, or supervised hunting with permission. Violations carry fines up to $500 or 6 months in jail; if injury occurs, penalties increase to up to $1,000 or 1 year in jail. The law explicitly states it does not affect constitutional rights to keep firearms under Louisiana or U.S. Constitution.
SB 332 prohibits the intentional disposal of whole waste tires in landfills as final disposal. It allows landfills to accept tires that have been processed - such as cut, separated, or shredded - according to rules set by Louisiana's environmental department. The bill directly affects waste tire processors, landfills, and waste management companies handling tire disposal. It clarifies existing rules to prevent illegal dumping while providing a regulated pathway for tire disposal through processing.
SB 329 updates Louisiana's child abuse and neglect reporting system by requiring mandatory reporters (such as teachers, childcare staff, and healthcare providers) to immediately report suspected cases via a statewide hotline or online portal, with written follow-up within five days. The bill mandates schools to report alleged abuse to parents and law enforcement, requires physicians to test newborns for prenatal drug exposure without parental consent (reporting positive results), and establishes a dedicated DCFS liaison for child fatalities and near fatalities. It also adds requirements for film processors to report suspected child sexual abuse materials to law enforcement immediately and details specific reporting procedures for different settings. These changes aim to streamline reporting, improve response coordination, and enhance data management for child welfare cases.
HB 942 expands Louisiana's definition of "first responder" to include public works employees (e.g., road crews, utility workers, and infrastructure maintenance staff). It formally recognizes these employees as essential during emergencies, requiring them to assist with infrastructure repairs, debris clearance, and disaster response coordination. The bill explicitly states it does not change retirement benefits, workers' compensation eligibility, or create mandatory pay increases - any future changes to benefits would require separate legislation. Public works employees can now participate in emergency training programs but retain existing civil service rights and classifications. This defines their emergency role without altering current employment terms.
HB 939 merges Louisiana's Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission and Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission into a single agency called the Louisiana New and Used Motor Vehicle Commission. This commission regulates businesses including new/used car dealers, parts sellers, scrap processors, auctions, and rental companies by setting licensing rules, inspecting locations, and requiring recordkeeping. A key provision gives the commission authority to take possession of vehicle titles from dealers who fail to provide them to customers, then distribute titles to rightful owners. The bill also establishes a task force for technology maintenance and creates fee structures to fund the agency’s operations.
