Archived as originally published. Information reflects the date of this article.
NEW ORLEANS — Governor John Bel Edwards signed 44 new bills into law this year, many of them going into effect Tuesday, Aug. 1.
- Act 457 makes it illegal to make deepfake images depicting anyone engaging in sexual conduct without their consent, especially minors. https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1333325
- (SB175) Act 445, known initially as HB523, extends the amount of time juveniles can be held in adult lockup if a juvenile detention facility is not available. They can now be held for up to 48-hours, as long as a supervisor can separate them from adult offenders. Parts of the law went into effect as soon as the Governor signed it. https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1333599
- Act 439, initially known as HB5, allows mothers of children to recoup 50-perent of out-of-pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father. The law outlines which costs can be reimbursed… and how long moms can wait before they take dad to court. https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1333438
- Act 436, initially known as SB7, establishes a process by which people can request a review of library material accessible to minors. It also places restrictions on certain library materials deemed ‘explicit’ by the state. https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1333281
Lawmakers also boosted tax breaks for parents who adopt, purchases of gun safety equipment, those who rehabilitate historic structures, extended the film tax credit program, and gave a break to restaurants recycling oyster shells. You can find a full list of bills the governor signed into law here. https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/4154#:~:text=John%20Bel%20Edwards%20announced%20that,be%20administered%20by%20the%20La.