Veterans

SB 105 amends Louisiana's TOPS program to expand eligibility for the TOPS-Tech Award to veterans honorably discharged from U.S. military installations located in Louisiana. To qualify, veterans must earn a 17+ ACT score (or equivalent SAT/ACT WorkKeys silver level) and submit their DD-214 discharge documents. The bill specifically applies to the 2020-2023 academic years and targets veterans who served at Louisiana military bases. It modifies existing eligibility rules without changing funding or creating new benefits, focusing solely on qualifying veterans for technical college financial aid.

SB 317 proposes to amend Louisiana's Military Advisory Council membership rules by increasing its size from 19 to 21 members. The bill specifies that two additional positions will be added: the chair of the Senate Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs and the chair of the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, each serving as voting members. This change directly affects how the council is structured and who participates in its meetings, which advise the state on military and veterans' matters. The council's current composition already includes the governor, adjutant general, legislative leaders, and agency secretaries. The bill focuses solely on procedural membership details without altering the council's duties or funding.

SB 51 creates a new criminal offense for falsely claiming military service or awards to gain benefits. It directly affects individuals who lie about receiving military honors (like medals or service records) to obtain economic advantages, veteran benefits, or privileges. The bill establishes tiered penalties: up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail for basic false claims, up to $5,000 or 1 year for falsely claiming major awards (e.g., Medal of Honor), and up to $10,000, 5 years in prison, or restitution for fraud that secures benefits reserved for veterans or their families. Definitions clarify that "award" includes medals, ribbons, and official service records maintained by military or state forces.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences and honors the life of Dr. Richard Edward Landry, a physician and veteran who passed away in August 2025. The document outlines his personal history, including his military service in Vietnam, his career as a family medicine doctor in Lake Charles, and his extensive community and church involvement. It formally commends his character and contributions while extending sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the family as a gesture of respect.