Links Day At The Capitol - April 18th-19th 2023

April 18, 2023

My Dear Link sisters,

On behalf of the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated, welcome to the 2023 Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol. Today you will have the opportunity to witness Collective Excellence! Today, politicians will hear the voice of The Links, Incorporated from those who speak our message best, our members. Armed with information and experience distinctive to our diverse communities, Louisiana’s Legislators will be further enlightened to the importance of Human Trafficking Prevention, Breast Health, and Foster Care System Legislation. Engagement will come through Community Influencers, Policy Makers, Political Representatives, and Legislators whose collective voice and expertise will allow us to bring collaborative action during this networking call to action.

Through our combined initiatives, lawmakers will hear the voice of The Links, Incorporated from those who speak our message best, our members. Armed with information and experience distinctive to our diverse communities, attendees will be further enlightened to the importance of foster care, human trafficking, health issues of the pandemic, effects of the Census and more.

I hope you enjoy the day planned for you and the always enjoyable fellowship and excellence created by our program team as we expand our advocacy throughout the Southern Area. We have the opportunity to experience the celebration of the microcosm of our political power, while collectively advancing our message through lobbying.

I greatly look forward to you joining our advocacy in action.

Thank you for sharing the vision of the Southern Area!

Sylvia C. Perry Sylvia C. Perry Southern Area Director

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Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service

2023 Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Cocktails & Conversations

The 121 – 121 Convention Street – Baton Rouge LA

6:30p.m.–8:30p.m.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Registration Location – Governor’s Press Room 9:00a.m.–9:30a.m.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

ContinentalBreakfast–Welcome

WelcomeSpeakers–GovernorJohnBellEdwardsandState

RepresentativeVincentPierre–LABlackCaucusChair

9:30a.m.–11:00am. SenateandHouseCommitteeMeetings 11:00a.m.–11:15a.m.

11:38a.m.–12:00p.m.

12:00p.m.–1:30p.m.

PhotoonStepsoftheCapitol

TransportationtoLuncheon(1st busdepartsat11:38a.m.and2nd busdepartsat11:53a.m.)

The State of Black Woman in Louisiana Luncheon

De La Ronde Hall – 320 3rd Street – Baton Rouge, LA

Legislative Issues: BreastHealth

FosterCareSystemLegislation

HumanTrafficking

Panel Discussion facilitated by Robyn Merrick:

Dr. Dana Hunter - Executive Director – Office of Human TraffickingPrevention

Ms.ReneeAntoine–DirectorofWomen’sPolicy

Dr. Courtney Phillips – Former Secretary – Louisiana

DepartmentofHealth 1:30p.m.–1:45p.m.

p.m.–3:00p.m.

TransportationtoCapitol

MeetwithyourrespectiveRepresentativetodiscusssignificant topicsinyourarea.

1:45

Dr. Torrie T. Harris, MPH has dedicated her 20+ year career in public health to health equity and closing gaps in health disparities. Starting at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, her passion for maternal and child health was ignited with the intent of empowering women and families to advocate for their health and the health of their families. Witnessing the health disparities within her own family and community, her commitment to advancing equitable policies, health systems, and community-involved programs was set. Previously, as the Health & Equity Strategist at the New Orleans Health Department, Dr. Harris worked to embed equity throughout health programs, the local healthcare delivery system, and within health policy. In May 2020 she successfully advocated for policy in Orleans Parish via the New Orleans City Council, that declared race a public health crisis. She worked on the frontline of the COVD-19 Pandemic managing testing and vaccination sites, while also leading the citywide Vaccine Equity Coalition. Dr. Harris formerly served as the Director for Community Health at the Louisiana Public Health Institute, successfully advocating for state and local policies for tobacco and smoke-free environments. She also was a founding member of the Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition. After obtaining her Doctor of Public Health degree in Health Behavior studying adolescent mental health from the University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, Dr. Harris, served as the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity for the Kentucky Department for Public Health, while concurrently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Systems and Services. There she was awarded over $500,000 in funds to support cultural and linguistic competency initiatives and cancer health disparities elimination. She was later awarded a Health Equity Champion Award by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for leading the development of the Kentucky Health Equity Network. She currently teaches graduate health equity students at her undergraduate alma mater Xavier University of Louisiana where she obtained a degree in Chemistry. Named as Promising Public Health Practitioner by the University of Kentucky- a crown achievement for Dr. Harris, she strives to hold up the legacy of mentorship imparted to her throughout her professional journey. Dr. Torrie T. Harris currently serves as the first assistant secretary of the new Office of Women’s Health and Community Health at the Louisiana Department of Health. The new program office was created during the 2022 Legislative Session.

Renee Antoine, Executive Director of the Office of Women's Policy

Renee is a public health policy advocate and national maternal child health consultant. She has served in a variety of positions advocating for women, children and families across the state of Louisiana and nationally. She currently serves as the Executive Director for the Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy in Louisiana. She works collaboratively with all Louisiana stakeholders who serve women across the lifespan. Her recent accolades include serving as State Director for Maternal Child Health and Government Affairs for March of Dimes. Renee is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University. Her graduate research continued to the University of Iowa in epigenetics and culminated at the University of Virginia in Developmental Psychology where she published studies on and child cognition and intellectual development.

Dr. Dana R. Hunter, Executive Director of the Office of Human Trafficking

– Dana is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. In February 2017, after serving in various leadership roles in academia and government, she was appointed by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office Children’s Cabinet. In this role, she worked passionately to coordinate and align resources and policies to better outcomes for children in the state of Louisiana. She worked closely with Governor Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards to facilitate statewide anti-human trafficking efforts and the Human Trafficking Prevention Commission. On July 1, 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards appointed Dr. Hunter as Executive Director of the newly established Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention (OHTP). The mission of this office is to prevent and combat human trafficking and to promote healing and justice for victims and survivors. Additionally, the OHTP has a lead role in creating a statewide cohesive care coordination model for victims regardless of their location and identity and a network of resources to aid in prevention.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and incorporated as Louisiana Health Service & Indemnity Company.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and its subsidiaries, HMO Louisiana, Inc. and Southern National Life Insurance Company, Inc., comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not exclude people or treat them differentlyon the basisof race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. More Information

The 121

The two-story brick structure at 121 Convention Street in Downtown Baton Rouge is bounded on the north by Florida Street, south by Convention Street, east by Lafayette Street, and west by River Road. It encompasses about 5,200 square feet of space and measures about 41’ wide and 61’ feet deep on two floors.

