(Citizens for a New Louisiana) — The 2025 Regular Legislative Session in Louisiana delivered an intense, steady wave of conservative reforms. These changes will have lasting impacts across the state. From bold moves to protect constitutional rights and restructure key agencies, to quieter but meaningful changes that promote transparency, safeguard public health, and support families, lawmakers stayed focused on practical solutions rooted in principle. This session wasn’t just about politics as usual. It was about getting to work and making government more accountable, efficient, and responsive to the people it serves. Below is a summary of some notable bills signed into law.

Government Reform & Transparency

SB 244 by Senator Hensgens restructures Louisiana’s energy agency, renaming it the Department of Conservation and Energy. Furthermore, it expands the secretary’s authority and streamlines permitting and enforcement. Additionally, it establishes a new financial security fund and limits the use of eminent domain for CO₂ pipelines to common carriers.

HB 526 by Representative Jacob Landry modernizes government transparency by allowing public notices to be posted directly on official state websites. Previously, state agencies were required to pay newspapers to publish legal announcements. This shift not only reduces costs but also adopts 21st-century communication. Landry’s bill makes important public information more accessible to citizens online and reduces their reliance on legacy media outlets.

HB 264, introduced by Representative Echols, increases transparency and oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Specifically, it requires the disclosure of compensation practices and curbing anti-competitive behavior. Consequencly, this will lower drug costs, protect independent pharmacies, and ensure fairer practices within Louisiana’s healthcare system.

HB 431 by Representative Chenevert promotes personal responsibility in the courtroom. It bars plaintiffs from recovering damages in civil lawsuits if they are found to be 51% or more at fault for their own injuries. Notably, this reform aims to reduce frivolous lawsuits. Chenevert’s bill ensures that individuals who bring legal action must also be accountable for their role in the incident.

HB 690 by Representative Owen bolsters health transparency. The Louisiana Department of Health will need to implement informed consent policies and monitor adverse events related to any emergency use authorizations. It ensures that citizens have clear information about medical treatments, especially during public health emergencies, and that proper oversight is in place.

Parental Rights, Education & Family Support

SB 14, sponsored by Senator McMath, bans certain additives from school meals by 2028. Additionally, it requires QR code labeling for foods containing specified ingredients, mandates nutrition training for certain healthcare providers, and promotes local food sourcing for school-provided meals.

HB 378 by Representative Wilder reinforces educational freedom by ensuring that homeschooled students are eligible for state scholarships. All that’s required is that they meet the same academic standards as their public or private school counterparts. As a result, this bill supports families who choose non-traditional education paths and ensures that those students aren’t left behind when it comes to accessing opportunities.

HB 163 by Representative Dickerson increases access to a special fund for victim services. This is accomplished by expanded support for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Her law ensures that critical support, such as shelter, counseling, and legal aid, can reach more people in need, signaling Louisiana’s continued commitment to protecting its most vulnerable citizens.

HB 624, by Representative Berault, streamlines services by transferring certain family support programs from the Department of Children and Family Services to the newly renamed Louisiana Works (formerly the Workforce Commission). This change improves coordination between employment assistance and support services.

Guns, Crime & Public Safety

SB 58 by Senator Connick creates the crime of child grooming. This change makes it illegal to manipulate or entice a child under 13 for future sexual abuse. Offenders face up to 15 years in prison.

SB 99, by Senator Cathey, restricts the use of traffic cameras to school zones and red-light intersections. It requires clear signage and bans criminal fines from handheld or manned enforcement. Notably, it also defines the types of cameras permitted under the law and provides appeal rights for mailed citations. There were a few carve-outs, but we hope to see those loopholes closed in future legislation.

SB 101 by Senator Miguez reaffirms Second Amendment rights by eliminating many of the so-called “gun-free zones” throughout the state. This expanded the areas where law-abiding citizens can legally carry firearms. The law supports constitutional carry and aims to empower individuals to protect themselves without unnecessary restrictions.

