Last month’s 1st special session was an utter disappointment to Louisiana First patriots. We didn’t get the closed primaries that we were promised and gave up a highly-gerrymandered congressional district to state Senator Cleo Fields. So obviously, the 1st special session left much to be desired.

After having a few weeks to reflect, I now believe that things should improve from here on out in the State Legislature. The pre-filed legislation for the 2nd special session definitely should give Louisiana First conservatives some hope as to the tone that the 2nd special session should have.

Based on this legislation, Louisiana should expect our legislature to undo some of the disastrous “soft on crime” policies from the 2017 legislative session.

Some of the notable legislation to keep an eye on from the 2nd special session include permitting constitutional carry for law-abiding citizens (Rep McCormick–HB 12 & Sen Miguez–SB 1), increasing carjacking penalties (Rep Schlegel–HB 7 & SB 12–Sen Hodges), and limiting parole for violent/sex crimes (Rep Villio–HB 10 & SB5–Sen McMath).

As long as the state legislature does its job and passes these common-sense measures to protect our state’s law-abiding citizens, then we don’t have to expect more of the bipartisan “business as usual”-type politics that kept our state stuck in the mud under Gov John Bel Edwards.

A successful 2nd special session shows a path forward opening up for the future of Louisiana–a future full of safety, economic prosperity, and flourishing families. The 2nd special session can play a pivotal role in terms of turning this state around by ensuring the safety of Louisiana citizens.

However, the path forward to success does not stop at the 2nd special session. The Louisiana legislature must take advantage of the opportunity that next month’s regular session provides as a non-fiscal session. Our legislature can ensure the future of our state by tackling long-neglected topics such as illegal immigration, Louisiana’s out-migration crisis, family formation among young adults (e.g. limiting no-fault divorce), educational savings accounts (ESAs), and more during the regular session. While some of these topics are more long-term projects, we should expect plenty of Louisiana First legislation from the more conservative representatives in the Louisiana legislature.

The path forward is becoming more clear for Louisiana. The question now is if Louisiana’s political class will follow the yellow-brick road to state success or continue down the path of the failed political “status-quo.” The choice is clear.

Nathan Koenig is a frequent contributor to RVIVR.com, a national conservative political site affiliated with The Hayride. Follow his writing on the Louisiana First Standard substack, on Twitter (X) @LAfirststandard, and on Instagram @tincanconservative. Email him here: thechristianmajority@gmail.com