The existing structure was likely built in 1928. The lot on which it sits was purchased – land only – in 1913 by the Nauman sisters: Mamie, Ophelia, and Lucille. A 1915 directory listing shows the family living at 502 Florida St, but the 1916 Sanborn Map shows the footprint of a two-story dwelling on the lot having front and back porches and steps down to the sidewalk. A 1918 directory listing shows all 3 sisters living at the residence at 133 Convention Street with their brother Wiliam Logan Nauman, further proof of the residential nature of the original building. A 1927 or 1928 photograph of the adjacent Heidelberg (now Hilton) Hotel shows the same residential structure, but the 1928 Sanborn map shows the footprint of a commercial structure, a shop that is certainly today’s 121 Convention St.

https://the121venue.com/

L O U I S I A N A

Links Day at the Capitol 2023

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Watermark Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection

150 Third Street

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801

225-408-3200 (P)

https://www.watermarkbr.com/

Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

201 Lafayette Street

Baton Rouge, LA 70801

(225)-344-5866 (P)

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/btrcphf-hilton-baton-rouge-capitol-center/

FIND YOUR LOUISIANA ANDU.S. LEGISLATORS

Find My Representative - https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/FindMyLegislators.aspx

Southern Area Legislative Agenda Priorities (2019-2023)

The Southern Area Legislative Issues and Public Affairs Committee has identified four (4) critical issues impacting local communities of the Southern Area. These issues are in alignment with the focus of the current administration led by Southern Area Director, Sylvia Carter Perry. These target areas consist of the following: Foster Care System; Breast Health and Human Trafficking.

Foster Care System Legislation (Primary Focus): Bring awareness, provide education, and encourage advocacy of change regarding the foster care system. Over 20,000 youth ‘age out” of the foster care system each year and a significant number is at a high risk of homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration. Various legislation (Federal, State and Local) such as the Family First Prevention Services Act (effective October 1, 2019), have attempted to provide funding for evidence-based interventions including mental health services, substance abuse prevention-and- treatment services and in-home parent skill-based services. It is important to monitor lawmakers and agencies to ensure funding is used to support youth as they mature into adulthood and transition into the mainstream of society.

CALL TO ACTION

• Engage with local and state foster care agencies regarding opportunities for support and awareness.

• Engage with local and state officials regarding legislation and funding for foster care transition programs.

• Present information and provide resource materials during State Links Day at the Capitol.

Breast Health: Bring awareness, provide education, and foster advocacy of change regarding breast health. More than 30,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African-American women in the U.S. this year alone. African-American women are about 40% more likely to die from the disease than white women due to disparities that include being diagnosedyounger, being diagnosed ata laterstage witha more aggressive form of the disease and facing barriers to high quality health care.

CALL TO ACTION

• Partner with local organizations to provide breast awareness-centered events.

• Observe the Southern Area’s Links in Pink Initiative during the month of October.

• Present information and provide resource materials during State Links Day at the Capitol.

• Support and monitor breast health legislation that focuses on funding for research and increased access to quality and affordable health care on both State and local levels.

Human Trafficking: Bring awareness, provide education and foster advocacy of change regarding human trafficking. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with the illegal arms trade as the second largest criminal

industry in the world, and it is the fastest growing one. Support and monitor legislation that increases funding to State and local governments/agencies to combat human trafficking.

CALL TO ACTION

• Provide education regarding the identification of human trafficking.

• Partner with local agencies to combat human trafficking in the community and State.

• Present information and provide resource materials during State Links Day at the Capitol.

LOUISIANA LINKS DAY at the CAPITOL

April 19, 2023

ADVOCACY MANUAL

Prepared by the Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol Planning Committee (LA LDAC)

Louisiana 2023 Legislative Session: April 10 – June 8

LOUISIANA LINKS DAY at the CAPITOL

April 19, 2023

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress…Agitate, Agitate, Agitate”

“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

-

- Frederick Douglass

Margaret Mead

LOUISIANA LINKS DAY at the CAPITOL

April 19, 2023

Purpose of Links Day at the Capitol:

To engage in the development of a state legislative agenda which reflects the critical issues in our community.

To present our legislative agenda to the legislators who represent the members of The Links, Incorporated and who are in leadership positions with the legislature.

To work for the passage of our legislative agenda during the legislative session.

Why should I participate in the Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol?

To identify yourself and your chapters as a constituent of the elected official.

To introduce your chapter of The Links, Incorporated to the elected official.

To provide your chapter’s interest and viewpoint on critical societal issues.

To request support or opposition for the issue or legislation that you are concerned about.

To provide notice that you will hold the elected officials accountable during their term of office.

To begin or continue your organization’s impact on critical societal issues.

To inform the elected official of your chapter members’ interest in serving on ad hoc committees, task forces, advisory board or other public interest groups assembled to address the identified issue(s).

Links Legislative Issues and Public Affairs Handbook, 2010(has this been updated?

(Y)OUR VOICE MATTERS!!!

Phase One: Prepare for Links Day at the Capitol on April 19th

1. Review the Manual!

2. Review the Legislative Web site – www.legis.la.gov.

3. Identify your Senator and Representative. You can do that two ways:

a) Go to the legislative website www.legis.la.gov. Under the “HOME” tab, you will see label that says “Who Are My Legislators.” Click on the tab. You will be asked to give your address. Then hit the “Find” button. The program will tell you the name of your Senator and Representative. If you click on the names, you will be taken to that legislator’s webpage which will have contact information for that legislator, including their email addresses.

b) Look at your Voter Registration Card. Along the bottom of the card there are several boxes. There is a box that says “Senator” and “Rep”. A number will be in the box identifying the district you live in. Once you know the district number, you can go to the legislative website and look for your Representative or Senator using that number or you can do a Google/Bing search with the number (i.e. which Louisiana Senator represents District 1?). A list of Senators and Representatives and their district numbers are attached.

4. Determine your Senators and Representatives committee assignments.

a) This can be accomplished by following the instructions in 1(a) above. The computer will generate the name of your Senator and Representative. Click on the name of each and you will be taken to a page for the Senator or Representative. For the Senator, there is a link that says “Committees” to the left of the page.

b) Click on “Committees” to find the information. There will be a tab for House Committees and one for Senate Committees.

