SB 129 creates a special "Master Combat Infantryman" license plate for Louisiana motor vehicles. It is available only to veterans who hold the Combat Infantryman Badge plus one of three specific expert badges (Expert Infantryman, Expert Field Medical, or Expert Soldier Badge), as defined by Army regulations. The plate features the Army badge design in light blue and gold, with the title text, and follows existing fee structures for specialty plates. The license plate must be returned upon the holder's death, but may transfer to a surviving spouse who hasn't remarried.
HB 609 prohibits healthcare providers and facilities in Louisiana from charging fees for medical records when veterans request them specifically to apply for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. It applies only once per veteran for the purpose of a disability claim, requiring providers to verify veteran status and the claim's purpose before waiving fees. The law exempts costs for preparing, reproducing, handling, or transmitting records under this specific circumstance. This directly affects veterans seeking disability benefits and healthcare entities handling such record requests.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Lane "Frenchie" Boudreaux for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. It specifically recognizes his decision to re-enter a combat zone under heavy fire to recover the body of his fallen comrade, Sergeant First Class James H. Moore, carrying the body while refusing to leave him behind. The resolution honors Boudreaux's self-sacrifice and service as an embodiment of the Marine Corps ethos that no comrade is ever abandoned. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not create new laws or funding but serves to publicly acknowledge his bravery and express appreciation for his military service.
This bill directs the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study the feasibility of creating a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers, a series of large-scale military exercises from 1940 and 1941. The study must be conducted in consultation with the Louisiana State Museum and the National WWII Museum and will examine potential locations, estimated costs, the inclusion of conference space, and the possibility of affiliating the new museum with the National WWII Museum. The department is required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by March 1, 2027. This resolution focuses on planning and research rather than immediately funding or constructing the facility.
This bill designates specific sections of the Galatas Memorial Bridge in Louisiana by inserting the word "Memorial" into its official name. The change is made through three amendments that update the bridge's title in the state's highway records. Once passed, the legislation ensures the bridge is formally recognized with this specific designation in all relevant transportation documents.
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.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for the continued operations of the National Guard at Camp Beauregard in Pineville and commends the Youth Challenge Program. The resolution recognizes Camp Beauregard's long history of supporting military training and emergency operations, noting its role as a primary training platform for the Louisiana National Guard. It also highlights the Youth Challenge Program, which provides an alternative educational opportunity for youth aged sixteen to eighteen, offering residential and post-residential phases focused on life skills, academics, and personal development. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative appreciation for these military and youth programs.
This bill is a Louisiana state resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to U.S. veterans who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992. It does not directly change federal law or provide benefits but serves as a formal request to recognize military personnel who faced hostile conditions during that period. The resolution cites that U.S. troops were involved in training and combat support activities where they experienced danger and casualties. It is a commemorative measure intended to honor service rather than to alter policy or funding.
HB 175 creates a new instant lottery game in Louisiana, with all proceeds dedicated to veteran programs. It establishes the Veterans Game Board (comprising state agency leaders and veteran organization representatives) to manage the "Veterans Game Fund," which receives all revenue from this specific game. The board distributes one-time grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants like 501(c)(3) veteran service organizations, colleges, JROTC programs, or veterans courts that improve veterans' lives. Unused funds are returned to the state treasury annually. This bill directly affects Louisiana veterans by channeling new lottery revenue into targeted support programs.
