SB190 nursing home license bill passes Louisiana Senate

Louisiana Senate Bill SB190 passed the Senate on February 26, 2026. The bill addresses nursing home licensing requirements and has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Beth Mizell and includes committee amendments. If enacted, the bill would take effect on August 1, 2026, and may have fiscal implications for the state general fund.

HB987 passes, moves Louisiana Geological Survey to LSU

The Louisiana House of Representatives passed HB987, a bill to realign energy-related programs by transferring the Louisiana Geological Survey from its current placement to the Louisiana State University Energy Institute. The bill received a favorable committee report (8-0) and has advanced to third reading in the House. The fiscal note indicates no net impact to state finances from the reorganization.

SB273 - Inpatient Licensed Facilities Regulation

Louisiana Senate Bill 273 has passed, establishing new requirements for inpatient licensed facilities. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mark Abraham, was introduced February 27, 2026, reported with committee amendments March 9, and passed final Senate passage on April 7, 2026. The legislation is effective August 1, 2026, and affects licensed inpatient healthcare facilities operating in Louisiana.

Louisiana HB844 - School Zone Definition for Wireless Device Use

Louisiana House Bill 844 passed the House on April 7, 2026, by a vote of 101-0. The bill defines the term 'school zone' relative to the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunication device. The bill originated in the Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee and was amended by House Floor Amendment #3102 before final passage. The bill has been ordered to the Senate for further consideration.

SB387 - Pharmacy Benefit Managers Regulation

Louisiana Senate Bill 387 passed the Senate on April 7, 2026, introducing comprehensive regulation of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operating in the state. The legislation, sponsored by Senators Bass and Talbot, addresses PBM licensing requirements, transparency obligations, and fiduciary duties regarding health insurance plan sponsors. The bill was referred to the Insurance Committee and includes committee amendments.

Virginia SB444 gift card offenses signed 6th Apr

Virginia SB444 gift card offenses signed 6th Apr

Virginia SB632 Address Confidentiality for Candidates and Elected Officials

Virginia SB632 was signed into law on April 6, 2026, granting address confidentiality protections to political candidates and elected officials. The law prohibits custodians from releasing a candidate's address, phone number, or email address in response to Virginia Freedom of Information Act requests. Candidates may now use their voter registration system unique identifier in place of a residence address on filings, and the State Board of Elections cannot require address disclosure on petitions.

School Board Employee Grievance Procedure; Timing of Dispute Resolution

Virginia enacted SB824 on April 6, 2026, requiring school boards to provide timely and fair grievance resolution procedures for employees before dismissal or disciplinary actions, excluding suspensions. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and explicitly addresses timing requirements that prior law did not specify. School divisions must revise grievance procedures to ensure dispute resolution occurs before disciplinary measures take effect.

Peer Recovery Specialist Hiring Guidelines - Criminal History Consideration

Virginia Governor signed SB608 into law (Chapter 91) on April 6, 2026, directing the Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Department of Corrections to develop agency guidelines for hiring peer recovery specialists who have previous criminal convictions for compensated employment. The bill, a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care, takes effect July 1, 2026, and passed unanimously in both chambers.

Hospitals; Psychiatric Emergency Departments - Hampton Physician Waiver

Virginia enacted SB738 permitting hospitals with psychiatric emergency departments in the City of Hampton to operate without a physician on duty when specific conditions are satisfied, including written agreements with emergency medical service providers and immediate adjacency to a non-psychiatric emergency department. Affected psychiatric emergency departments must submit annual treatment data to the General Assembly by November 1, beginning in 2026.