5. Participate in the training before Links Day at the Capitol. You will receive an email on or about March 1st indicating the date and time for a webinar training. You can participate in person or view the training at a later date via a link to be sent later. You will receive more information in March.

6. By April 17, 203, you will receive a copy of the LA LDAC legislative agenda. The agenda will list pieces of legislation identified by the LA LDAC that we either support or oppose. The agenda will include the bill number, the author of the bill, the title of the bill and our position on the bill.

a) To review bills in detail go to www.legis.la.gov. Along the top you will see a tab called “Bills.” You can search bills by author or bill number (HB 1 or SB 1 for example), and committee.

7. If you have a relationship with a legislator – i.e. church member, members in another organization, kids are in the same school, etc., please let your chapter liaison know by March 1, 2023

8. Contact (call/write/fax) your legislator to inform him/her that you will be visiting the capitol on April 19th. Be sure to state that you look forward to meeting them while you are at the capitol. If you will not be at the capitol, send the legislative agenda to your legislators and let him/her know that other members of The Links, Incorporated will be in Baton Rouge on April 19th

Phase Two: Links Day at the Capitol on April 19th

1. Please plan to participate in the Welcome/Overview on April 19th. At that time the planning committee will go over any last minute information related to our legislative agenda and the schedule for the day. Often members of the legislature stop by.

2. During LA LDAC, please visit at least one legislative committee meeting. A list is provided for committees that meet on Wednesday. A current list of committee meetings that will actually occur on April 19th will be provided in your registration packet.

3. On April 19th a visit of 5 to 10 minutes with each of your legislators is very important. You can either meet them outside of their morning committee meeting, or while the legislators are in session during the afternoon. You will need to fill out a note that the Pages or Sergeant at Arms will deliver to the legislator. Be sure to give them a copy of the legislative scorecard, which explains our position on several bills. Try to get the legislator to commit to supporting our position. You will have three (3) copies of the legislative agenda in your registration packet. You may also attempt to schedule a meeting with you legislator in Baton Rouge or at his/her legislative office in the district before April 19th .

4. Before leaving Baton Rouge on April 19th, be sure to complete the LA LDAC evaluation form and return it to a member of the LA LDAC. Be sure to indicate whether or not you met with your Senator and Representative and whether or not they promised to support our position on the various pieces of legislation.

Phase Three: After Links Day at the Capitol

1. After the Day at the Capitol, contact your legislators to thank them for speaking with you (or to indicate that you regret that you were unable to meet with them). If he/she indicated they would support our position, please thank them for their support. If they did not make their position known, send the legislative agenda and our position on the bills and ask the legislator to support our position. Contact your LA LDAC liaison to let them know your legislators’ position on the bill/s.

a) If you were unable to meet with your legislator/s in Baton Rouge, call to make an appointment to visit them when they are back in the district as close to April 19th as possible.

2. If a bill on the legislative scorecard comes up for a vote after April 19th ,

an email will be sent asking you to call/fax/email your legislators to ask for their support of our position. LA LDAC liaison will contact you to ask that you call or email your legislator to ask for his/her support of our position on the bill.

Links Call To Action

Please be on the lookout for an email from the LA LDAC planning committee regarding legislative bills. If a bill on the legislative scorecard comes up for vote before or after April 19th, you will receive an email asking each member to call or email the appropriate legislator(s) to ask him/her to support or oppose the legislation.

The email will provide information indicating if the vote is in committee or on the House/Senate floor. Our goal will be to call legislators who serve on the committee that is hearing the bill. If the bill passes out of the committee, you will receive an email asking that everyone contact their legislator before the bill is held on the Senate/House floor. Contact your chapter LA LDAC liaison to indicate your legislators’ position on the bill/s.

The email may look like this:

TAKE ACTION: Call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask the operator to connect you to your Senators. If you don't know who your Senators are, you can look them up here When you're connected to their offices,

1. Share that you are...

��A constituent from the district (you may be asked to provide your address or phone number).

��B Urge your legislator to co-sponsor S47, a strong, bipartisan bill that would reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act If your senator is already a co-sponsor, thank him/her and ask him/her to champion this issue by urging their colleagues to co-sponsor the bill or by speaking on the Senate floor in support of S 47.

2. If you want to go further, explain why this proposal is important to you (for example, by telling a brief personal story or sharing the values that compelled you to call).

3. Thank them.

(The above is taken from an email regarding a federal piece of legislation).

When you receive this email, please make the call. Please be sure to let your chapter LA LDAC liaison know when you have completed the call or email. We want to track the level of

participation in each chapter. If you are able to get an answer indicating the action that will be taken by the legislator, please provide that to your LA LDAC liaison as well.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2023

Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works

Committee Room E

Legislation to be considered:

SB 15 REESE PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS Provides relative to per diem received by commissioners of the Vinton Harbor and Terminal District.

SB42 FRED MILLS WATER MANAGEMENT Creates the Louisiana Watershed Initiative

SB 83 WOMACK PUBLIC CONTRACTS Provides for certain change orders when certain unit prices are contained in the initial contract

SB 98 GARY CARTER FEES/LICENSE/PERMITS Provides for adding bone marrow donorship to the list of organ donations on state-issued driver's license.

House Civil Law Committee

Committee Room 4, 9:00 a.m.

INSTRUMENTS TO BE HEARD:

HB 5 FRIEMAN PATERNITY Provides relative to pregnancy-related medical expense obligations

HB 176 JEFFERSON PROPERTY Provides relative to transfer of ownership of movable property

HB 178 MILLER, G. CIVIL/VENUE Provides for venue for actions involving certain insurers

HB 184 FRIEMAN CHILDRENS CODE Provides relative to a child in need of care HB 194 THOMPSON CHILDREN/VISITATION RGTS Provides relative to post-adoption visitation rights of grandparents

HB 220 PRESSLY PROPERTY/IMMOVABLE Provides relative to actions to determine ownership or possession HB 290 MILLER, G. ATTORNEYS Provides relative to collections in legal malpractice

HB 298 HUGHES CHILDREN/PARENTAL RIGHTS Provides relative to parental rights in certain circumstances

HB 314 LARVADAIN EVIDENCE Provides relative to trained peer support members

HB 337 CARPENTER CHILDREN/SUPPORT Eliminates the minimum child support award in the child support guidelines Any person who does not feel comfortable giving testimony in person may submit a prepared statement in accordance with House Rule 14.33 in lieu of appearing before the committee: A.

