(By Jamie Pope/Citizens for a New Louisiana) — 2024 has been a busy and significant year for the state of Louisiana. Legislators have been particularly active, emphasizing preserving individual freedoms and safeguarding children from the various challenges in today’s world. This commitment to fundamental values and the well-being of the younger generation has been at the forefront of some significant Louisiana legislative wins.

Bipartisan cooperation is one of the most remarkable aspects of this busy legislative year. Lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have achieved several noteworthy accomplishments. This collaboration underscores the true spirit of Louisiana’s citizens, who value unity and collective effort in addressing the state’s issues.

Louisiana’s message to the broader world is clear: “Don’t tread on us and leave our kids alone.” This sentiment captures the state’s residents’ fierce independence and protective nature. They are determined to maintain their freedoms and ensure their children have a safe and nurturing environment. The legislative efforts in 2024 reflect these deeply held values and the unwavering resolve of the people of Louisiana to stand up for what they believe in.

School Choice

During this legislative session, two dedicated lawmakers, Representative Julie Emerson and Senator Rick Edmonds, made significant efforts to advance school choice initiatives for another of Louisiana’s legislative wins. Their hard work culminated in the successful passage of SB313 despite facing numerous challenges.

While only one bill ultimately passed the legislative process, the perseverance of both Emerson and Edmonds was instrumental in securing its approval. This bill led to the creation of the LA Gator Scholarship Program, a significant milestone in the state’s education reform efforts. It aims to provide more significant educational opportunities and flexibility for students and families across Louisiana.

The governor eventually signed SB313 into law after it passed both chambers of the state legislature. The enactment of SB313 represents a significant achievement in the push for school choice, although its implementation is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds. This conditional clause underscores the importance of ongoing support and funding to ensure the program’s success and sustainability.

Constitutional Carry

Louisiana boasts a handful of legislators dedicated to tirelessly advocating for restoring our 2nd Amendment rights. After being a contentious issue for several years, Senator Blake Miguez successfully championed the cause this year. As a result, Louisiana officially enacted Constitutional Carry on July 4th, 2024. Constitutional carry is another of Louisiana’s legislative wins.

Constitutional Carry enhances public safety by allowing law-abiding adults to carry firearms for self-defense without unnecessary government interference. It is a well known fact that criminals don’t follow the law. They couldn’t care less about gun restrictions. The majority of the U.S. is now a constitutional carry republic which has empowered its citizens to increase public safety. It’s time violent criminals live in fear of the consequences of their trade instead of law-abiding citizens fearing being their next victim. – Senator Blake Miguez

Following the passage of Constitutional Carry, some Democrats attempted to establish special districts that could serve as gun-free zones. The New Orleans Police Department sought to classify one of its buildings as a school to designate the area as a gun-free zone. Similarly, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) made several attempts to expand the definition of school property. Attorney General Liz Murrill spoke out, and the university seems to have backed off. Additionally, Senator Miguez thoughtfully introduced Senate Bill 194 during the Regular Session.

SB194 prohibits a governing authority from enforcing any ordinance, order, regulation, policy, procedure, rule or any other form of executive or legislative action more restrictive than state law concerning in any way the manufacture, sale, purchase, possession, carrying, storage, ownership, taxation, transfer, transportation, license, or registration of firearms, ammunition, components of firearms or ammunition, firearms accessories, knives, edged weapons, or any combination thereof.

Tough on Crime

In February of 2024, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry called for a Special Session on Crime, responding to growing concerns over public safety and criminal activity in the state. For some time now, Citizens for a New Louisiana has been discussing rising crime rates and lack of transparency in the criminal justice system. Following the Violent Crime Task Force report, Governor Jeff Landry called for a special legislative session starting February 19, 2024, to address these issues with 24 specific items.

