LA Lege Tracker 2026

Last updated: 4/1/2026 #LaLege

Welcome to our Legislation Tracker for Louisiana’s 2026 Regular Legislative Session, which began on March 9th and will run through June 1st. Below you’ll find information about the legislation we are tracking and its status (we’ll update it as often as possible). Click the linked bill numbers in the dropdown to go to the legislative website for bill language, current status, vote counts, and more. The legislative website is a great tool for digging into bills, laws, schedules, and more.

(In December 2024, Louisiana voted and passed a constitutional amendment that allows the legislature to extend the legislative session up to six days to finalize the budget with a two-thirds vote, so the session could extend longer than the scheduled end date.)

Learn how a bill becomes law and how to contact your legislators here, and then,
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Bad Bills (a non-comprehensive list)

HB1137 is an anti-trans bill that would make it illegal for employers to discipline or terminate employees who intentionally misgender others or misuse their pronouns. This limits workplace protections related to respectful and inclusive conduct. In practice, this could make it harder for trans employees to address harassment or maintain a respectful work environment while prioritizing and supporting the disrespectful behavior of misgendering someone.
At a time when Louisiana still lacks statewide employment protections for LGBTQ+ people, this bill moves in the opposite direction. Lawmakers could instead focus on policies like HB293 that protect people from being fired for who they are, as well as broader economic issues like wages, affordability, and job access. Prioritizing bills like HB1137 diverts attention from real solutions and risks making workplaces less safe and inclusive for trans workers.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
HB578 is an anti-trans bill that would define “sex” in Louisiana law as sex assigned at birth and require that definition to be used across government data systems and certain forms, such as expungement forms. This approach is largely redundant of legislation passed in 2024, which already defined sex in state law based on a person’s sex at birth. Trans people already know that many of these systems and forms fail to accurately represent who we are. This bill sends a message to trans people that they are less worthy of respect and consideration.
Louisiana lawmakers should focus on solving the real problems facing our communities, like the cost of living, rather than rehashing symbolic, unsportsmanlike bills that distract from what actually matters. At a time when many Louisianans are struggling with affordability, wages, and housing costs, this bill does nothing to improve people’s daily lives. Prioritizing repeat bills like HB578 diverts attention from solutions that would actually help people across the state.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee.
HB4 would call a constitutional convention to draft a new Louisiana state constitution. The bill would create a convention of 93 delegates, most elected from legislative and Public Service Commission districts and 10 appointed by the governor, to meet beginning December 29, 2026, and draft a proposed constitution by October 2027. The proposed constitution would then be submitted to voters statewide for approval at the November 2027 gubernatorial election, and if approved, it would replace the current 1974 Louisiana Constitution at the end of that year. Because the convention would have authority to entirely rewrite the state’s governing document, the outcome could significantly affect Louisiana residents by potentially changing how state government operates, altering constitutional protections, or moving some existing constitutional provisions into ordinary law that could be changed more easily by the legislature.
The bill was amended to move the start date of this constitutional convention back to Monday, April 10, 2028 and pushes back all other dates in the bill to correlate with this schedule change. The new constitution would now go into affect in 2029. Other than these date changes, the rest of the bill seems to remain intact.
STATUS: Amended and passed the House and Governmental Affairs Committee. It’s now awaiting debate on the House Floor.
HB132 would expand the definition of battery of a police officer to include intentionally directing a loud sound at an officer’s head or ears at close range. The bill states that using devices such as a bullhorn, megaphone, air horn, whistle, or other amplified sound directed within close proximity of an officer could qualify as battery if it is capable of causing pain, hearing impairment, or injury. It also increases penalties when two or more people act together in committing the offense, with potential prison sentences of up to five years, or up to seven years if the incident causes injury requiring medical attention. Because protest activity often involves the use of bullhorns or amplified sound near police, the bill could increase legal risks for demonstrators and expand criminal liability in situations where loud speech or protest tactics are directed toward law enforcement.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.
HB255 would allow courts to add up to two additional years in prison if someone commits certain crimes while wearing a mask intended to conceal their identity. The bill applies this sentencing enhancement to dozens of offenses, including property damage, disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, obstructing public passages or highways, and rioting. While framed as a public safety measure, the proposal could increase penalties for people involved in protests or demonstrations where wearing masks is common, potentially discouraging participation in public demonstrations or increasing legal risks for protesters. It also raises concerns about personal freedom, as it effectively punishes people more harshly for choosing to wear a mask in public, and proving someone’s intent to hide their identity can be difficult and subjective in practice.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.
