HB 342 requires local education agencies (LEAs) in Louisiana to prove the appropriateness of a student's special education program or placement during due process hearings, shifting the burden of proof from parents to the school district. This directly affects parents of students in special education and the LEAs (like school districts) involved in these disputes. The bill specifies that LEAs must meet this burden by showing the program or placement is appropriate "by a preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not). The change applies to both current and proposed educational plans in formal due process hearings.
HB 782 regulates vapor products and alternative nicotine products in Louisiana by establishing new definitions, increasing permit fees, and adding enforcement mechanisms. It requires retail businesses selling these products to obtain permits (increasing annual fees from $25 to $100 for retailers), mandates wholesale dealers to verify retailers have valid permits, and prohibits remote sales. Violations can result in fines up to $4,000 for repeat offenses, and unpermitted products may be seized and forfeited. The bill directly affects retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers operating in this market within Louisiana.
HB 431 requires mayors and governing authorities in Louisiana municipalities with 15,000 or fewer residents (per the latest federal census) to complete 16 hours annually of state-approved training. The training covers specific topics like ethics, harassment prevention, cybersecurity, procurement, and emergency preparedness, organized into 13 categories by the Louisiana Municipal Association. Compliance will be verified through annual attestation included with municipal financial reports and publicly listed by the legislative auditor. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to elected officials but not temporary appointees serving less than one year.
HB 762 prohibits Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) from referring certain unpaid reinstatement fees to the Office of Debt Recovery. It directly affects drivers who owe fees to reinstate a suspended license or registration. The bill amends state law to specifically exclude debts from Section 32:863(A)(3)(a) (reinstatement fees) from being sent to debt recovery, while keeping other delinquent debts referable. This change prevents OMV from escalating these specific fee collections through debt recovery procedures, requiring direct resolution with OMV instead.
HB 593 raises the maximum fee local governments can charge for motor vehicle services at field offices not fully funded by the state, increasing it from $4.50 to $8 per transaction. It affects local offices across Louisiana that cover operational costs (like facility rent and utilities) through user fees. Parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, and Calcasieu may charge up to $6 per transaction, while West Monroe can charge the new $8 limit. Fees cannot be applied to vehicle registration renewals, and the bill removes prior exceptions for specific parishes regarding fee caps.
HB 399 would allow Louisiana prisons to temporarily release inmates with terminal illnesses (where death is expected within 120 days) or severe mobility restrictions requiring acute medical care, such as prolonged coma or mechanical ventilation. It specifically excludes inmates sentenced to death. The bill clarifies the timeframe for release decisions and amends existing law to standardize this process. Currently pending in committee, it has not yet become law.
HB 481 sets cost limits for publishing official government notices and proceedings in Louisiana. It requires parishes, municipalities, and school boards to contract with printers for these publications, capping rates at $0.03 per character or $2.76 per square inch for tables (smaller parishes) and $0.03 per character or $3.96 per square inch (larger parishes with cities over 100,000 residents). The bill establishes specific pricing rules based on notice format and publication size, with rates prorated for non-standard layouts. This directly affects local government entities responsible for publishing public notices and official records.
HB 707 updates Louisiana's Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission rules to redirect assessment fees toward promoting propane use through advertising, trade shows, and consumer rebates for propane appliances. It requires the commission to form an advisory board with nine industry representatives (including specific permit holders) to advise on fund allocation. The board must meet publicly and can hold virtual sessions, with members serving without pay. The bill also allows the commission to partner with the Department of Agriculture for market development efforts. Currently pending in committee.
HB 812 authorizes a 5% annual increase in salary for Louisiana parish assessors (who determine property values for tax purposes) through 2029. The bill requires assessors to publish a 30-day notice in their parish's official journal before implementing each raise, with the first increase effective in 2026. The raises apply to all assessors regardless of parish size, building on existing salary tiers based on population. This change affects approximately 64 parish assessors statewide, with four scheduled increases (one per year) over the 2026-2029 period. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, pending legislative approval if vetoed.
HB 463 increases the maximum monthly fee that Louisiana communications districts can charge for emergency telephone service on wireless accounts from $1.25 to $2.00 per connection. This change applies to all wireless customers within these districts, allowing districts to collect up to $2.00 per month or maintain their existing rate (if higher) as of August 1, 2016. The bill amends Louisiana law to update this fee cap, which will take effect January 1, 2027. It directly affects wireless service users in Louisiana communications districts by changing the legal limit on this specific service charge.
HB 949 amends Louisiana's licensing rules for radiologic technologists and related roles. It formally defines "radiologist assistant" as a licensed technologist certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists who performs advanced imaging under a radiologist's direct supervision but cannot interpret images, diagnose, or prescribe. The bill adds requirements for limited-purpose permits, clarifies radiation safety officer duties (prohibiting delegation), and updates licensing procedures including continuing education standards. This directly affects radiologic technologists, radiologist assistants, their employers, and the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.
HB 708 authorizes justice of the peace courts in East Baton Rouge Parish to share jurisdiction with city courts for eviction cases involving residential or commercial properties where monthly rent is $5,000 or less. This directly affects landlords seeking evictions and tenants facing eviction in those specific cases within the parish. The bill creates concurrent jurisdiction, meaning either court type can handle these evictions without requiring a specific court to be chosen. It also requires justice of the peace court districts to align with existing territorial boundaries established by law.