House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice

Committee Room 5, 10:00 a.m.

INSTRUMENTS TO BE HEARD:

HB 215 ECHOLS STATE AGENCIES Provides relative to acceptable methods of payment for the office of motor vehicles

HB 293 THOMAS FUNDS/FUNDING Repeals certain funds within the state treasury

HB 525 MAGEE FUNDS/FUNDING Establishes the Community Options Waiver Fund and provides for dedication of revenues and use of monies in the fund

HB 530 MCKNIGHT STATE AGENCIES Provides for the collection of fees associated with facilitating an electronic signature or authorization

HB 577 ILLG STATE AGENCIES Provides for the collection of fees associated with facilitating an electronic signature or authorization

House Ways & Means Committee Room 6, 9:00 a.m.

INSTRUMENTS TO BE HEARD:

HB 172 DEVILLIER TAX/SEVERANCE TAX Reduces the severance tax rate for oil over a certain period of time and fixes the severance tax rate for oil produced from certain wells at the current rate

HB 277 BAGLEY TAX/SEVERANCE TAX (Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to severance tax revenues remitted to parishes in which the associated severance occurs

HB 278 MCFARLAND TAX/SEVERANCE TAX (Constitutional Amendment) Increases amounts of severance tax revenues remitted to parishes and requires that portions of these amounts be spent on parish transportation projects

HB 280 BAGLEY TAX/SEVERANCE TAX Requires parishes to use portions of severance tax revenues received from the state for economic development activities and infrastructure projects

House Committee on Appropriations Committee Room 5, 10:00 a.m.

INSTRUMENTS TO BE HEARD:

HB 215 ECHOLS STATE AGENCIES Provides relative to acceptable methods of payment for the office of motor vehicles

HB 293 THOMAS FUNDS/FUNDING Repeals certain funds within the state treasury

HB 525 MAGEE FUNDS/FUNDING Establishes the Community Options Waiver Fund and provides for dedication of revenues and use of monies in the fund

HB 530 MCKNIGHT STATE AGENCIES Provides for the collection of fees associated with facilitating an electronic signature or authorization

HB 577 ILLG STATE AGENCIES Provides for the collection of fees associated with facilitating an electronic signature or authorization

HOUSE STANDING COMMITTEES - https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Committees.aspx?c=H

Administration of Criminal Justice

Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Appropriations

Civil Law and Procedure

Commerce

Education

Health and Welfare

House and Governmental Affairs

Insurance

Judiciary

Labor and Industrial Relations

Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs

Natural Resources and Environment

Retirement

Transportation, Highways and Public Works

Ways and Means

HOW COMMITTEES WORK:

The standing committee system of the House of Representatives is comprised of the sixteen permanent House standing committees. The committees and their specific respective subject matter jurisdictions are established by House Rules (House Rules 6.1 and 6.6). The chairman and members of each committee are appointed by the Speaker of the House (except that certain members of the Appropriations Committee are elected as provided by House Rules (House Rule 6.4).

The activity role of standing committees will differ during a legislative session from the interim between sessions.

● Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

● Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

● Education

● Environmental Quality

● Finance

● Health & Welfare

● Insurance

● Judiciary A

● Judiciary B

● Judiciary C

● Labor & Industrial Relations

● Local & Municipal Affairs

● Natural Resources

● Retirement

● Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

● Senate & Governmental Affairs

● Transportation, Highways & Public Works

These committees are comprised of seven members with the exception of six committees: Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs Committee, Health and Welfare Committee, Insurance Committee, and Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee have nine each. Finance Committee and Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee have eleven each.

Each committee has a listing of members, committee jurisdiction, and an e-mail address. Agendas are also available; however, if there is no link to an agenda, then the agenda is not yet available or a meeting has not been scheduled. Additional topical information may vary according to committee.