HB211 would create a “Homelessness Court” program while also criminalizing unauthorized camping on public property. The bill allows courts to establish specialized programs where people experiencing homelessness who are charged with certain crimes could receive treatment, housing assistance, and supervision instead of traditional sentencing, with the possibility of having charges dismissed if they complete the program. At the same time, it would create a new crime for camping or sleeping overnight on public property that is not designated for camping and generally prohibit local governments from allowing homeless encampments except in limited designated areas. If enacted, the bill could expand diversion programs for some people experiencing homelessness, but it could also increase criminal penalties for those same individuals by making sleeping or camping in public places illegal in many circumstances.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
SB194 would require state agencies to refer public benefit applicants who fail citizenship or immigration verification to ICE. The bill would require state agencies to verify citizenship or immigration status for applicants seeking public benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and other government assistance, limit which immigration statuses qualify for certain health programs, and terminate benefits if applicants fail to provide documentation during the verification period. It would also require agencies to report individuals with unsatisfactory immigration status to ICE and include those cases in reports to state officials. Applicants who cannot verify eligible immigration status could lose access to public benefits and have their information referred to federal immigration authorities, increasing the risk of enforcement actions.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee.
HB613 would require Louisiana driver’s licenses and state IDs to display an image indicating whether the cardholder is a U.S. citizen. The bill directs the Office of Motor Vehicles to place an image of an eagle in flight on licenses and ID cards when the applicant’s citizenship has been verified and requires the agency to create rules for verifying citizenship and displaying the symbol. If enacted, citizens would receive IDs marked with the eagle, while people without citizenship status would receive IDs without the symbol, creating a visible distinction on state IDs. This could negatively affect immigrants by making their status easier to identify in everyday situations, such as employment verification, housing, or interactions with law enforcement, increasing the risk of discrimination.
STATUS: Passed the House and is awaiting debate in a Senate Committee.
HB691 would require Louisiana to check voter registration records against a federal immigration database to identify people who may not be citizens on the voter rolls. The bill directs the secretary of state to annually submit voter data to the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, send any potential matches to the state’s election integrity division for investigation, and allow local registrars to challenge and potentially cancel those voter registrations if confirmed. The proposal is widely seen as addressing a problem that already has strong legal safeguards. People without U.S. citizenship are already prohibited from voting, and documented cases of ineligible voting are extremely rare. As a result, the bill is often viewed as advancing claims about widespread voter fraud that lack evidence and could lead to unnecessary investigations or challenges to legitimate voters.
STATUS: Passed the House and awaiting committee assignment in the Senate.
SB307 would authorize the installation of a Ten Commandments monument on the Louisiana State Capitol grounds and expand laws encouraging the display of religious documents as part of the state’s legal and cultural history. The bill directs the commissioner of administration to arrange for a privately funded monument displaying the Ten Commandments at the Capitol and expands existing law allowing government buildings, including schools, to display religious documents such as the Ten Commandments, the Mayflower Compact, and the Declaration of Independence alongside contextual explanations about religion’s role in legal history. This bill comes as Louisiana is already facing ongoing legal challenges over a separate law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, raising concerns about government promotion of a specific religious text. By encouraging more religious displays on public property, including schools, the bill could deepen ongoing legal disputes over the separation of church and state.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the Senate Education Committee.
HB705 would expand the definition and penalties for the crime of contempt of the Louisiana legislature. The bill would add new grounds for contempt, including interrupting legislative proceedings, bribing or attempting to influence a legislator’s vote, or causing the arrest of a legislator in violation of their constitutional protections. It would increase the maximum fine for contempt from $1,000 to $50,000 (the current law allows jail time, too) and require the presiding officer (the Chair, Speaker, etc) of the legislature to certify contempt findings to law enforcement for the immediate arrest of the accused. If enacted, the measure would strengthen the legislature’s enforcement powers during investigations and proceedings, but expanding contempt penalties and enabling immediate arrest, with the threat of fines and/or jail time, could have a chilling effect on protests or public disruptions around legislative activity.
STATUS: This bill was heard in the House and Governmental Affairs Committee and was deferred to be worked on more. It may or may not be schedule for another chance in the committee.
HB410 would require that all parties consent before someone records or transcribes an in-person conversation. The bill has exceptions for public meetings, law enforcement activity, emergencies capturing evidence of a crime, and recordings of officials performing duties in public.
However, a committee amendment has been filed that would change the requirement from obtaining “consent” to simply providing notice of the recording, but does not require the other party to explicitly agree. This change softens the original proposal by shifting from an all-party consent standard to a notification-based requirement.
