This bill designates a specific stretch of Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish as the "Desert Shield-Desert Storm Memorial Highway" to honor military service. The designated section runs from the intersection of Highway 723 and Wyman Road to the intersection with Destination Pointe Lane. The Department of Transportation and Development must install and maintain appropriate signage for this designation, but only if local or private funding covers the costs, with a maximum of $750 per sign. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change affecting transportation rules 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 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 11 in Slidell, St. Tammany Parish (between Carollo Drive and Kostmayer Avenue) as the "Dan DeBlanc American Hero Highway." It requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the costs - up to $2,250 per sign - for materials and installation. The bill directly affects the local community through signage and funding requirements, with no broader policy changes or financial obligations for the state. It is a commemorative measure with no substantive legislative impact beyond naming a highway corridor.
SB 180 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing surviving spouses of disabled veterans to transfer their property tax exemption to a new homestead property. Specifically, if a veteran with a service-connected disability (rated 50% or higher by the VA) received an expanded property tax exemption, their surviving spouse can transfer that exemption to a new home they own and occupy - once, and limited to the value claimed on the previous home. The exemption applies to properties where the veteran’s disability rating was 50%-70% (covering $10,000 in value), 70%-100% (covering $12,000), or 100% (covering all value beyond the homestead exemption). The transfer requires verification by the property assessor and is effective January 1, 2027, pending voter approval.
This Louisiana Senate resolution asks the U.S. Congress to provide timely and complete funding for the military that matches the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill specifically targets military personnel and their families in Louisiana, aiming to reduce budget uncertainty that can delay construction, training, and essential services like housing and healthcare. It also requests that the federal government prioritize support for quality of life issues, including compensation and expanded access to fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization. By sending this request to federal lawmakers, the state legislature seeks to ensure stable resources for defense operations and the well-being of service members.
HB 436 would allow Louisiana municipalities to appoint veterans as park police officers and the state Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to appoint veterans as state park wardens. It updates existing laws (R.S. 33:4558 and R.S. 56:1688) to explicitly include veterans - defined per R.S. 13:5364 - as eligible candidates for these roles. The bill directly affects veterans seeking such positions and the parks where they would serve. This is a procedural change to hiring criteria, not a new benefit or entitlement.
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.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's sincere condolences to the family of John Norman Gallaspy, who passed away on March 21, 2026. The document outlines Gallaspy's life achievements, including his service in the Korean War, his career as a lawyer, and his contributions to the Bogalusa community. It formally recognizes his legacy and directs a copy of the resolution to be sent to his family.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences for Dr. Joe S. Green, known as "The Bayou Bishop," who passed away on February 20, 2026. The resolution formally acknowledges his life and service, highlighting his roles as a military veteran, church leader, and community figure who served for decades in Rapides Parish. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official statement of respect and appreciation for his contributions to the state and his community.