2023 STANDING COMMITTEES - HTTPS://SENATE LA GOV/COMMITTEESSTANDING

List of all House of Representatives 2023

Adams, Roy Daryl: hse062@legis.la.gov

Amedée, Beryl: amedeeb@legis.la.gov

Bacala, Tony: bacalat@legis.la.gov

Bagley, Larry: bagleyl@legis.la.gov

Beaullieu, IV, Gerald "Beau": hse048@legis.la.gov

Bishop, Stuart J.: bishops@legis.la.gov

Bourriaque, Ryan: hse047@legis.la.gov

Boyd, Delisha: hse102@legis.la.gov

Brass, Ken: brassk@legis.la.gov

Brown, Chad: brownc@legis.la.gov

Bryant, Marcus Anthony: hse096@legis.la.gov

Butler, Rhonda Gaye: hse038@legis.la.gov

Carpenter, Barbara: carpenterb@legis.la.gov

Carrier, R. Dewith: hse032@legis.la.gov

Carter, Robby: carterr@legis.la.gov

Carter, Sr., Wilford: hse034@legis.la.gov

Cormier, Mack: hse105@legis.la.gov

Coussan, Jean-Paul: coussanjp@legis.la.gov

Cox, Kenny R.: coxk@legis.la.gov

Crews, Raymond J.: crewsr@legis.la.gov

Davis, Paula: davisp@legis.la.gov

List of all House of Representatives 2023

DeVillier, Phillip: devillierp@legis.la.gov

Deshotel, Daryl Andrew: hse028@legis.la.gov

DuBuisson, Mary: hse090@legis.la.gov

Echols, Michael Charles: hse014@legis.la.gov

Edmonds, Rick: edmondsr@legis.la.gov

Edmonston, Kathy: hse088@legis.la.gov

Emerson, Julie: emersonj@legis.la.gov

Farnum, Les: hse033@legis.la.gov

Firment, Michael "Gabe": hse022@legis.la.gov

Fisher, Adrian: hse016@legis.la.gov

Fontenot, Bryan: hse055@legis.la.gov

Freeman, Aimee Adatto: hse098@legis.la.gov

Freiberg, Barbara Reich: hse070@legis.la.gov

Frieman, Lawrence "Larry": hse074@legis.la.gov

Gadberry, Foy Bryan: hse015@legis.la.gov

Gaines, Randal L.: gainesr@legis.la.gov

Garofalo, Raymond E.: garofalor@legis.la.gov

Geymann, Brett F.: hse035@legis.la.gov

Glover, Cedric: gloverc@legis.la.gov

Goudeau, I, Jonathan: hse031@legis.la.gov

List of all House of Representatives 2023

Green, Jr., Kyle M. hse083@legis.la.gov

Harris, Lance: harrisl@legis.la.gov

Hilferty, Stephanie: hilfertys@legis.la.gov

Hodges, Valarie: hodgesv@legis.la.gov

Hollis, Paul: hollisp@legis.la.gov

Horton, Dodie: hortond@legis.la.gov

Hughes, Jason: hse100@legis.la.gov

Huval, Mike: huvalm@legis.la.gov

Illg, Jr., John R.: hse078@legis.la.gov

Ivey, Barry: iveyb@legis.la.gov

Jefferson, Patrick O.: jeffersonpo@legis.la.gov

Jenkins, Sam: jenkinss@legis.la.gov

Johnson, C. Travis: hse021@legis.la.gov

Johnson, Mike: hse027@legis.la.gov

Jordan, Edmond: jordane@legis.la.gov

Kerner, Timothy P.: hse084@legis.la.gov

LaCombe, Jeremy: hse018@legis.la.gov

LaFleur, Vanessa Caston: hse101@legis.la.gov

Landry, Mandie: hse091@legis.la.gov

Larvadain, III, Ed: hse026@legis.la.gov

Lyons, Rodney lyonsr@legis.la.gov

List of all House of Representatives 2023

Mack, Sherman Q. macks@legis.la.gov

Magee, Tanner: mageet@legis.la.gov

Marcelle, C. Denise: marcelled@legis.la.gov

Marino, III, Joseph A.: marinoj@legis.la.gov

McCormick, Danny: hse001@legis.la.gov

McFarland, Jack: mcfarlandj@legis.la.gov

McKnight, Scott: hse068@legis.la.gov

McMahen, Wayne: mcmahenw@legis.la.gov

Miguez, Blake: miguezb@legis.la.gov

Miller, Dustin: millerd@legis.la.gov

Miller, Gregory A.: millerg@legis.la.gov

Mincey, Jr., Buddy: hse071@legis.la.gov

Moore, Pat: hse017@legis.la.gov

Muscarello, Nicholas: muscarellon@legis.la.gov

Nelson, Richard: hse089@legis.la.gov

Newell, Candace N.: hse099@legis.la.gov

Orgeron, Joseph A.: hse054@legis.la.gov

Owen, Charles: hse030@legis.la.gov

Owen, Robert "Bob": hse076@legis.la.gov

Phelps, Tammy T.: hse003@legis.la.gov

Pierre, Vincent J.: pierrev@legis.la.gov

Pressly, Thomas A.: hse006@legis.la.gov

List of all House of Representatives 2023

Riser, Neil risern@legis.la.gov

Romero, Troy D.: hse037@legis.la.gov

Schamerhorn, Rodney: hse024@legis.la.gov

Schexnayder, Clay: schexnayderc@legis.la.gov

Schlegel, Laurie: hse082@legis.la.gov

Seabaugh, Alan: seabaugha@legis.la.gov

Selders, Larry: hse067@legis.la.gov

St. Blanc, III, Vincent "Vinney": hse050@legis.la.gov

Stagni, Joseph A.: stagnij@legis.la.gov

Stefanski, John M.: stefanskij@legis.la.gov

Tarver, Phillip Eric: hse036@legis.la.gov

Thomas, Polly: thomaspj@legis.la.gov

Thompson, Francis C.: thompsof@legis.la.gov

Turner, Christopher: hse012@legis.la.gov

Vacant - District 93

Villio, Debbie: hse079@legis.la.gov

Wheat, Jr., William "Bill": hse073@legis.la.gov

White, Malinda: whitema@legis.la.gov

Willard, Matthew: hse097@legis.la.gov

Wright, Mark: wrightm@legis.la.gov

Zeringue, Jerome: zeringuej@legis.la.gov

List of all Louisiana Senators 2023

Abraham, Mark

Allain, R. L. Bret

Barrow, Regina

Bernard, Louie

Boudreaux, Gerald

Bouie, Joseph

Carter, Gary

Cathey, Stewart Jr.

Cloud, Heather

Connick, Patrick

Cortez, Patrick Page

Duplessis, Royce

Fesi, Michael "Big Mike"

Fields, Cleo

Foil, Franklin J

Harris, Jimmy

Henry, Cameron

Hensgens, Bob

Hewitt, Sharon

Jackson, Katrina R.

Kleinpeter, Caleb

Lambert, Eddie J.

abrahamm@legis.la.gov

allainb@legis.la.gov

barrowr@legis.la.gov

sen31@legis.la.gov

boudreauxg@legis.la.gov

bouiej@legis.la.gov

carterg@legis.la.gov

sen33@legis.la.gov

sen28@legis.la.gov

connickp@legis.la.gov

cortezp@legis.la.gov

SEN05@legis.la.gov

sen20@legis.la.gov

sen14@legis.la.gov

foilf@legis.la.gov

harrisj@legis.la.gov

henryc@legis.la.gov

sen26@legis.la.gov

hewitts@legis.la.gov

jacksonk@legis.la.gov

sen17@legis.la.gov

lamberte@legis.la.gov

List of all Louisiana Senators 2023

Luneau, Jay

McMath, Patrick Milligan, Barry

Mills, Fred H. Jr.

Mills, Robert

Mizell, Beth

Morris, John C. "Jay"

Peacock, Barrow

Pope, J. Rogers

Price, Edward J

Reese, Mike

Smith, Gary L. Jr

Stine, Jeremy

Talbot, Kirk

Tarver, Gregory

White, Mack "Bodi”

Womack, Glen:

luneauj@legis.la.gov

sen11@legis.la.gov

sen38@legis.la.gov

millsf@legis.la.gov

sen36@legis.la.gov

mizellb@legis.la.gov

morrisjc@legis.la.gov

peacockb@legis.la.gov

poper@legis.la.gov

pricee@legis.la.gov

sen30@legis.la.gov

smithgl@legis.la.gov

sen27@legis.la.gov

talbotk@legis.la.gov

tarverg@legis.la.gov

whitem@legis.la.gov

sen32@legis.la.gov

Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus

Rep. Vincent Pierre, Chair

Cynthia Buggage - Executive Director

225-342-734 (P) 225-342-0364 (F)

http://llbc.louisiana.gov/

Louisiana Democratic Caucus

Rep. Sam Jenkins, Caucus Chair

Chris Frink - Caucus Director

(225)-342-8654 (P) (225)-219-4381(F)