STATUS: There was a hearing in the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee on March 10th, but the bill was delayed and will be rescheduled in a few weeks.
HB775 would require parental consent for most medical and mental health care provided to minors under age 17. The bill would repeal existing laws that allow minors to consent to certain medical treatments on their own and instead require consent from a parent or legal guardian for most care, while keeping limited exceptions such as treatment related to pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, substance misuse, abuse or neglect, or emergencies. It would also require healthcare providers to give parents access to a minor’s medical records and remove a school or facility’s authority to provide preventive counseling or treatment without parental consent. If enacted, the bill could limit minors’ ability to seek confidential healthcare, particularly for sensitive services like mental health care or sexual health, potentially discouraging some young people from seeking treatment if they cannot safely involve a parent or guardian.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Health and Welfare Committee.
HB752 would attempt to amend the Louisiana Constitution to give the legislature more control over when and how long its regular sessions last. The proposal would move the annual regular session start date to the second Monday in February and remove many constitutional deadlines and subject-matter restrictions that currently limit what lawmakers can introduce or pass in different years, instead allowing the legislature to set session timing and procedures through joint rules approved by a two-thirds vote. If adopted, this could give lawmakers greater flexibility to change session schedules and consider a wider range of legislation, but it would also remove the predictable structure of the current system, which helps the public understand when and how legislation is considered.
Constitutional amendments must be approved by voters statewide after passing the legislature.
STATUS: Passed the House and Governmental Affairs Committee. It’s now being sent to the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee to review its constitutional amendment language. (All constitutional amendments in the House have to pass through the Civil Law and Procedure Committee.)
SB310 would require student health centers in public high schools, colleges, and universities to display signs directing students to pregnancy resources. The bill requires large posters stating “Pregnant? Help Is Available for You and Your Baby!” along with a link to pregnancy resources listed by the Louisiana Department of Health, and allows the department or a designated nonprofit organization to design, produce, or donate the signs. Because these resources can include anti-abortion “pregnancy centers,” the bill could steer students toward organizations that often present themselves as medical clinics but are known for providing misleading information and discouraging abortion care rather than offering comprehensive reproductive health services.
STATUS: Passed the Senate and awaiting a committee hearing in the House Education Committee.

Good Bills (a non-comprehensive list)

HB808 would update Louisiana’s harmful HIV criminalization law to better reflect modern medical science and narrow the circumstances under which someone can be prosecuted. The bill renames the offense from “intentional exposure to HIV” to “intentional transmission of HIV,” requires proof that a person intentionally attempted to transmit the virus through conduct posing a substantial likelihood of transmission, and clarifies that conduct posing no medically recognized risk of HIV transmission cannot be criminalized. It also modernizes the existing defenses to align with modern science and prevents those who are virally suppressed and unable to transmit HIV from being prosecuted for non-disclosure. Because the current law only applies to people who know they are HIV-positive, it can discourage people from getting tested. Updating the statute to better align with modern science helps address that problem and modernize the law.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.
HB293 would prohibit employment discrimination in Louisiana based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill adds these categories to the state’s employment discrimination law, making it illegal for employers, employment agencies, or labor organizations to refuse to hire, fire, or otherwise treat someone differently in employment because they are LGBTQ+. By adding these protections to state law, the bill would provide clearer legal safeguards for LGBTQ+ workers and help ensure people cannot lose jobs or employment opportunities simply because of who they are or who they love.
This is the 33rd year this bill has been filed in our state legislature.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
HB227 would allow court filings in Louisiana to be submitted on standard letter-size paper instead of requiring legal-size paper. The bill updates civil and criminal court filing rules so pleadings and documents filed electronically or on paper may use either legal or letter-size paper. This change would simplify court filings, make document preparation easier for self-represented individuals, and reduce printing costs by allowing the use of the more common paper size used by most printers and offices.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
SB365 would create the Louisiana Voting Rights Act to strengthen protections against voter suppression and vote dilution. The bill prohibits election policies or practices that reduce voting access or weaken the voting power of communities based on race, color, or language minority status, and allows individuals or organizations to challenge those practices in court. It also creates a Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to review certain election changes in advance and ensure they do not harm voting rights. By establishing stronger state-level protections, the bill helps safeguard fair access to the ballot and protect communities whose voting power has historically been undermined.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee.
HB244 would attempt to amend the state constitution to change how a new constitution could be approved by voters. The bill would require that any proposed constitution from a constitutional convention be approved not only by a majority of voters statewide but also by voters in at least three-fourths of Louisiana’s parishes before it can take effect. By adding this additional requirement, the proposal would make it harder to adopt a new constitution and ensure that support for such a major change is broad across the state rather than concentrated in a few areas.
