HB 145 creates a new program to cover uncovered medical and dental expenses for full-time firemen and law enforcement officers (including sheriffs, state police, municipal police, and university police) injured while performing job duties. It requires the Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen's Survivor Benefit Review Board to review claims within 60 days and authorizes the state risk director to pay up to $50,000 per injury for expenses not covered by workers' compensation or employer health insurance. The bill excludes coverage for injuries caused by intentional misconduct, intoxication, or gross negligence. This program applies to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2023, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026.
HB 143 increases the daily payment rate Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections pays to parish sheriffs for housing state inmates in local jails when the state cannot accept them. The bill sets specific rates: $25.39 per day for FY 2019-2020, $26.39 per day for FY 2020-2021 through FY 2026-2027, and $29.39 per day starting FY 2027-2028. It also requires the department to collaborate with sheriffs to update jail guidelines by December 2020, including treatment and educational programming for inmates. The bill directly affects parish sheriffs, local jails, and the state’s correctional budget.
HCR 3 establishes a quarterly assessment on Louisiana hospitals to stabilize funding without using state general funds. It requires hospitals to pay a percentage of their inpatient and outpatient revenue (ranging from 1.38% to 6.74%, with exemptions for rural hospitals and small facilities under 40 beds). The collected funds support Medicaid reimbursement enhancements for hospitals, ensuring payments meet or exceed 2026 rates while aligning with federal CMS guidelines. This directly affects most acute care hospitals in Louisiana, excluding rural and small facilities, and aims to preserve hospital services for all residents.
HB 873 adds a $2 supplemental fee to certain Louisiana driver's license applications and renewals (including Class D, E, and commercial licenses) to create the "Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund." The funds will provide grants to law enforcement agencies for pursuit intervention technology - such as GPS projectiles, tire deflation devices, and vehicle-tethering systems - and for training on their safe use. This affects all drivers obtaining or renewing eligible licenses statewide, with the fee appearing on standard license transactions. The bill does not change existing license costs but directs specific portions of fees toward this new safety fund.
HB 651 creates a tax rebate program for Louisiana employers who allow employees to teach at the state's community and technical colleges. It provides a 50% rebate on the employer's cost for this arrangement, with an annual cap starting at $1 million in 2027 (increasing up to $5.5 million yearly if demand is high). Employers must apply between January 1-March 1 each year, with rebates awarded on a first-come basis or pro rata if demand exceeds the cap. The program begins January 1, 2027, and funds come from existing state tax collections.
HB 603 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Louisiana state funds to be invested in digital assets (like cryptocurrencies) and precious metals (such as gold or silver). This change would directly affect how the state manages its public finances, specifically modifying Article VII, Section 14(B) of the Louisiana Constitution. The bill would require voter approval in the November 2026 election to take effect, as it amends the state constitution rather than creating new legislation. If passed, it would permit the state to allocate a portion of its funds into these asset classes, expanding existing investment options for public money.
HB 829 creates the Louisiana Minority Business Development Fund to provide low-interest loans to qualifying minority-owned small businesses. It directly affects businesses majority-owned by African American, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Native American, or women-owned entities (with ≤50 employees, ≤$5M annual revenue, and ≥12 months in operation). The fund operates as a revolving loan program with fixed interest rates (3-5%) and loan limits up to $500,000, prioritizing flexible collateral and technical assistance. Repayments, state appropriations, and grants replenish the fund, ensuring long-term capital access without annual budget reversion.
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Economic Development
HB 377 sets pay ranges for two state civil service positions: the state examiner and deputy state examiner overseeing municipal fire and police personnel systems. It specifies that the state examiner’s position must align with the pay range of the deputy director of state civil service, while the deputy state examiner’s role must be assigned to a pay range two levels below that position. Both positions require specific experience in civil service administration and will receive travel/living expense reimbursement when traveling for work. The bill amends constitutional and statutory provisions to clarify these compensation structures without creating new policies or affecting broader public services.
SB 318 requires Louisiana's Department of Revenue to publish an annual tax exemption budget online, including each exemption's legal reference and purpose. It mandates organizing exemptions into specific categories (like business incentives or property tax breaks) and removes outdated reporting rules about tax incentives. The bill repeals several existing sections of tax law related to exemption reporting. This change directly affects the Department of Revenue's reporting process and provides clearer public access to tax exemption details for Louisiana taxpayers and stakeholders.
SB 88 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Louisiana parishes to approve an additional $22,500 property tax exemption for homes already qualifying for the existing $7,500 homestead exemption. Local parish governments would need to formally approve this extra exemption, and taxing authorities must absorb any resulting revenue loss without increasing taxes for other property owners. The amendment requires voter approval in a statewide election on November 3, 2026, and specifies that this exemption would not trigger property reappraisals or millage adjustments. It directly affects homeowners in parishes that adopt this additional tax break.
