Housing

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 1051: PROPERTY/VACANT SUBSTAND: Provides relative to the demolition of certain dilapidated property in the city of Shreveport

This bill requires commercial property owners in Shreveport to demolish their buildings if they receive fire insurance payments and the property becomes dilapidated and dangerous to residents. The law applies retroactively to January 1, 2023, and forward, mandating demolition rather than repair when fire damage leaves structures unsafe. It specifically targets commercial properties in the city that pose health and welfare risks after fire-related insurance claims. The measure gives the city authority to enforce demolition orders under these specific conditions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates demolition of dangerous dilapidated properties to protect residents from health and welfare risks, improving housing safety standards.75% confidence

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 961: TAX/AD VALOREM TAX: Extends eligibility to certain trusts for an ad valorem tax exemption for a property owner who is at least sixty-five years of age or older (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV See Note)

This bill modifies the eligibility criteria for property tax exemptions available to seniors in Louisiana. It allows certain trusts to qualify for ad valorem tax exemptions on behalf of property owners who are at least sixty-five years old or older. The amendment specifically updates the legal reference to align with the Regular Session of the legislature. This change directly affects elderly homeowners and their trust arrangements, potentially reducing their property tax burden. The bill does not alter the fundamental structure of the exemption but adjusts the procedural language governing its application.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill extends property tax exemptions for seniors, reducing tax burden on elderly homeowners and promoting fiscal relief for lower-income populations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces property tax burden for elderly homeowners through trust eligibility, indirectly supporting housing affordability for seniors.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Landlords Property Taxes

failed · Louisiana · House May 13, 2026

HR 3: HOUSING: Requests the Louisiana Housing Corporation to work in conjunction with the division of administration and the State Civil Service Commission to study the feasibility of creating a housing and rental assistance program using vacant state-owned property to support cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened renter households of state government employees (EG INCREASE SG EX See Note)

This bill is a resolution that asks the Louisiana Housing Corporation to work with other state agencies to study whether it's possible to create a housing assistance program using vacant state-owned property. The program would specifically help state government employees who spend more than 30% of their income on rent, with priority for those spending over 50%. To support this study, the resolution requests that the Division of Administration provide data on available vacant state property and that the State Civil Service Commission supply salary information for state employees. The Louisiana Housing Corporation would then report its findings back to the House of Representatives and the Appropriations Committee.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes creating a housing assistance program using vacant state property to help cost-burdened state employees, directly advancing affordable housing initiatives.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1133: HOUSING: Creates the Dream Starter Act

This bill establishes the Dream Starter Act to create a new assistance program for first-generation homebuyers in Louisiana who lack generational wealth or prior homeownership experience. The program will provide forgivable loans to help eligible applicants cover down payments, closing costs, mortgage insurance, and interest rate buy-downs when purchasing a principal residence. To qualify, applicants must meet first-time homebuyer criteria, complete approved homebuyer education and financial counseling, and commit to living in the home for a specified period. The Louisiana Housing Corporation will administer the program, manage a dedicated state fund, and submit annual reports on participation and outcomes to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates assistance program with forgivable loans for first-generation homebuyers, representing government spending to support housing affordability and financial inclusion.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates assistance program with forgivable loans for first-generation homebuyers, directly advancing affordable housing access and homebuyer support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Affordable Housing Homeownership Mortgages

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 794: HOUSING: Creates the Louisiana First-Generation Homebuyer Assistance Act

HB 794 establishes the Louisiana First-Generation Homebuyer Assistance Program to help first-time homebuyers who haven’t owned a home before (or whose parents didn’t own one during their childhood) and who meet income limits (up to 120% of area median income, with 50% of funds reserved for those at 80% AMI or below). It provides up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as a zero-interest, forgivable loan, fully forgiven if the buyer lives in the home for five years - otherwise, repayment is prorated based on occupancy time. The program prioritizes homes in census tracts with low homeownership rates and requires participating lenders to offer fair lending practices, report demographic data, and provide homebuyer education. Administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, it’s funded through state capital outlay, repayments, federal grants, and private contributions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates Louisiana's First-Generation Homebuyer Assistance Program providing up to $25k in down payment/closing cost assistance for low-income first-time buyers, directly funding affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

