Technology

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 471: COMMERCE: Provides relative to prohibiting surveillance-based price discrimination

HB 471 prohibits businesses from charging different prices to consumers based on personal data collected through surveillance (like browsing history, location, or purchase habits). It directly affects consumers who might face unfair pricing and businesses using such data for personalized pricing. The bill allows price differences only if justified by actual costs or part of transparent discount programs for specific groups (e.g., veterans, students), with clear rules about how data can be used. Violations give consumers a legal right to sue under existing laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits surveillance-based price discrimination using consumer data, directly protecting privacy by restricting business use of personal data for pricing, aligning with data privacy safeguards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 843: CRIMINAL/VICTIMS: Creates the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment and Privacy Protection Act

HB 843 creates the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment and Privacy Protection Act in Louisiana, directly affecting victims of sexual offenses (defined under state law). It allows these victims to request the removal of their personal information - including home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and employment details - from public records and websites. Public bodies and third parties must remove this information within 72 hours of a valid written request, with failure to comply risking misdemeanor penalties (up to 18 months in jail or $5,000 fine). The law does not apply to records maintained by the secretary of state’s office, and it includes specific definitions for terms like "protected individual" and "personal information."

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 843 enhances victim privacy protections by mandating removal of personal data from public records, aligning with criminal justice reform principles focused on victim rights and safety.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates removal of personal data (addresses, SSNs) from public records/websites, directly protecting victim privacy per data privacy indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Violent Crime Data Privacy

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passed · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 617: CONSUMERS: Provides with respect to hidden fees charged to consumers

HB 617 requires businesses to clearly display the total price - including all mandatory fees or surcharges - before a consumer makes a purchase or booking. It directly affects all businesses selling goods or services to consumers, including restaurants, ride-share apps, and online platforms. Key provisions mandate that businesses disclose factors determining final prices (like distance or time), mandatory fees, and that costs may vary, all in clear, conspicuous language at the point of sale or advertising. Exemptions include businesses already complying with federal rules for broadband, cable, satellite, and live-event ticket pricing. The bill does not ban fees but ensures consumers see the full cost upfront, avoiding hidden charges.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires tech platforms (online services) to disclose fees transparently, aligning with consumer protection regulations for digital services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 627: PUBLIC MEETINGS: Provides relative to live-stream video and recording of the public meetings of entities created by law (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

HB 627 requires all government bodies created by law (like city councils or school boards) to both live-stream and video record every public meeting. This applies to all open proceedings, except private executive sessions, and mandates real-time online or TV broadcasting via the internet. The law exempts bodies from penalties if broadcast failures occur due to unforeseen technological issues beyond their control. It aims to increase public access to government meetings by making proceedings immediately available online.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires live-streaming of public meetings via internet, expanding public access to government proceedings through technology use85% confidence

Tags Government Transparency

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signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 858: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Establishes a public records exemption for Global Positioning System data collected on wildlife and aquatic life

HB 858 exempts GPS location data collected by Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on individual wildlife and aquatic animals from public records disclosure. The bill amends state law to explicitly exclude this specific data from being released under public records requests. This directly affects the department's ability to share such data with the public, while protecting the precise locations of individual animals from potential misuse. The key provision prevents the release of GPS information that could reveal where specific animals are located.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts GPS wildlife data from public disclosure to prevent misuse (e.g., poaching), directly protecting species and habitats, thus supporting conservation efforts.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts GPS wildlife tracking data from public disclosure, protecting location privacy from misuse per bill's intent to prevent potential harm to animals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 445: EDUCATION: Provides relative to the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advisory Council (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

HB 445 transfers Louisiana's STEM Advisory Council from the Department of Education to Louisiana Works and redefines its responsibilities. The bill requires the council to create a statewide STEM education plan, coordinate programs with workforce needs, encourage industry funding, and establish a resource clearinghouse. It creates a dedicated STEM Education Fund to support student-focused programs (including robotics competitions via FIRST) from pre-K through college, funded by legislative appropriations and private donations. The council must submit annual reports to education committees and meet quarterly, with members able to participate electronically. This bill directly affects STEM education programs, schools, and industry partners across Louisiana.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates dedicated STEM Education Fund for student programs (pre-K-college), including robotics, aligning with education funding and program enhancement indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds STEM education programs including robotics competitions via FIRST, directly supporting technology education and workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Higher Education

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 141: COURTS: Provides relative to certain information on court filings

HB 141 requires attorneys to remove specific personal information from court filings starting January 1, 2026, directly affecting lawyers who file documents. The bill prohibits including the first five digits of Social Security numbers, tax IDs, driver's license numbers, full birth dates, financial account numbers, or other protected data. It mandates electronic filing systems (with paper as an alternative) managed by Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority, ensuring filings are deemed filed at the time of electronic confirmation. Public access to electronically filed documents will follow existing rules for paper filings. The law aims to protect individuals' private information from being exposed in court records.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates removal of sensitive personal data (SSN, financial IDs) from court filings, directly enhancing data privacy protections in digital document handling.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 188: COURTS/COURT REPORTERS: Provides for digital and remote court reporting

HB 188 allows Louisiana courts to use digital recording systems for court proceedings, replacing traditional in-person court reporting. It permits certified court reporters to transcribe proceedings remotely via approved digital platforms and eliminates the requirement for reporters to be physically present during trials. The bill also sets certification standards for digital reporting and permits court staff (who don’t need digital certification) to operate recording equipment under training guidelines. This directly affects certified court reporters, courts implementing digital systems, and court personnel managing recording technology. The law aims to address court reporter shortages by modernizing how court records are preserved.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly enables digital court reporting systems, removes physical presence requirements, and establishes certification standards for digital platforms, advancing technology adoption in judicial processes.90% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 209: TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Provides relative to the Local Government Fair Competition Act. (8/1/26)

SB 209 amends Louisiana's telecommunications laws to clarify how local governments can provide broadband and telecommunications services. It explicitly allows local governments to bundle services and engage in business practices similar to private competitors (§844.42(7)-(8)), while prohibiting cross-subsidization from tax dollars or other services (§844.53(2)(a)). The bill requires that bonds for broadband projects be repaid solely from service revenues (§844.52(C)), not general funds, and permits projects funded by federal programs like BEAD to proceed without restrictions. This primarily affects Louisiana parishes and cities seeking to expand broadband access, especially in unserved areas, by enabling competitive local government-led initiatives under defined financial and operational rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires broadband bonds repaid solely from service revenues (not general funds) and prohibits cross-subsidization from tax dollars, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget management.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly enables local governments to provide broadband services and bundle offerings, directly expanding internet access while prohibiting tax-dollar cross-subsidization.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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failed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 259: UTILITIES: Provides relative to the repair of damaged infrastructure from certain excavators or demolishers (RE1 NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 259 requires excavators or demolishers using federal BEAD Program funding (for broadband infrastructure) to provide one week's notice before work begins. If they damage underground utility infrastructure, they must immediately stop further damage, notify affected parties, and cover all repair costs. The bill also states that such entities cannot receive final reimbursement from Louisiana's broadband office until they fix any damage. This applies specifically to projects funded by the BEAD Program, not general construction activities.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires repairs for BEAD-funded broadband infrastructure damage, preventing service disruptions and supporting internet access expansion through protective measures.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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