NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Louisiana lawmakers are preparing to commence the 2026 legislative session on Monday, with key priorities that include a new state budget, insurance reform, school funding, and regulations surrounding artificial intelligence. Senate President Cameron Henry emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, stating, “We want to make sure we’re fiscally responsible. As always, keep a standstill budget as much as possible with the goal of providing services.”
Among the most pressing issues is rising property and auto insurance costs. Senator Royce Duplessis has proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting insurers from using credit scores or zip codes to determine premiums. Duplessis highlighted the inequities in the current system, noting, “People experience issues with credit, and it has nothing to do with their ability to drive.” He criticized the practice where drivers with DUI convictions might pay lower premiums than those with clean records but poorer credit scores, calling it “an unfair practice.” Furthermore, he aims to ensure insurers provide at least a 20% discount for fortified roofs, arguing that the existing law allows companies to set their own discount levels without any mandated minimum.
Currently, the state government offers grants and tax credits for residents to install certified fortified roofs, but lawmakers are advocating for increased funding in this area. “Absolutely. You know, you have a tax credit of $10,000. Plus, we’re going to add more money to that program,” Henry stated. Duplessis added that the current grant amount fails to cover the full expense, which can average from $16,000 to $20,000. “The state is giving grants based on a lottery system of $10,000. $10,000 isn’t enough to cover the full cost of a fortified roof,” he said.
In the realm of education, Governor Jeff Landry has proposed to double funding for the Louisiana GATOR Scholarship Program from $44 million to $88 million, a move that Senate President Henry opposes. “Gator’s about 5,300 students,” Henry remarked. “It’s only been in effect for one year. And historically, we don’t double someone after one year of work.” Representative Delisha Boyd, D-New Orleans, echoed these sentiments, opposing any expansion of the program that would detract from public school funding. “I don’t want to see a pipeline created for birth to prison. We need to fund our public school system, not take more money out of it,” Boyd stated.
Henry also highlighted that lawmakers will evaluate the Minimum Foundation Program, the formula responsible for public school funding, which has not been amended in over three decades. “For anybody who doesn’t know, the MFP is about a $4 billion formula program that runs public education, and that formula has not been changed in over 30 years. So it’s about time we take a look at that,” he said.
AI Regulation and Voting Rights
On the technology front, Boyd has introduced legislation targeting AI chatbot providers. Her bill would prohibit these providers from selling users’ chat logs, mandate clear disclosures when users interact with chatbots instead of humans, and require monthly assessments of chatbots for potential harm risks. “This bill specifically is to protect minors,” Boyd remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures given the rapid evolution of AI technologies.
Duplessis is also advocating for a voting rights bill during this session. The state is currently awaiting a U.S. Supreme Court decision in Callais v. Louisiana, a case that could have significant implications for the federal Voting Rights Act. Additionally, Henry noted that carbon capture technology is anticipated to be a contentious topic in the legislature, particularly in central and northern Louisiana, where opinions on the matter are highly polarized.
As lawmakers gear up for an intensive session, the discussions will likely shape the economic and regulatory landscape in Louisiana, addressing long-standing issues in insurance, education funding, and technology regulation. The decisions made could have far-reaching effects on residents and businesses alike, marking a pivotal moment for the state as it navigates these complex challenges.
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