State Legislation

What Can You Do Right Now

The first thing to remember is that Government has significant impact on every aspect of your life. Not only do legislative and regulatory actions impact your profession, they also impact your everyday life. It is critical that you are involved in the process to ensure that any changes don't negatively impact your profession and the people you serve. Always remember that the most powerful voice in government is yours. As a constituent, you have the standing and the right to discuss important issues with your elected officials.

Take a moment to reach out to your legislators today. Send them an email or a letter introducing yourself and your involvement in the association. Offer to be a resource to them on issues. Give them your contact information and suggest an opportunity to visit with them before the session begins. Visiting with a legislator prior to session is one of the most effective ways to establish a relationship. Invite one of your colleagues in your area to come along on the visit. There is strength in numbers. A little effort goes a long way.

Finally, please be sure you are registered to vote. Most legislators keep a list of all registered voters in their district. It is important that they know you are a registered voter in their district. Of course you don't have to live in their district to visit with them. Sometimes your office may be located in their district or you may live in a metropolitan area and be just outside their district.

New New New in 2024

Governor Jeff Landry, all statewide elected officials, and the new legislature class began their term in office on January 8, 2024. During the Organizational Session of the Legislature, House members elected Rep. Phillip DeVillier (R-Eunice) as Speaker of the House and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Pineville) as Speaker Pro Tem; Senators elected Sen. Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) as President of the Senate and Sen. Regina Barrow (D-Baton Rouge) as President Pro Tem.

On his first day in office, Governor Landry, as expected, called the Legislature into the 1st Extraordinary Session of 2024 (“Special Session”) to address court-ordered redistricting concerns. As part of the “call”, he also included a request to change Louisiana’s election process from a jungle primary to a closed primary and reconsider campaign finance laws, a lofty reform for legislators to consider in only 8 days.

With the Legislature called into an almost immediate Special Session, committee leadership was pulled together quicker than usual in a new term. Speaker DeVillier and President Henry announced their committee chairs and appointments late Friday, Jan. 12th. We’ve included information about your profession’s committees of jurisdiction below.

On Monday, January 15th, the Legislature convened the 1st Special Session. They have until January 23rd to draw a new map to address redistricting concerns, debate the election process, and address other concerns, such as the Supreme Court redistricting and elections. The Special kicked off quickly, and legislators will be moving fast to make some monumental decisions that will have major impact in years to come.

As soon as their work at the Capitol wraps, the political world will head to Washington, DC for the annual Washington Mardi Gras, is a celebration of Louisiana culture at the national capitol. Shortly after their return and post-actual Mardi Gras, it is expected for Governor Landry to call the legislature into a Second Special Session to address crime, a priority of the Governor throughout his campaign. This will keep legislators at the Capitol for the latter half of February (expected Feb. 19-Mar. 6), wrapping just before they head into the Regular Session on March 11th.

It’s going to be a very fast-paced and relatively chaotic few months as we head into essentially back-to-back Sessions addressing major issues. We will continue to keep you informed through our Legislative Updates (info) and Legislative Alerts (stop & act!). Thank you for following along and staying engaged this Session! That engagement is vital to the success of your profession.

We are continuing our podcast, The Pelican Brief, focused on legislative activity. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @PelicanBrief225. We are on all major podcasting platforms and on YouTube. Tune in for regular updates, including our first podcast of the 1st Special Session!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach the LCA GR team at LCA@TatmanGroup.com or (225) 767-7640.

Meet Your New Health & Welfare Committees

House Committee on Health & Welfare

Chairman - Rep. Dustin Miller (D-Opelousas)

Vice Chair - Rep. Rhonda Butler

Members: [new members in bold]

Rep. Stephanie Berault (R-Slidell)
Rep. Emily Chenevert (R-Baton Rouge)
Rep. Raymond Crews (R-Bossier City)
Rep. Kellee Dickerson (R-Denham Springs)
Rep. Michael Echols (R-Monroe)
Rep. Peter Egan (R-Covington)
Rep. Adrian Fisher (D-Monroe)
Rep. Jason Hughes (D-New Orleans)
Rep. Steven Jackson (D-Shreveport)
Rep. Wayne McMahen (R-Minden)
Rep. Brach Myers (R-Lafayette)
Rep. Larry Selders (D-Baton Rouge)
Rep. Joe Stagni (R-Kenner)
Rep. Chris Turner (R-Ruston)

Senate Committee on Health & Welfare

Chairman - Sen. Patrick McMath (R-Covington)

Vice Chair - Sen. Katrina Jackson (D-Monroe)

Members: [new members in bold]

Sen. Gerald Boudreaux (D-Lafayette)
Sen. Heather Cloud (R-Turkey Creek)
Sen. Bob Hensgens (R-Abbeville)
Sen. Valarie Hodges (R-Denham Springs) Previously Rep.
Sen. Jay Luneau (D-Pineville)
Sen. Bob Owen (R-Slidell) Previously Rep.
Sen. Thomas Pressly (R-Shreveport) Previously Rep.

April17,2024

Fast Pace Continues at the Capitol

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind at the Capitol. Week 5 saw a whirlwind of activity as House & Senate Committees tackled full schedules, propelling us swiftly through the legislative calendar. Both chambers have been diligently working to clear their agendas, aiming for an early adjournment on May 17, 2024, in preparation for a Constitutional Convention slated to commence on May 20th.

With this ambitious timeline in mind, it's worth noting that we've already crossed the halfway mark of this Regular Session. One significant milestone on the horizon is the anticipated passage of the Budget out of the House Appropriations Committee on April 23rd.

Crucial legislation is underway to facilitate the Constitutional Convention. HB 800 by Rep. Beaullieu proposes a framework for the convention, appointing all current legislators and 27 gubernatorial delegates. The current language of the bill convenes the convention on May 20, 2024 with a mandate to present a new constitution by July 15th. Subsequently, a public vote will coincide with the presidential election in the fall. The House & Governmental Affairs Committee is considering the bill this morning, but it is not expected to move until next Tuesday.

We understand the significance of these legislative developments and their potential impact on your profession and interests. Rest assured, your team remains vigilant in monitoring these proceedings and advocating for your needs.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or needs, if you have any questions or concerns, you can always reach the LCA GR team at LCA@TatmanGroup.com or (225) 767-7640.

State Legislation

Share this page!