Veterans

passed · Louisiana · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SR 28: CONDOLENCES: Expresses sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Patricia Ann McKinney Pendergrass.

This bill is a Senate resolution expressing condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Ann McKinney Pendergrass, who passed away on February 23, 2026. The resolution acknowledges her service in the U.S. Air Force, her community involvement in Minden, Louisiana, and her legacy of faith and perseverance. It directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to her family as a formal gesture of respect from the Louisiana Legislature.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran's service through formal recognition, expressing condolences and acknowledging her U.S. Air Force service in an official legislative resolution.90% confidence

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passed · Louisiana · House Mar 19, 2026

HR 34: COMMENDATIONS: Commends Colonel Joseph Musacchia, Jr., on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force

This bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes Colonel Joseph Musacchia, Jr. for his retirement from the U.S. Air Force. It formally acknowledges his 30 years of service, including command roles and deployments to Iraq, Oman, the UAE, and Turkey, as well as his extensive education and numerous military decorations. The resolution expresses appreciation for his dedication to national defense and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes veteran service and expresses appreciation for dedication to national defense, which supports veteran recognition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 1057: VOTERS/VOTING: Provides for an application to vote absentee by mail made by a member of the United States Service

This bill updates Louisiana's absentee voting rules to better accommodate members of the United States military stationed or deployed outside the country. It allows these service members to use federal postcard applications or electronic submissions and extends the validity of their applications until they are no longer deployed abroad. The law also requires registrars to provide written reasons if they reject a military member's application and mandates that service members submit a new application if their ballot is returned as undeliverable due to address changes. These changes aim to simplify the voting process for military personnel while maintaining oversight through specific requirements for application validity and registrar responsibilities.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill improves voting access for military members by allowing electronic submissions and extending application validity during deployment, directly supporting veteran services.95% confidence

Tags Elections

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1109: VETERANS: Provides relative to the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill establishes a Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program in Louisiana to support incarcerated veterans through mentorship and transitional work facilities. The program is authorized for veterans who have served at least ten years of their sentence, have no homicide or sex offense convictions, have completed required programming, and are classified as low-risk offenders. A new Veterans Oversight Committee will be formed to supervise the program and ensure its success, while eligibility requirements include obtaining a high school equivalent and completing a mentor training program. The legislation creates a pilot program structure that allows for parole or pardon hearings after successful participation, with specific provisions for life sentence offenders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes mentorship program for incarcerated veterans to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation, directly supporting criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes a mentorship program for incarcerated veterans, providing transitional support and oversight to aid their reintegration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Violent Crime

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HCR 11: MILITARY AFFAIRS: Expresses support for the continued operations of the Louisiana National Guard at Camp Beauregard in Pineville and commends the accomplishments of the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expresses legislative support for National Guard operations and commends youth programs, directly recognizing veteran-related services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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passed · Louisiana · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SR 8: CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences on the death of George Douglas "Dr. Doug" Brandon, DVM.

This bill is a Senate resolution expressing condolences on the death of George Douglas "Dr. Doug" Brandon, a veterinarian from Louisiana. It directly affects the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana and Dr. Brandon's family by formally acknowledging his passing and honoring his life's contributions. The resolution details his career in veterinary medicine, his military service, his long-standing clinic, and his community leadership roles, concluding with instructions to send a copy of the resolution to his wife. This is a commemorative measure that does not create new laws or policy changes.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors a veteran's military service through a Senate resolution, recognizing his contributions and expressing condolences, which supports veteran recognition.90% confidence

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passed · Louisiana · House Mar 27, 2026

HR 53: COMMENDATIONS: Commends decorated veteran and centenarian James "Jim" Bollich for his military service in the United States Army Air Corps on the occasion of Louisiana America 250

This resolution formally honors James "Jim" Bollich, a 104-year-old veteran from Louisiana, for his military service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. The bill recognizes his participation in the Battle of Bataan, his survival of the Bataan Death March, and his four-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war in Manchuria. It also acknowledges his numerous military decorations, including the Purple Heart and Congressional Gold Medal, as well as his later achievements as a Fulbright Scholar and author. The commendation is presented specifically to mark Louisiana's 250th anniversary.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill honors veteran James Bollich for his military service, recognizing his sacrifices and achievements, which supports veteran recognition and commemoration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Louisiana · House Mar 27, 2026

HR 52: COMMENDATIONS: Commends Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 550 and St. Bernard Parish Government on the occasion of the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony

This bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 550 and the St. Bernard Parish Government for organizing the annual Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony. The resolution honors the contributions of Vietnam-era veterans and acknowledges the local efforts to host the event at the Vietnam War Veterans Monument in Torres Park on March 27, 2026. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Louisiana House of Representatives to the organizations involved in the ceremony.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally recognizes and commends Vietnam Veterans and their commemoration efforts, expressing appreciation for veteran contributions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 317: MILITARY AFFAIRS: Provides relative to the membership of the Louisiana Military Advisory Council. (8/1/26)

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAdds chairs of veterans committees as voting council members, strengthening representation for veteran affairs in state advisory decisions.85% confidence

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 51: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of fraudulent representation of military service or awards. (8/1/26)

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense with tiered penalties, expanding criminalization of false military service claims rather than reforming justice system.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill prevents fraud in veteran benefits, protecting legitimate recipients and system integrity by penalizing false claims of military service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Memorials & Recognition