Louisiana Rural Caucus

Rep. Christopher Turner, Chair

Mechelle Evans-Administrative Director

(225)342-7380 (P) (225) 342-0343 (F)

Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus

Senator Beth Mizell, Chair

Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, Vice-Chair

Trin Johnson - Executive Director

(225)342-0334 (P) (225) 342-9854 (F)

http://llwc.louisiana.gov/

CAUCUSES

GLOSSARY OF TERMS Act

A bill that has been finally passed by the House and Senate, enrolled, signed by the legislative presiding officers, signed by the governor (or allowed to become law without his signature), and assigned an Act number by the secretary of state. Joint resolutions (proposed constitutional amendments) are bills and are processed as such, except they are not signed by the governor or subject to the governor's veto.

Adjournment sine die

Adjournment sine die ("without a day") is an adjournment without setting a time for another meeting or session. Neither house can adjourn, during a session, for more than three days or to another place without the consent of the other house. Adjournment sine die, as distinguished from adjournment to a fixed hour on a succeeding day, terminates the session for that year. Although the legislature is a continuous body during the term for which its members are elected, any bill or resolution not finally passed in any session is, upon adjournment sine die, withdrawn from the files of the legislature.

Amendment

The modification of a bill or resolution by adding or deleting language or changing wording.

Committee amendment-

Changes in a bill or resolution recommended to the full house by a majority of the committee to which the bill or resolution was referred. Must be adopted by the full house to become a part of a bill or resolution.

Floor amendment -

Amendments offered by a member of the house having the bill or resolution under consideration, usually offered when a bill is being considered on the floor on third reading and final passage.

Appropriation bill

A bill to authorize payment of funds from the state treasury to a particular department or agency, sometimes specifies a particular purpose.

Capital Outlay Bill - Also an appropriation bill; it authorizes expenditures for the capital construction needs of the state.

Author (coauthors)

The member(s) sponsoring a particular piece of legislation.

Bill

A legislative instrument proposed by a legislator(s) to change or enact new statutory law or to repeal existing law (Act), or to propose changes or additions to the constitution (joint resolutions). Statutory law includes the Louisiana Revised Statutes, various codes, and local or special Acts.

Prefiled bill - Original bill that is filed by a legislator with the chief clerical officer of the respective house prior to a legislative session. Such a bill receives a bill number, is printed, and may be assigned to a standing committee prior to a session. On the opening day of the session, it will be formally introduced.

Original bill - The bill as introduced into the legislature that is used in the legislative process until engrossed

Engrossed bill - Original bill prepared with amendments adopted upon initial consideration by the house of origin incorporated into its text. Usually, a bill which incorporates all committee amendments to the original bill adopted during the second reading in the originating house. (Rarely a bill is amended on the floor at second reading and the engrossed bill, including these amendments, is referred to committee.) The engrossed bill is ordinarily the version used on the House floor for debate on third reading and final passage

Reengrossed bill - Refers to a bill to which additional amendments - usually floor amendments - have been added, after its engrossment. Usually these are floor amendments adopted when the bill is considered on third reading and final passage in the house of origin.

Enrolled bill - A bill in its final form, including all amendments adopted in both houses, to be submitted (Joint Resolutions excepted) to the governor for his approval or veto.

Bill status

The progression and current stage of a legislative instrument from its introduction to passage.

Calendar

(1) The daily listing, in order of precedence, of resolutions, bills, and other documents on which action may be taken.

Regular calendar - Instruments reported by committees and ordered engrossed and passed to third reading on the same day are listed in numerical order and follow those reported on previous days. Most bills are placed on the regular calendar and considered in the order listed.

Subject to call - An instrument may be returned to the calendar subject to call upon approval of a majority of the members present and voting. Instruments so returned are listed in numerical

order and may be called from the calendar for further action or consideration at a later time when the House is in that same order of business. However, members must give at least a day's notice that they intend to call a bill from this calendar.

Call

The proclamation by which the governor or the legislature convenes the legislature into extraordinary session. The subject scope of the session is determined in this written document.

Caucus

An informal group of legislators, most often organized on the basis of party affiliation, common interest, or regional representation. Also, a meeting of such a group. Some groups refer to themselves as "delegation" rather than caucus.

Commendation

Expression of legislative tribute of either or both houses by certificate or resolution Committee

A group of legislators of one or both houses which considers legislation, conducts studies, and/or makes recommendations to the Senate and/or House.

Committee of the whole - The entire membership of the House, acting in the capacity of committee to consider the general appropriation bill or other matters. A member other than the Speaker serves as the chairman.

Conference committee - A committee, composed of three members from each house, the purpose of which is to propose to the two houses a means to resolve differences in a bill when the house of origin refuses to concur in one or more amendments adopted by the opposite house.

Interim committee - A special committee created to make a study or investigation during the interim between sessions of the legislature.

Joint committee - A committee composed of members of both houses. May be composed of standing committee members from each house (or certain members thereof) or may be a special joint committee with members selected without regard to standing committee membership. Used during the interim.

Select committee - A committee established by the presiding officer of a house composed of members of that house for a designated purpose.

Special committee - A committee of one or both houses appointed for a limited purpose and discharged upon completion of this function.

Standing committee - A permanent committee of the Senate or House with subject matter jurisdiction defined by rules of its house. Functions both during and between legislative sessions to conduct public hearings on proposed legislation, review proposed administrative rules, make its own studies of problems, make reports and recommendations to the house it serves, etc.

Conference committee report

The recommendations of a conference committee to resolve the differences between the two houses when the house of origin does not concur in amendments adopted in the second house. The report must adopt or reject all second house amendments and may include other changes. A digest of a conference committee report must be prepared by the staff before a vote on the report.

Deferred

A legislative instrument scheduled for hearing by a committee may be voluntarily deferred upon the request of the author or member handling the instrument. An instrument voluntarily deferred without objection may be rescheduled for committee hearing. A legislative instrument is involuntarily deferred when so ordered by a vote of a majority of the committee members present and voting, notwithstanding the request of the author or member handling it to report the instrument. An involuntarily deferred instrument may be rescheduled for a committee hearing (after opportunity for hearing all other House instruments requested to be heard) only by the vote of two-thirds of the committee members present and voting. During a session, the indefinite postponement of a bill usually means that the bill is dead for that legislative session.

