Legislative Updates
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.
Health & Welfare – 9:30 AM
- SB 2 (Oppose) – Limits public water fluoridation.
Governmental Affairs – 9:30 AM
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.
Redistricting Legal Updates
Legislative (Nairne v. Landry): Awaiting a ruling from the 5th Circuit. Remedial maps are due today.
Congressional (LA v. Callais): SCOTUS heard arguments on March 24. Decision expected by late June.
Weekly Update, May 12
Key Bill Updates From May 5-9
- HB 445 (Rep. Villio): All suggested amendments were added; the bill passed unanimously on May 6. Provides relative to juvenile records.
- SB 15: Passed and scheduled for a vote on the Senate Floor today, May 12. Prohibits any act intended to hinder, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with or thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts.
- HB 673: Voluntarily deferred. Would repeal provisions for compensation for wrongful conviction/imprisonment.
- SB 87: Pending in House Administration of Criminal Justice. Concerns arrest warrants for failure to appear post-bail.
- HB 153 & HB 293: Passed the House. We urge continued opposition as they move to the Senate. HB 293 provides relative to the resignation from labor organization dues or fees for teachers and other school employees and public employees
- HB 655 (Rep. Fisher): Passed unanimously in House Health & Welfare. Increases administrative fees for childhood/travel vaccines and allows LDH to update fees through rulemaking.
- HB 629 (Medical Freedom): Pulled from the House Health & Welfare agenda; no reschedule date set. Provides with respect to informed consent for medical interventions
- HB 400: Remains deferred. Relates to a minor’s consent for medical procedures/treatment.
- SB 235: Support. Pending Senate passage. Establishes a tax credit for payments toward homeowner’s insurance.
- HB 615: Oppose. Scheduled for House final passage Tuesday, May 13. Provides for the regulation of solar facilities.
Key Legislation to Support/Oppose This Week (Week of May 12-16)
House Commerce – Monday, May 12
- HB 453 (Rep. Aimee Freeman) – Oppose
Provides updated standards for residential roof construction.
Senate Finance – Monday, May 12 at 1 PM
- SB 74 (Sen. Alan Seabaugh) – Oppose
Raises fiscal concerns: increased youth transport costs, court strain, and unfunded mandates. No support from key stakeholders.
House & Governmental Affairs – Wednesday, May 14
- HB 332 (Rep. Larvadain) – Support
Reduces campaign-free zones near polling places from 600 to 100 feet. - HB 405 (Rep. Willard) – Support
Enhances transparency and education around changes to election laws. - HB 424 (Rep. Taylor) – Support
Strengthens early voting access and standardizes funding.
House Judiciary – Thursday, May 15
- HB 64 (Rep. Mike Johnson) – Oppose
Powers of the Attorney General: that it is a declared interest of the state that the attorney general preserve and defend the state’s autonomy, independence, and sovereignty in all legal matters and disputes involving the federal government. Provides that the attorney general shall have the authority to institute, defend, or intervene in any suit to protect the sovereign interests of the state.
Upcoming Events
- Dad’s Day at the Capitol – Monday, May 12
If attending, be sure to connect with our coalition partners! - A Day Without Child Care at the Capitol – Monday, May 12
- 4th Annual Day of Action for Vaccines – Wednesday, May 28
A few tables remain! Please RSVP here if you plan to attend or would like a table in the rotunda.
Call to Action
Please help us amplify opposition to HB 555, HB 377, and HB 629 by taking action at: LAFamiliesForVaccines.org/2025cta
Budget Note: HB 1
The budget bills will be heard this week. Early childhood advocates report no expected cuts to early childhood education in this year’s state budget.
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