1. Sentencing, Probation, and Parole: Several bills aimed at restricting parole eligibility and good time credits were passed, including those by Representatives Debbie Villio and Mark Wright and Senators Stewart Cathey and Patrick McMath.
2. Transparency: Representative Tony Bacala‘s bill, which sought electronic access to criminal records, was passed, establishing the Truth and Transparency in Louisiana Criminal Justice System Program.
3. Funding: House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland’s bill to allocate additional funds to the Louisiana State Police was successful.
4. Public Defender: Senator Mike Reese’s bill to create a public defender office under the Governor faced criticism but was noteworthy.
5. Specialty Courts: A bill by Representative Rhonda Butler requiring drug testing as a bail condition was passed.
6. Immunity: A bill granting additional immunity to peace officers by Representative Tony Bacala was passed.
7. Death Sentence: The legislature advanced a bill changing the death sentence process.
8. Post-Conviction Relief: A bill by Representative Julie Emerson making changes to post-conviction relief was passed.
9. Concealed Carry: Bills by Senator Blake Miguez aligning Louisiana with constitutional carry laws were passed.

The session, which ran from February 19 to 29, 2024, saw significant legislative activity addressing crime and transparency issues, setting a potentially productive tone for the upcoming regular session starting March 11.

Persistent Legislation: From Veto to Victory in Protecting Students and Women’s Rights

Louisiana legislators have been diligently shielding children from other states’ turmoil. Former Governor John Bel Edwards introduced several bills aimed at this goal during his tenure, but he ultimately vetoed them. However, the legislators remained persistent and saw their efforts to fruition this year. In 2023, Representative Raymond Crews and Representative Dodie Horton introduced contentious bills prohibiting teachers and school staff from grooming students. While many considered this to be common sense, it sparked considerable controversy. One teacher even claimed that five elementary students “came out” to her following a discussion about sexuality.

Governor Jeff Landry revived these legislative efforts and signed them into law, making for more Louisiana legislative wins. Among the most significant pieces of legislation in 2024 was Representative Roger Wilder’s Women’s Safety and Protection Act (HB608). This bill defines “what is a woman” and aims to protect women and girls by restricting men from entering areas such as dressing rooms, locker rooms, and bathrooms. Despite being a freshman legislator, Wilder impressed many with his ability to navigate the debate surrounding this controversial bill effectively.

Health Freedom Wins

The legislative session also wrapped up several notable achievements in the health freedom arena. Key highlights include:

1. HB46 by Kathy Edmonston: Prohibits mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for school attendance across all Louisiana schools.
2. HB47 by Kathy Edmonston: After four years, lawmakers passed a law ensuring that students do not need to be examined by a doctor for vaccination exemptions.
3. HB357 by Beryl Amedee: Ensures that Louisiana does not recognize Central Bank Digital Currency as a legal bank deposit account.
4. HB467 by Kim Coates: Allows the sale of raw milk, marking a milestone in agricultural liberty.
5. HB908 by Beryl Amedee: Prohibits discrimination against students submitting vaccine exemptions.
6. HB976 by Chuck Owen: The Don Scoggins Law mandates family presence for hospitalized patients.
7. HR133 by Chuck Owen: Establishes a Covid Commission to evaluate the state’s pandemic response.
8. HR222 by Kathy Edmonston: Requests a study on the prevalence of autism and factors affecting autistic children in Louisiana.
9. HR292 by Beryl Amedee: Calls for a study on the correlation between infant deaths and vaccinations.
10. SB357 by Alan Seabaugh: Allows a majority in either legislative chamber to end a declared emergency.

Additional supported bills include protections for agricultural land, free speech on campuses, and women’s safety terminology. Overall, the session saw the passage of impactful legislation despite previous vetoes. Governor Jeff Landry strongly impacted this issue as we racked up even more Louisiana legislative wins.

Looking to a Brighter Future

The recent legislative session in Louisiana has marked significant progress across multiple domains, reflecting its lawmakers’ tireless efforts and dedication. From advancing school choice with the LA Gator Scholarship Program to ensuring Constitutional Carry rights, legislators have steadfastly committed to their constituents’ needs and constitutional rights.

The session also saw critical wins in protecting children and enhancing public safety. The Women’s Safety and Protection Act and other family-related bills account for this impact. Furthermore, health freedom advocates witnessed substantial victories. These include new laws prohibiting mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for school attendance, safeguarding vaccine exemptions, and addressing agricultural and digital currency issues. These legislative achievements underscore a broader commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Louisiana.

As these new laws take effect, contingent upon necessary appropriations and continued support, they promise to pave the way for a more empowered and safer community. Louisiana’s legislators have set a promising course for the state’s future through their collaborative efforts and unwavering resolve, ensuring that they hear the voices of its citizens and uphold their rights.