Weekly Update, June 10

Key Wins for Equity and Justice

Thanks to our collective advocacy, organizing, and partnerships, several meaningful bills advanced that directly align with Power Coalition’s mission:

HB 100 – Surveillance Reform: Prohibits bail bond agents from using cellular tracking devices.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 405 – Voting Rights Transparency: Requires the Secretary of State to publicly share changes in election law.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 457 – Solitary Confinement Reform: Advances protections for incarcerated individuals regarding the use of solitary.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 454 – Doula Medicaid Coverage: Requires Medicaid coverage for certain doula services, supporting maternal health equity.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 514 – Doula Registry Board Reform: Restructures the Louisiana Doula Registry Board and provides needed regulatory clarity to improve support for doulas.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 584 – Back on Track Youth Pilot: Launches a youth development initiative focused on alternatives to incarceration.
Status: Sent to Governor
SB 87 – Cash Bond Notification: Requires notification to those who posted cash bonds when arrest warrants are issued.
Status: Signed by the President
SB 182 – Medicaid Emergency Protections: Ensures continuous Medicaid access during declared emergencies.
Status: Signed by the President

Setbacks and Losses to Monitor

Despite our advocacy, several harmful bills advanced. These signal areas of concern that we’ll need to address in our ongoing work:

HB 208 – Parole Restrictions: Further limits early release options, disproportionately affecting incarcerated Black Louisianans.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 260 – Expands Second Degree Murder: Adds resisting arrest with force to the list, raising serious due process concerns.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 153 – Unemployment Work Search Requirement: Increases weekly job search requirements for unemployment claimants.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 64 – AG Sovereignty Powers: Grants the Attorney General sweeping authority over legal matters involving the federal government.
Status: Sent to Governor
SB 156 – Embryo Personhood: Recognizes legal rights for in vitro embryos, threatening reproductive freedoms.
Status: Sent to Governor
SB 127 – Nuclear Energy Fast-Track Permitting: Weakens oversight for nuclear energy development.
Status: Sent to Governor
HB 303 – Fugitive Apprehension Unit: Opens door to over-surveillance and targeting of immigrant communities.
Status: Sent to Governor

Emerging Threats and Opportunities

While these bills passed, we’re watching closely to ensure their implementation doesn’t further harm or disenfranchise our communities:

HB 206 – Legislative authorization before any changes can be made to election procedures that deviate from the current Election Code
HB 274 – Transfers the state’s emergency office to the Military Department.
HB 425 – Introduces coerced abortion crime definitions and mandatory reporting.
SB 4 – Allows political signage at public school sports facilities.
HB 281 – Prohibits campaign apparel at polling places.
HB 625 – Statewide Constitutional Amendment Election: Calls for a special statewide election on April 18, 2026, for constitutional amendments.