Track

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 299: INSURANCE DEPARTMENT: Allows nonprofit organizations to provide additional resources to cover the cost of installing a fortified roof. (gov sig)

SB 299 amends Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program to explicitly allow nonprofit organizations to help homeowners cover costs for installing fortified roofs. It directly affects homeowners receiving program grants and nonprofit groups that can now provide additional financial support for roof installation. The key provision removes prohibitions against nonprofits assisting grant recipients with these specific costs, defining "nonprofit organization" as tax-exempt entities under federal and state law. This change streamlines support for homeowners seeking to strengthen homes against weather damage without altering the program's core grant structure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands Fortify Homes Program to allow nonprofits to cover fortified roof costs, directly funding a housing maintenance program for homeowners.90% confidence

Track

passed · Louisiana · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 89: TAX/AD VALOREM: Requires the assessor in St. Charles Parish to provide property owners with a form for permanent registration of the homestead exemption. (gov sig) (EG -$13,117 LF EX See Note)

SB 89 requires the tax assessor in St. Charles Parish to provide property owners with a form for permanent registration of the homestead exemption, which reduces property taxes for primary residences. This directly affects homeowners in St. Charles Parish who would no longer need to reapply annually for the exemption. The bill amends existing law to specifically include St. Charles Parish in the list of parishes mandated to offer this permanent registration form, streamlining the process for eligible residents. The law would take effect upon gubernatorial approval or legislative override of a veto.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesStreamlines homestead exemption registration, reducing property taxes for primary residences in St. Charles Parish per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReduces property taxes for primary homeowners in St. Charles Parish, lowering housing costs through streamlined homestead exemption access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

Track

failed · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HB 712: MTR VEHICLE/OFFICE: Provides relative to fee waivers by the office of motor vehicles for driver's licenses and state identification cards (RE1 DECREASE SG RV See Note)

HB 712 creates fee waivers for Class "E" driver's licenses and state identification cards for homeless individuals in Louisiana. It requires applicants to provide a letter from an approved entity (like a homeless shelter, healthcare provider, or school liaison) confirming homelessness, which includes people living at or below 100% of the federal poverty line. The waiver covers all fees for issuing, renewing, or replacing these credentials, but excludes individuals violating driver's license laws. This bill directly affects homeless residents seeking essential identification without cost.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesWaives fees for homeless (low-income) individuals on essential IDs, reducing government revenue barriers and aligning with fiscal relief for vulnerable groups.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingWaives fees for homeless individuals to obtain IDs needed for housing access, directly addressing homelessness per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 440: TAX EXEMPTIONS/HOMESTEAD: (Constitutional Amendment) Authorizes a parish governing authority to increase the amount of the homestead exemption (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

HB 440 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Louisiana parishes to increase the homestead property tax exemption from $7,500 to a maximum of $12,500 per home. It directly affects homeowners in parishes that choose to approve such increases through their local governing authorities. The bill would maintain existing exemptions for veterans (with disability ratings of 50%+) and first responders (who get an additional $2,500 exemption), while enabling parishes to add up to $5,000 more to the standard homestead exemption. The change requires voter approval and would take effect for 2027 property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases homestead property tax exemption, providing direct tax relief to homeowners (middle/low income) by reducing their tax burden.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases homestead tax exemption (from $7,500 to $12,500), reducing property tax burden for homeowners, directly supporting property rights under housing policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 741: HOUSING: Provides relative to housing for victims of human trafficking

HB 741 requires Louisiana local housing authorities to give priority for housing vouchers to human trafficking survivors. It mandates verification of survivor status through healthcare professionals, law enforcement reports, protective orders, or other official sources. The bill also prohibits public disclosure of addresses linked to these vouchers to protect survivors' privacy. This policy directly affects trafficking survivors seeking stable housing and housing authorities administering voucher programs. The law aims to provide immediate housing support while safeguarding survivors' safety through confidential address handling.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides housing priority for trafficking survivors with privacy protections, directly supporting victim reintegration and safety within criminal justice reform frameworks.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrioritizes housing vouchers for trafficking survivors, advancing affordable housing access and protecting privacy for vulnerable tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Homelessness Tenant Rights