As the state stretches its governmental legs in this new fiscal year that commenced July 1, departments and agencies are preparing to enact, in some cases shape and most importantly enforce hundreds of news laws that were approved during the recent regular session.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, a large portion of the policymaking yield from the session will become law, courtesy of 254 bills endorsed by the House, Senate and governor.
All around the state there are roadways about to be renamed, like a portion of LA 34 in Jackson Parish that will become the “Second Lieutenant Harvel Moore Memorial Highway” at the beginning of next month. New regulations and guidelines will also be put forth to address hazing, human trafficking, real estate transactions, care in animal shelters and school safety reporting requirements, to name just a few issues that originated as bills and eventually became acts.
The laws effective Aug. 1 represent roughly 60 percent of the 423 bills passed through the process this past spring, with 282 originating in the House and 141 in the Senate. More than 100 acts from the regular session have already taken hold, while the remainder have varying effective dates that stretch into 2020 or, in certain instances, will depend upon the passage of constitutional amendments.
Funds and fees to bankroll government operations will be created on Aug. 1 as well, alongside a slew of new prestige license plates that drivers will be able to pay extra for, like the upcoming “War of 1812” and “Spanish Heritage” plates. The definition of an abortion will be revised, updated guidelines for post-conviction DNA testing will be triggered and it will become a crime to threaten a law enforcement officer via social media.
A family member of a slain law enforcement officer will also finally be allowed to purchase their loved one’s duty firearm upon death come Aug. 1. The state’s land-based casino in New Orleans will likewise enter into its new operating contract, enhanced labeling for milk products will be launched and all of the costs related to prospective bond, debt and tax elections will have to be disclosed and published.
Learn more about the new laws taking effect on Aug. 1 by visiting www.Legis.La.Gov.
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