SB 22 by Senator Hodges addresses the growing threat of infrastructure-related crimes. It is increasing penalties for theft or sabotage involving critical infrastructure. Whether it’s energy, water, transportation, or communication systems, this law recognizes the importance of securing vital services and deterring would-be criminals with tougher consequences.

HB 575 by Representative Ventrella tightens legal accountability regarding unlawful abortions. Further, it establishes clearer liability measures for those who perform or facilitate an unauthorized termination of pregnancy. The law outlines who bears responsibility and under what circumstances. It reinforces the state’s pro-life stance and seeks to deter illegal practices by clarifying legal consequences.

HB 425 by Representative Carlson strengthens Louisiana’s pro-life laws by criminalizing coerced abortion. The bill recognizes that some individuals, especially young or vulnerable women, may be pressured into terminating a pregnancy against their will. By making coercion a crime, the state adds a layer of protection for those facing such abuse.

Health, Privacy & Medical Freedoms

SB 19 by Senator Fesi allows Louisiana pharmacists to sell ivermectin to adults without a prescription.

HB 125 by Representative Horton takes proactive steps to protect the genetic privacy of Louisiana residents. It prevents foreign governments or adversaries from collecting or accessing citizens’ DNA data. In an age where data is power, this bill safeguards some of the most personal and sensitive information an individual can possess.

HB 560, sponsored by Representative Egan, cracks down on Medicaid fraud. This measure promotes fiscal responsibility and ensures that the state directs its limited healthcare resources toward legitimate patients and providers, rather than fraudsters exploiting loopholes.

HB 371 by Representative Amedee protects religious liberty by ensuring that Churches and places of worship cannot be closed or discriminated against during emergencies. This bill directly responds to closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and affirms that the right to worship must be preserved even in times of crisis.

Immigration, Sovereignty & Legal Identity

SB 100 by Senator Miguez takes a firm stand on immigration policy. It prohibits taxpayer-funded benefits from being distributed to illegal aliens. Supporters argue that this law safeguards limited state resources while reinforcing the importance of lawful immigration. It sends a clear message that taxpayer dollars should be reserved for legal residents and citizens. It ensures integrity and sustainability in the state’s benefit systems.

HB 554, by Dixon McMakin, requires the OMV to mark driver’s licenses and IDs issued to non-citizens. This is accomplished by a restriction code and a notice stating that they are barred from voting. To that end, the OMV shares this information with the Secretary of State to help maintain accurate voter rolls.

HB 691, introduced by Representative Carrier, enhances safety and accountability for carbon capture. It requires prompt reporting of CO₂ leaks or equipment failures. Additionally, it imposes penalties for violations to protect public health and the environment.

Energy and Currency Independence

HB 692 by Representative Jacob Landry strengthens the state’s electric grid by prioritizing affordable and reliable energy sources. By emphasizing cost-effectiveness and dependability, the law aims to improve energy resilience for households and businesses across Louisiana. Notably, it also aims to reduce reliance on costly or unstable alternatives.

HB 695, introduced by Representative Crews, takes a groundbreaking step by officially recognizing gold and silver as legal tender in Louisiana. This change includes gold-backed debit cards. In an era of inflation and uncertainty with fiat currency, this bill provides residents with greater flexibility and control over their financial decisions. Louisiana now has an alternative form of currency based on physical value.

This session delivered a mix of big wins, small victories, and important incremental changes. Each of these plays a crucial role in shaping a better future for Louisiana. Some laws made bold, sweeping reforms, like strengthening gun rights or restructuring state agencies, while others quietly improved transparency, accountability, or support for vulnerable communities. Even the most minor legislative changes, such as modernizing public notices or protecting genetic privacy, reflect a thoughtful and conservative approach to governance. Together, these efforts show that real progress doesn’t always come with fanfare; it often builds steadily, one principled decision at a time.