All constitutional amendments must be approved by voters statewide after passing the legislature.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House and Governmental Affairs Committee.
HB792 would require Louisiana correctional facilities to establish a voluntary screening program to test inmates for HIV and hepatitis C. The bill directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to implement standardized testing at intake for inmates expected to remain in custody for at least 72 hours, while allowing individuals to decline testing without affecting their privileges or status. It also requires that inmates who test positive receive access to appropriate medical treatment and that test results remain confidential. By expanding testing and linking people to care, the bill could help improve treatment access for incarcerated people and reduce transmission both inside correctional facilities and in the broader community when people are released.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.
SB92 would require district attorneys in Louisiana to submit sexual assault evidence kits to the statewide tracking system. The bill ensures that prosecutors’ offices participate in the system operated by state police that tracks sexual assault collection kits and related information. By requiring full participation from district attorneys, the bill helps improve transparency and accountability in how sexual assault evidence is handled, which can help survivors track the status of their kits and reduce the risk that evidence goes untested or lost in the system.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary C Committee.
SB226 would prohibit insurance companies in Louisiana from setting rates based on a person’s gender. The bill adds gender to the list of characteristics, such as race, color, creed, and national origin, that insurers cannot use when classifying risk to determine insurance pricing. By banning gender-based pricing, the bill aims to prevent discrimination in insurance rates and ensure people are not charged more simply because of their gender.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the Senate Insurance Committee.
HB585 would require small box discount retailers in Louisiana to create workplace safety plans to address violence against employees. The bill requires these stores to evaluate risks such as employees working alone, late-night shifts, or handling cash, and to implement safety measures like improved lighting, visibility in high-risk areas, and systems for reporting violent incidents. If a store experiences repeated violent incidents, it must install panic buttons and review staffing levels during higher-risk times. The bill also protects workers from retaliation for reporting workplace violence and allows employees to take legal action if employers fail to comply.
Examples of small box discount retailers in Louisiana include chains like Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
HB353 would establish a state minimum wage in Louisiana and gradually increase it over time. The bill would set the minimum wage at $12 per hour beginning in 2027, increase it to $15 per hour in 2029, and then adjust it annually starting in 2031 based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index. It also requires employers who violate the law to pay the difference in wages owed and face financial penalties. By creating a state minimum wage, something Louisiana currently does not have, the bill would help raise pay for low-wage workers and ensure wages keep pace with rising costs over time.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
HB209 would establish a state minimum wage in Louisiana and gradually raise it over several years. The bill would set the minimum wage at $10 per hour beginning in 2027, increase it to $12 in 2029, and $14 in 2031, while also allowing workers to sue employers who fail to pay the required wage and recover unpaid wages, attorney fees, and court costs. By creating a state minimum wage and giving workers tools to enforce it, the bill would help raise pay for low-wage workers and hold employers accountable when they fail to pay employees what the law requires.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
SB230 would attempt to amend the Louisiana Constitution to establish a statewide minimum wage. The proposal would require most employers to pay at least $10.25 per hour beginning January 1, 2027, with the wage increasing each year based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index. The amendment includes exceptions allowing lower wages for workers under age sixteen, employees of very small businesses with annual gross receipts of $300k or less, tipped workers whose tips bring them up to the livable wage, certain family members working in family-owned businesses, and workers with disabilities who receive special wage certificates. By creating a minimum wage in the state constitution and tying it to inflation, the measure aims to ensure wages rise over time and provide more stable income for low-wage workers. Because this proposal is a constitutional amendment, it is harder to pass than the other minimum wage bills filed this session, as it must receive a two-thirds vote in the legislature and then be approved by voters statewide, while the other do not meet this higher threshold.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
HB591 would create a framework in Louisiana law for employers to offer paid family leave insurance to workers. The bill allows insurance companies to sell policies that provide wage replacement when employees need time off for reasons such as caring for a sick family member, bonding with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster placement, or addressing certain military family needs. Policies would be required to offer at least 2 weeks of paid family leave within a 52-week period, with details such as benefit amounts and waiting periods set out in the policy. By establishing a legal framework for paid family leave insurance, the bill would expand workers' options to receive income support during major family or caregiving events without losing their pay.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Insurance Committee.
