Louisiana lawmakers return to the Capitol for the two-month-long session focused on budgetary and tax-related bills, with over 800 bills filed, including those unrelated to finances. While Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed a $45.7 billion spending plan for 2023-24, the state is also forecasting $2.2 billion in extra revenue that Edwards proposes using for one-time transportation projects, teacher pay raises, disaster-related debt payments, and to offset expiring federal pandemic relief funds used to provide early learning access.
However, the focus of the 2023 session is likely to be the contentious bills related to LGBTQ rights. In recent years, Louisiana has been known for its restrictive abortion laws, and lawmakers have put forth several abortion-related bills, including one to further define a “non-viable” pregnancy and another that would add exceptions for rape and incest. Bills related to criminal justice reform, such as the abolition of the death penalty, and the decriminalization of marijuana, are also expected to be discussed.
But it is the legislation related to LGBTQ rights that has captured national attention. One bill filed aims to deny gender-affirming care to juveniles, while another is similar to Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which restricts teachers from talking about sexual orientation or gender identity in lessons and personal lives. Activists fear that another bill, aimed at restricting books with “sexually explicit” content, is being used to censor LGBTQ content in libraries.
However, there is some hope for the LGBTQ community. A Democrat has filed a bill that would prohibit intentional employment discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. As the Louisiana legislature returns to the Capitol, it is clear that this year’s session will be marked by intense debates and controversy.