Submitted by Louisiana Representative Jacob Landry of District 49
ERATH, LA (June 21, 2024) – “Shortly after concluding my time on the campaign trail, I wondered about what the first legislative session would look like. Coming into the new year, we immediately jumped into two special sessions. I was beyond pleased to see the strong leadership displayed by not only our new Governor, but our Speaker of the House as well. Our party leadership made time to sit with each of us and discuss the issues affecting our districts and our legislative priorities. With this amount of encouragement, my colleagues and I were able to introduce several influential pieces of legislation. I was able to work with Rep. Beau Beaullieu to author two bills, HB259 and HB418, that worked to substantially lower severance taxes on certain wells. It was inspiring to work with Rep. Beaullieu on legislation that would support our vital oil & gas industry.
Additionally, the House made significant strides in crucial areas such as insurance, education, and commerce. For example, we were able to deliver SB313, which created the LAGATOR Scholarship Program. This legislation will provide parents the freedom to provide their children the education that best suits them. Louisiana certainly has a long way to go, but there were a significant amount of legislative wins to be proud of from our first session. I’m looking forward to building upon our immense progress with our colleagues next session, and I encourage everyone to engage with your local representatives. Make your voice heard and interact with us to bring about more change for Louisiana!”
– Jacob Landry, State Representative for District 49
INVESTING TAXPAYER MONEY WISELY
- Allocated $1.36 BILLION TO DOTD, which is almost $200 Mil more than last year.
- “Prioritized REAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS that are ready to go, making this the SINGLE GREATEST INVESTMENT in addressing the backlog in the history of Louisiana.”
- Restored the TEACHER STIPEND to $2000.
- Invested an additional $94 Million for repairs at our COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES.
- Added an additional $157.6 Million for repairs at CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY.
INSURANCE REFORM
- Phases out the “3 Year Rule” which will ATTRACT INSURANCE COMPANIES to come back to Louisiana. (HB 611 by Rep. Firment)
- Adjusts the PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD from 1 year to 2 years, putting Louisiana in line with 48 states, allowing more time to settle claims without filing suit. (HB 315 by Rep. Johnson)
- REPEALS THE DIRECT ACTION STATUTE, putting us in line with 47 other states. (HB 337 by Jack McFarland
- Clarifies deadlines for Property Insurers to PAY CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES promptly and reduces the Level of frivolous lawsuits. (SB 323 by Sen. Talbot)
- Allows for insurance companies to enjoy FLEXIBILITY & SPEED-TO-MARKET which will increase competition. (SB 295 by Sen. Cloud)
- SUSPENDS 10% SURCHARGE on all LA Citizens’ policies in the state for 3 years. (SB 113 by
- Removes the sunset for the FORTIFIED ROOF PROGRAM. (HB 120 by Rep. Willard)
- Reduces Liability for farmers on ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY LIVESTOCK. (HB 785 by Rep. Schamerhorn)
EDUCATION
- Creates EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS giving parents decision making power in their child’s education. (SB 313 by Sen. Edmonds)
- LETS TEACHERS TEACH by cutting red tape and reducing paperwork. (HB 320 by Rep. Owen)
- Expands “HIGH DOSAGE” TUTORING in public schools across the state. (SB 508 by Sen. McMath)
- Advises the Louisiana Dept. of Education to INCREASE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING in public schools. (HCR17 by Rep. Echols & Rep. Schlegel)
- Expands the Steve Carter Literacy Program to INCLUDE MATHEMATICS for public school students in all grades. (HB 244 by Rep. Hughes)
- INCREASES TEACHER PAY for additional duties required of teachers outside of normal work hours while on school property. (SB 205 by Sen. Miguez)
- Introduces tools to IMPROVE MATH SKILLS and numeracy development for K-3 students. (HB 267 by Rep. Carver)
ELECTION INTEGRITY
- Allows the Secretary of State to REQUIRE PROOF of United States citizenship when registering to vote (SB 436 by Sen. Fesi)
- Prohibits individuals from assisting with more than one absentee ballot except for IMMEDIATE FAMILY members (SB 155 by Sen. Kleinpeter)
- Makes it EASIER TO CHALLENGE a mail-in or absentee ballot. (SB 226 by Sen. Cloud)
- Cleans up the RECALL PROCESS to ensure the efficient verification of signatures. (HB 221 by Rep. Bayham)
- Strengthens the process by which MAIL-IN BALLOTS are tabulated. (HB 962 by Rep. Billings)
- Prohibits the use of RANKED-CHOICE VOTING in Louisiana elections. (SB 101 by Sen. Miguez)
- Adds more POLL WATCHERS at polling places during elections. (SB 261 by Sen. Hodges)
LET FREEDOM RING
- Provides for the distinction between males and females and DEFINES WORDS LIKE “BOY” AND “GIRL” in statute (HB 608 by Rep. Wilder)
- Ensures NO PERSON SHALL BE REQUIRED to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to attend public or nonpublic schools. (HB 46 by Rep. Edmonston)
- Prevents foreign adversaries from owning or controlling agricultural LAND IN LOUISIANA (HB 238 by Rep. Echols)
- PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION of students on the basis of vaccination status. (HB 908 by Rep. Amedee)
- Allows dairy farmers to SELL 100% NATURAL MILK. (HB 467 by Rep. Coates)
- SLOWS A FEDERAL DIGITAL CURRENCY from being required in Louisiana. (HB 357 by Rep. Amedee)
CRIME
- Establishes stricter TRUTH IN SENTENCING requirements which will keep criminals off our streets. (HCR1 by Rep. Villio)
- Increases the penalty for DISTRIBUTION OF FENTANYL designed to resemble branded prescription medication. (HB 720 by Rep. Schlegel)
- Increases the penalty for HUMAN TRAFFICKING of persons under 18. (SB 306 by Sen. Cathey)
- Allows local police to detain people suspected of ENTERING THE UNITED STATES illegally (SB 388 by Sen. Hodges)
- Increases the penalty for AGGRAVATED FLIGHT from a police officer. (SB 184 by Sen. Kleinpeter)
- Prohibits individuals from SQUATTING in a dwelling or structure (HB 58 by Rep. Bacala)
- PROTECTS POLICE OFFICERS from bystanders while the officer is engaging in official duties. (HB 173 by Rep. Fontenot)
- Imposes tougher penalties for PORCH PIRACY or theft of delivered packages. (HB 451 by Rep. Schlegel)