Digest

A summary of the substance of a legislative instrument which appears at the end of the text of the instrument. It explains changes in the law proposed by a bill. Redigests also include a summary of amendments adopted. Digests of legislation as finally passed comprise the Resume which is the publication describing all legislation passed by the legislature in a given session

Executive Order

A written document issued by the governor to accomplish a purpose over which he has authority, such as establishment of executive branch policies, the declaration of certain holidays, establishment of a study or other commission or committee, or other directive within his power as chief executive. Executive branch agencies may also be created by executive order for a limited period. Termination date varies as specified by law.

Fiscal note

An estimate of the fiscal effect of a bill, joint resolution, simple or concurrent resolution which will affect the receipt, expenditure, or allocation of state funds or funds of any political subdivision of the state or that will authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds or other general

obligations of the state for capital outlay purposes. Must be attached prior to consideration by a committee of either house unless a committee decides otherwise. Not a part of the law proposed by the measure to which it is attached.

Fiscal year

The 12 month period for which appropriations, budgets and financial reports are made. The state's fiscal year commences on July 1 and ends the following June 30.

Floor

Figure of speech meaning the floor of the House or Senate while that body is in session. Referred to in legislative procedure: the bill is "on the floor". Members recognized to speak on debate are said to "have the floor".

Interim

The interval between annual regular sessions. Committees can conduct studies and can hear, debate, amend, and determine their reports on pre-filed bills at this time.

Journal

A record of daily proceedings of each house: the House Journal, Senate Journal. Also refers to the final compilation of journals which is published as the end of each session as a set (which also includes the Legislative Calendar).

Legislative instrument

One of the following: a bill; a concurrent resolution; a resolution. (Bill includes a joint resolution.)

Legislative intent

The purpose for which a measure is enacted and the meaning of the measure which the legislature intended, often determined in reviewing committee proceeding tapes or transcripts and floor proceedings.

Legislative History

Refers to the collection of documents and other indicia that are created during the legislative process and used by the legal community as an aid in the interpretation of law when its meaning cannot be ascertained by the actual text of the law. The degree to which this information is admissible in court depends upon its authenticity and relevancy to the legal proceeding.

Lobbyist

Person paid to represent various interest groups and others to influence the passage or defeat of legislation.

Order of the Day

(1)The order of business followed in each house of the legislature in transacting its daily business. (2) A legislative document prepared daily in each house of the legislature by the offices of the House Clerk and Senate Secretary, reflecting expected or proposed action on legislative instruments, organized by the order of business in which action may occur. (Also see Calendar)

Prefile

To formally file a legislative instrument for introduction by providing a copy to the House Clerk (House Bills) or Senate Secretary (Senate Bills) before the start of a legislative session. (Prefiling deadline is 10 days before a session.) (Also see File a Bill )

President

The presiding officer of the Senate, elected by the members.

Regular Order

The fixed schedule of consideration of legislative instruments during the course of a legislative day that has been established by the House Rules. (Also see Special Order)

Resolution

A legislative instrument that generally is used for making declarations, stating policies, and making decisions where some other form of legislation is not required. A bill includes the constitutionally-required enacting clause; a resolution uses the term "resolved". Not subject to a time limit for introduction nor to governor’s veto.

Concurrent Resolution – Resolution to be considered by both houses that can be used to express legislative intent, adopt or change joint rules of the legislature, memorialize congress, and request or direct a state agency to take a specified action. Can also be used to suspend a law. (Also see Suspension of Law)

Joint Resolution – A proposal to change (amend) or repeal existing provisions of or to add new provisions to the constitution. It is designated a House or a Senate bill, with a bill number, and requires passage by a 2/3 majority of each house to be placed on the election ballot. If finally passed by the Legislature, it is given an act number as well. The favorable vote of a majority of all state electors voting on it is required for it to become effective (and a majority of those voting in the local area if it is local in nature).

Simple Resolution – Resolution passed by only one house that expresses an opinion or intent, but does not have the force o f law. It may also be used to change the rules of a house. It takes effect upon adoption.

Session

The period during which the legislature assembles and carries on its business. The legislature meets annually in regular session.

Regular session – In even-numbered years a regular session is restricted to not more than 60 legislative days within a period of 85 calendar days; in odd-numbered years, it is restricted to not more than 45 legislative days within 60 days. The subject matter of regular sessions in oddnumbered years is limited to specified fiscal matters; however, a member may introduce any bill intended to enact a local or special law or may prefile a maximum of five bills not within the subject matter restrictions.

Extraordinary session – Such a session is limited to not more than 30 days. There is no restriction on the number of extraordinary sessions that can be held in one year. The governor may call the session; the presiding officers must call an extraordinary session if a majority of each house petition for an extraordinary session. The call defines the subject scope. Also called a "special session."

Organizational session – Session held on the day legislators take office for the primary purpose of judging the members’ qualifications and elections, taking the oath of office, organizing the two houses, and selecting officers. An organizational session cannot exceed three legislative days.

Veto session – Session required by the constitution to be held on the 40th day following final adjournment of the most recent session to consider all bills vetoed by the governor. Not held if a majority of either house declare it unnecessary in writing

Speaker

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, elected by the members.

Speaker Pro Tempore

The officer of the House of Representative whose job it is, in the absence of the Speaker, to preside over the Chamber and, in the event of the disability or absence of the Speaker, to assume the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Speaker. This office is elected by the members.

Study Request

A legislative instrument which requests a standing committee or committees to conduct a study of an issue or item during the interim between legislative sessions. A study request does not go through the traditional approval process of other legislative instruments, but rather is adopted if, after a specific period of time, there is insufficient objection made to the proposed study request.

Concurrent – A request for a study by a standing committee of each house of the legislature.

Simple – A request for a study by a standing committee of one house of the legislature.

Substitute Bill

A new bill recommended by a committee to replace a bill or bills referred to it. The committee reports the bill "by substitute" when it recommends that the bill be substantially rewritten. Resolutions may also be reported by substitute

Task Force

A special group authorized to study a particular issue and report back to the Legislature. Its members may include legislators appointed by the legislative leadership and citizens from designated groups or associations.

