Weekly Update, May 26

Key Bill Updates From May 19-23

SB 218 Failed in the Senate
Despite bipartisan support and strong public opinion (65% of likely voters support retrials for non-unanimous convictions), the Senate failed to pass SB 218 (Sen. Duplessis). This bill would have created a legal pathway for those convicted by unconstitutional non-unanimous juries to seek a new trial.
HB 617 Passed the House
Reorganizes the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), moving child protection and family services under DCFS and transferring all other programs (like SNAP) to the new “Louisiana Works” Department under HB 624. SNAP eligibility moves to LDH.
SB 74 Defeated
Would have allowed youth to be tried in adult courts. We OPPOSED and are glad to report its defeat.
HB 685 Passed the House
This harmful anti-DEI bill would ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts across state government and restrict classroom discussions on race and gender. We strongly oppose and are urging the Senate to reject it.
HB 405 Passed the House
A key voter protection bill that now heads to the Senate.
SB 109 and HB 590 are companion bills. SB 109 passed House and Government Affairs and HB 590 will be heard on the Senate Floor on Tuesday, May 27. This bill is misleading in its intent and dangerous in its impact. It claims to protect elections from foreign interference—but in reality, it criminalizes trusted local support for voter access and civic engagement.
Redistricting Bills (HB 487 & HB 488)
Scheduled for committee hearing on Wednesday, May 28 at 9:30 AM. These are critical measures for equitable representation.

This Week’s Scheduled Hearings & Legislation to Watch (Week of May 26-30)

Tuesday, May 27

Appropriations – 9:00 AM

HB 124 (Oppose) – Election section changes in 19th Judicial District.
HB 692 (Oppose) – Redefines “green energy” to include hydrocarbons and nuclear.

Ways & Means – 10:00 AM

HB 535 (Support) – Requires Legislative Auditor to evaluate tax incentives.

Wednesday, May 28

Natural Resources – 9:00 AM

SB 244 (Watching) – 213-page reorg of LDENR.
HCR 61 (Supportive) – Long-term data center water needs.

HR 36, HCR 64, SB 36 (Watching)

Health & Welfare – 9:30 AM

SB 2 (Oppose) – Limits public water fluoridation.

Governmental Affairs – 9:30 AM

HB 487 & HB 488 (Support) – Redistricting bills.

Criminal Justice – 10:00 AM

SB 15 (Oppose) – Criminalizing Local Cooperation with Immigrant Communities
HB 650 (Support) – Mobile sports betting tax allocation.
HB 419 (Monitor) – Criminalizes exposure to self-spreading pathogens.

Insurance – 9:30 AM

SB 61 (Support) – Transparency on insurance scores.

Thursday, May 29

Senate Transportation will hear HB 554. Please contact Patrick Williamson at pwilliamson@fairelectionscenter.org to sign on to the letter. If you’d like to sign on, please let me know and provide your signature block information and org. logo by COB Tuesday (5/27).

Additional Bills:

Oppose HB 690
Replaces HB 377 (Rep. Owen)

Allows individuals to refuse EUA treatments.
Now mandates the Surgeon General to regulate EUA-related medical practices.
This bill politicizes medicine and undermines provider-patient trust.

Oppose HB 555 & HB 629 – “Medical Freedom” Bills

Threaten core public health protections by blocking vaccine requirements.
Open the door to widespread litigation with $5,000+ penalties.
Currently deferred or not yet scheduled—stay alert for rescheduling.

🟣 4th Annual Day of Action for Vaccines – May 28th
Louisiana Families for Vaccines still have a few table slots left in the Capitol Rotunda. Let us know ASAP if you plan to attend or would like a table.