2024 Legislative Session

Regular Session: March 11 - June3
Bill Tracker

Louisiana’s Special Session Wrap-Up: What You Need to Know

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Redistricting: The Fight for Fair Maps: Louisiana’s Special Session Explained

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Mobilize with Power Coalition during the Special Session on Monday, October 27 at 1:00 PM. Join us to show up, testify, and stand for fair maps and representation.

"Feed the Dream"

12/11/2025 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM


230 Renee Dr
Baton Rouge, LA

Sponsor: Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

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Monroe Day of Action

12/13/2025 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Monroe Day of Action


3504 Jackson St
Monroe, LA

Sponsor: Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

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The 2025 Louisiana Special Legislative Session has officially ended — and only four measures made it across the finish line: SB 1, SB 2, HR 1, and HCR 3.

While the session was short, the impact of these bills will be felt across our communities — especially when it comes to voting access and fair representation.

This session was intentionally rushed. The Louisiana Legislature changed election dates ahead of the Louisiana v. Callais ruling to position itself to redraw the congressional map before the 2026 elections. This was an intentional move to dilute Black voting power and undo recent gains in representation.

What Passed

SB 1 – Changing 2026 Election Dates

SB 1 shifts several election dates in 2026 — moving the spring elections from April 18 to May 16 and the runoffs from May 30 to June 27. These changes may seem procedural, but they matter: shifting dates can affect voter turnout, registration timelines, and how communities plan outreach and mobilization efforts.

Our take: The Legislature is trying to give itself a window to pass a map that disenfranchises Black voters if the Supreme Court strikes down the current map. This is not just the changing of dates. This is the beginning of a bait and switch on Black voters in Louisiana who finally got a representative map. 

SB 2 – New Date for Constitutional Amendment Election

SB 2 also moves the election for proposed constitutional amendments to May 16, 2026, which is the same date as the new spring election. It repeals and revises several earlier acts to align Louisiana’s constitution amendment calendar with the new dates.

Our take: Changing when constitutional amendments appear on the ballot creates voter confusion. Communities deserve clear, transparent communication about what’s on the ballot and when.

SHCR 3 – Urging LDH to Fund SNAP Benefits During Federal Shutdown</h3
HCR 3 urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Health to continue funding SNAP (food assistance) benefits only for the elderly, disabled and children when federal dollars are delayed or unavailable.

Our Take: This resolution acknowledges a real concern — that thousands of families rely on timely SNAP benefits — but it falls short of serving everyone in need. More than 53,000 adults will lose access to food assistance, leaving individuals without the support they depend on.

HR 1 – Urging Congress to Reimburse States for Continuing SNAP Benefits</h3
HR 1 urges the U.S. Congress to authorize reimbursement for states that use their own money (non-federal funds) to continue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during a federal shutdown.

What It Means for Equity & Justice

SB 1 and SB 2, taken together, reflect a trend we’re seeing nationally: big policy impacts hidden in technical or procedural bills.

Election changes can shift who shows up at the polls and whose voices are heard.

At the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice, we believe that every legislative session is a chance to push for transparency, accountability, and equity.

What’s Next

Power Coalition and our partners are already:

  • Launching voter education efforts to make sure communities know about the new election dates.
  • Preparing to advocate for fair maps and fair elections in any upcoming session when they could be raised.
  • Building partnerships to ensure all voters, regardless of race, income, or zip code, have access to information and the ballot box.
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Legislative Updates



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.

All currently: Sent to the Governor


Fair Maps Mobilization on October 27, 2025

The Fight for Fair Maps: Louisiana’s Special Session Explained

Cree Matlock Gives Testimony Opposing HB 445

Asti Davis Robins Gives Testimony Opposing SB 275

Power Day at the Capitol

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Learn about what policies Power Coalition and its partners are supporting during the Legislative Session! We encourage the community to attend and see the policy making process live in person; we will also be holding a press conference on the stairs of the Capitol with opportunities to meet legislators.

New Orleans: State of the People Power Tour

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Black Maternal Health Advocacy Day

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Dad’s Day at the Capitol: Fatherhood to the Frontlines

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Geaux Far Louisiana Day at the Capitol

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Reclaiming Justice Lobby Day

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Partner Advocacy Days

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Prefile Deadline
FRIDAY, MARCH 31
5:00 PM, for all bills that are not general appropriation or local bills

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Convenes
MONDAY, APRIL 10
12:00 PM

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Power Coalition Advocacy Day at the Capitol
MONDAY, APRIL 17
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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January 8-10
Organizational Session

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January 15-23
Special Redistricting Session*

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February 19 - March 6
Special Public Safety & Crime Session*

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March 1
Prefile Deadline for Constitutional Amendments

12:00 PM
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March 1
Prefile Deadline for Bills

5:00 PM

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March 11-June 3
Regular Session

Legislative Updates


Geaux Far Louisiana 2023 Legislative Wins

Geaux Far Lousiana is pleased to share their first Legislative Wins since they launched our bold plan to dream big for little ones and their families.

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HB 449 provides for Increased poll commissioner training and testing regarding accessibility laws and best practices. The appointment of an Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) Compliance Officer in the Office of the Secretary of State. The creation of a “Voting Accessibility Advisory Group” in the Department of State, comprised of at least 7 members with diverse accessibility needs.

Bill HB 553 would add a seat to the state Board of Election Supervisors for a voter with a disability. It passed the Senate with amendments. The amendment, however, makes appointments to the State Board of Elections Supervisors much more restrictive. The bill now must go back to the House side for further consideration. 

Legislative Advocacy


Fair Maps Mobilization on October 27, 2025

The Fight for Fair Maps: Louisiana’s Special Session Explained

Cree Matlock Gives Testimony Opposing HB 445

Asti Davis Robins Gives Testimony Opposing SB 275

Legislative Testimony


Spring Legislative Calendar


Upcoming Events


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Upcoming Events


Louisiana Legislature's Standing Committees

Senate


House of Representatives