Technology (Telecommunications)

This bill, known as the "Stop The Calls" Act, requires telecommunications providers in Louisiana to implement federal call authentication technology and maintain plans to reduce robocalls. It mandates that phone companies take steps to prevent and detect spoofed caller ID traffic, investigate complaints from the attorney general, and stop carrying traffic from customers who engage in unlawful spoofing after receiving notice. The law establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per knowing violation and $1,000 per negligent failure to comply, while protecting providers from liability if they act in good faith to meet federal requirements. The attorney general can enforce these rules through civil actions seeking penalties, restitution, and injunctive relief. The bill explicitly states it must align with federal telecommunications laws and cannot conflict with federal preemption.

SB 251 establishes the "Louisiana Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2026" to safeguard critical infrastructure - including gas/oil systems, water delivery, telecommunications, power grids, emergency services, and transportation systems - from foreign adversaries. The bill prohibits companies and government entities from entering agreements that allow foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations) to access or control critical infrastructure, and bans the use of adversary cameras and laser sensors in Louisiana transportation systems. Companies must certify their access, conduct background checks on employees with infrastructure access, store data outside foreign adversary countries, and report cyber incidents to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, with exceptions only for unavoidable needs approved by that office. This directly affects businesses and government agencies operating critical infrastructure in Louisiana.

HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, requires internet and cable providers in Louisiana to give residential customers 30 days' written notice before raising prices for broadband or cable services. The notice must itemize all new charges, state the effective date and reason for the increase, and inform customers they can cancel without early fees if they act within 30 days of receiving the notice. Providers must deliver notices via the customer’s preferred billing channel (email, text, or mail) and keep records for two years. The law does not regulate prices but treats violations as unfair trade practices, allowing enforcement through Louisiana’s consumer protection laws. It takes effect January 1, 2027, applying only to price increases first notified after that date.

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.