Third Reading

The regular advancement of a bill once it has been reported by a committee and ordered engrossed by the House. Bills that have advanced to third reading will be considered on final passage in their regular course. (Also see Reading of a Bill)

Title

(1)A concise statement appearing at the beginning of a bill which is indicative of the object of the bill as required by the constitution and embraces the significant aspects of the subject content of the bill.

(2)The largest subdivision of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The revised statutes are comprised of Titles 1 through 56.

Veto

Governor’s disapproval of an enrolled bill. Has the effect of killing the bill unless the legislature subsequently votes to override the governor’s action by a 2/3 vote of each house. (Also see Session, Veto session.)

Item veto – Power exercised by the governor to veto specified items (single appropriations) of an appropriation bill, although signing the remainder of the bill into law.

Vote

Record vote – A formal roll call of a house or committee of the legislature in which each member’s vote (yea or nay or abstention) on a motion is recorded (manually or electronically). Such vote is also recorded in the committee records and minutes and, in the case of floor action, in the Journal of the House or Senate. Certain votes are required to be record votes.

For a list of additional terms go to http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Glossary.aspx.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Louisiana 2023 Legislative Session

Legislation to Watch The Links, Incorporated

Southern Area 3 Priority Areas

SB31 Senator Mizell – CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Creates database to track trafficking arrests, convictions, restitution, fines, and civil asset forfeiture.

SB192 Sen. Gary Smith - GAMING: Provides relative to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. (8/1/23)

SB194 Sen. Mizell - ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Prohibits persons under the age of twentyone from entering and working at certain establishments. (2/3-CA7s2.1(A)) (gov sig)

Current Status: Pending Senate Judiciary B

SB215 Sen. Regina Barrow - CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Provides justification defense to domestic violence victim-defendants. (8/1/23)

Current Status: Pending Senate Judiciary C

SB217 Sen. Cameron Henry - CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates a state wide database for individuals convicted of child abuse/neglect. (8/1/23)

Current Status: Pending Senate Judiciary B

BREAST CANCER

HB186 – Rep. Paula Davis - INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services

Current Status: Pending House Insurance

Foster Care

HB298 Rep. Hughes - CHILDREN/PARENTAL RIGHTS: Provides relative to parental rights in certain circumstances

Current Status: Pending House Civil Law and Procedure

HB596 Rep. Freeman - EMPLOYMENT: Creates the Louisiana Family and Medical Leave Benefits Act

Current Status: Pending House Labor and Industrial Relations

SB137 Rep. Barrow - CHILDREN: Creates the Office of Child Advocacy and the state child advocate. (8/1/23)

Current Status: Pending Senate Health and Welfare

State of Black Women in Louisiana

ECONOMIC SECURITY

HB149 Rep. Marino LEGISLATORS: Provides for the compensation of members of the legislature Current Status: Pending House and Governmental Affairs

HB162 Rep. Matthew Willard TAX CREDITS: Increases the amount of the earned income tax credit (OR -$66,900,000 GF RV See Note)

Current Status: Pending House Ways and Means

HB283 LABOR: Provides relative to employment practices related to wage history, wage disclosure, and retaliation

Current Status: Pending House Labor and Industrial Relations

HB374 Representative Ed Larvadain III -EMPLOYMENT/WAGESMINIMUM: Establishes a state minimum wage rate

Current Status: Pending House Labor and Industrial Relations

HB596 Rep. Freeman - EMPLOYMENT: Creates the Louisiana Family and Medical Leave Benefits Act

Current Status: Pending House Labor and Industrial Relations

SB93 Senator Bouie - EMPLOYMENT: Requires that any contractor who enters into a contract with a public entity comply with the Louisiana Equal Pay for Women Act. (8/1/23)

Current Status: Pending Senate Labor and Industrial Relations

SB148 Sen. Gary Carter EMPLOYMENT: Provides relative to employment practices related to wage history, wage disclosure, and retaliation. (8/1/23)

Current Status: Pending Senate Labor and Industrial Relations

SB149 Senator Gary Carter - EMPLOYMENT: Provides relative to the state minimum wage. (gov sig)

Current Status: Pending Senate Labor and Industrial Relations

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE & EDUCATION

Early Childhood

HB 56 Representative Pat Moore - EARLY CHILDHOOD: Authorizes the Monroe City School Board to levy an ad valorem tax for the purpose of funding early childhood care and education

Current Status: Pending House Municipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs

HB 338 Representative Barbara Freiberg - EARLY CHILDHOOD: Provides relative to the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission (maintains present law)

Current Status: Pending House Education

Higher Ed.

SB202 Sen. Regina Barrow - COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES: Provides relative to campus accountability and safety. (gov sig)

Current Status: Pending Senate Education

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

SB215 Sen. Regna Barrow - CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Provides justification defense to domestic violence victim-defendants. (8/1/23)

Current Status: Pending Senate Judiciary C

HB376 Rep. Delisha Boyd - DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to protective orders

Current Status: Pending House Judiciary

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

HB175 Rep. Delisha Boyd - WEAPONS/FIREARMS: Prohibits carrying firearms into hospitals and mental health facilities

Current Status: Pending House Administration of Criminal Justice

HB228 Rep. Kyle Green - CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Eliminates the death penalty (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)Current Status: Pending House Administration of Criminal Justice

WOMEN’S HEALTH

HB117 Rep. Freeman – requires public schools to provide free menstrual products in easily accessible locations

HB186 Rep. Paula Davis - INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services

HB272 Rep. Matthew Willard – INSURANCE/HEALTH: Provides relative to maternal support services of doulas.

SB135 Sen. Regina Ashford Barrow – MEDICAID: Provides relative to Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by a licensed midwife.

Current Status: Pending Senate Health and Welfare

SUBSTANCE USE & ABUSE

HB419 Representative C Travis Johnson - MEDICAID: Provides relative to Medicaid coverage for the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model

Current Status: Pending House Health and Welfare

EMPLOYMENT & DISCRIMINATION

HB40 Rep.Delisha Boyd EMPLOYMENT/DISCRIMINATN: Provides relative to employment discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation

Current Status: Pending House Labor and Industrial Relations

SB200 Sen. Royce Duplessis EMPLOYMENT: Provides that retaliation against an employee for an absence from work due to genetic testing or a medically necessary cancer screening shall be an unlawful employment practice. (8/1/23)