Here's what passed – and what didn't – at the Louisiana legislature's spring session
STAFF REPORT ~ THE ADVOCATE
As Louisiana's first legislative session of 2021 comes to a close, here are a few of the biggest bills that did and did not pass through the house and senate.
The session closed Thursday night.
Here's what passed:
Senate Bill 247, which details the framework of how Louisiana adults will be able to wager on sporting events – perhaps as early as football season.
House Bill 652, which eliminates the possibility of jail time for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
House Bill 702, which will give St. Tammany Parish voters in October the choice to approve of a casino in Slidell.
Senate Bill 10, which would made kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana.
A package of bills that would allow voters decide on whether or not to give up a popular deduction on state taxes in exchange for being assessed at lower income tax rates.
Legislation to stop accepting the federal $300-a-week boost to jobless benefits a month early.
A bill that would gradually boost state aid for roads and bridges by about $300 million per year.
Legislation to centralize sales tax collections
A bill to boost the state’s unemployment benefits by $28 a week starting next year.
Restore parole eligibility after 20 years and reaching 45 years old
A bill to allow survivors of sexual assault to terminate housing leases early
Here's what didn't pass:
House Bill 699, which would have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Legislation to ban noncompete contracts for doctors
An effort to expand the Louisiana Supreme Court
A change in pay for river pilots
Revamping how American history and civics are taught
An effort to toughen rules to qualify for full retirement
Bid to toughen teacher and state employee retirement rules
Extending moviemaking tax breaks from 2025 to 2028
Effort to change state elections to closed party primaries
To see the full list of the 128 acts that were presented in the session, click here.