HB470 would create the Louisiana Workforce Development Equity and Opportunity Program to expand job training and economic opportunities for underrepresented workers. The bill would provide grants to training providers, such as community colleges, technical programs, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to develop programs that prepare people for high-growth industries such as clean energy, information technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. It also provides financial support to participants for tuition, living expenses, and certification exams, while creating employer partnerships that guarantee interviews for graduates. By investing in workforce training and removing barriers like cost and access to education, the bill aims to help more Louisianans, especially people from communities historically excluded from higher-paying industries, enter stable, well-paying careers.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee.
HB479 would require Louisiana courts to report sentencing data so the state can better understand the costs of incarceration. The bill requires clerks of court to submit quarterly reports to the legislative auditor containing information such as the number of people sentenced to prison, the total number of years of confinement ordered, and the ages of those sentenced to 20 years or more. The legislative auditor would then use this information, along with state budget data, to produce annual reports estimating the cost of incarceration over the next five years. By improving transparency about sentencing patterns and prison costs, the bill aims to give lawmakers and the public clearer information about the financial impact of criminal justice policies.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.
HB373 would create a temporary pilot program allowing adults age 21 and older to legally purchase cannabis in Louisiana without a medical card. The bill establishes a regulated adult-use cannabis program running from January 1, 2027 through July 1, 2030, allowing sales through the state’s existing marijuana retailers while keeping the current medical program in place. The program would be overseen by the Louisiana Department of Health and would include requirements for testing, tracking, and licensing similar to those in the existing medical system. By testing a limited adult-use market before making it permanent, the bill aims to evaluate how legalization could work in Louisiana while generating tax revenue and providing a regulated alternative to the illegal cannabis market.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Health and Welfare Committee.
HB539 would allow bars and restaurants in Louisiana to sell consumable hemp products. The bill repeals a current restriction that prevents businesses with a Class A alcohol permit, such as bars and restaurants, from obtaining permits to sell consumable hemp products. By removing this prohibition, the bill would allow these businesses to sell hemp-derived products like certain CBD or hemp beverages alongside alcohol, expanding retail opportunities for businesses and increasing access for consumers.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.
HB472 would allow cities and parishes in Louisiana to adopt rent stabilization policies. The bill gives local governments the authority to pass ordinances limiting how quickly rent can increase if approved by a majority vote of the local governing body. By allowing local rent stabilization measures, the bill would give communities a tool to address rising housing costs and help renters avoid sudden or extreme rent increases that can lead to displacement.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs Committee.
SB195 would allow emergency medical personnel in Louisiana to administer a patient’s own time-critical prescription medication during emergencies. The bill authorizes licensed EMTs, advanced EMTs, and paramedics to give medications carried by the patient, such as those used to treat rare diseases, chronic conditions, or special medical needs, when requested by the patient or their family and in accordance with protocols set by the state EMS commission. It also provides legal protections for EMS personnel who administer the medication unless harm results from gross negligence. By allowing first responders to use patient-carried medications in emergencies, the bill could help people with serious medical conditions receive faster treatment during life-threatening situations.
STATUS: Passed the Senate and awaiting a hearing in the House Health & Welfare Committee.
HB392 would expand requirements for Louisiana schools to share suicide prevention hotline information with students. The bill requires both middle schools and high schools to post the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on school websites and student ID cards, along with an explanation that the number can be called or texted and any available local or state suicide prevention hotline numbers. By making this information more visible and accessible, the bill aims to ensure students can quickly find crisis support resources when they or their peers need help.
STATUS: Filed and awaiting a hearing in the House Education Committee.
HB195 would allow students at public colleges and universities in Louisiana to carry small self-defense chemical sprays, such as pepper spray, on campus. The bill prohibits public postsecondary institutions from banning these devices if they are compact and contain no more than two ounces of chemicals. However, schools could still restrict them in buildings or events with armed security or where prohibited by contract. By allowing students to carry self-defense spray, the bill aims to give students an additional option to protect themselves in situations where they may feel unsafe on campus.
STATUS: Passed the House Education Committee and awaiting debate on the House Floor.
HB636 would strengthen Louisiana’s laws to prevent hazing at public colleges and universities. The bill expands requirements for hazing education, reporting, and transparency by requiring student organizations to report hazing incidents to both their institution and law enforcement, mandating annual hazing prevention training for students and advisors, and requiring schools to publish information about hazing violations and disciplinary actions on publicly accessible websites. It also requires institutions to provide support resources for hazing victims and establishes stronger penalties for organizations that violate hazing rules, including possible long-term suspension or permanent bans in severe cases. By improving reporting, education, and accountability, the bill aims to better protect students and prevent dangerous hazing practices on college campuses.
STATUS: Passed the House and awaiting a hearing in Senate Education.