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2026 Louisiana Legislative Update
Dear PACE Community,
The 2026 Louisiana legislative session begins Monday, March 9, and several bills have already been prefiled that could impact LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. Staying informed is crucial.
PACE has prepared draft letters for each of these bills that members can review, personalize, and send directly to legislators, making it quick and easy to take action.
What are prefiled bills?
Prefiled bills are proposals submitted before the session begins and may be amended, combined, or withdrawn during the legislative process.
Key prefiled bills to watch:
HB 293 — Employment discrimination protections: Would prohibit employment discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
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SB 226 — Insurance protections: Would prohibit certain insurance rate decisions based on gender classification.
Read the full bill here
ACT NOW!
HB 485 — Parental rights constitutional amendment: Proposes a constitutional amendment related to parental rights that could influence debates around issues such as education policy and gender-affirming care.
Read the full bill here
ACT NOW!
SB 306 — Religious freedom legislation: Addresses religious liberty and legal protections related to religious exercise, raising questions about how religious rights interact with public institutions and public spaces.
Read the full bill here
ACT NOW!
Recent separation-of-church-and-state development:
HB 71 — Ten Commandments in Schools: Louisiana passed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. A federal judge previously ruled the law unconstitutional and blocked enforcement; however, an appeals court has allowed enforcement of the law to proceed while the case continues through the appellate process, raising ongoing civil liberties concerns.
Read the full bill here
ACT NOW!
Even bills that don’t explicitly target LGBTQ+ communities can still disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Staying informed and vocal is essential as the session approaches — track bills, follow session updates, and contact your legislators to defend rights and equality.
Kat Correro (she/they)
Communication/Political Chair
What you need to know
Since 2022, Louisiana has passed several laws that impact transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals:
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Transgender Athlete Ban: In June 2022, Louisiana passed a law that bans transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports at public schools and universities.
Take Action!
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"Don't Say Gay" Law: In 2023, Louisiana introduced legislation restricting discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 classrooms, mirroring similar laws in other states.
Take Action!
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Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: In 2023, Louisiana passed legislation prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors under 18. Adults remain eligible for gender-affirming treatments.
Take Action!
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Gender Regulation and Bathroom Law: In 2024, Louisiana passed legislation restricting access to restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters in public and charter schools, domestic violence shelters, and correctional facilities based on an individual's sex assigned at birth. While single-occupancy, non-gendered facilities are allowed, the law permits individuals to file civil lawsuits for "harm" caused by violations. This law conflicts with federal Title IX regulations, which protect access to facilities aligned with gender identity.
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Pronoun and Name Regulation Law: In 2024, Louisiana passed legislation prohibiting public and charter school employees from using names or pronouns for students that differ from their birth certificates, regardless of parental consent or legal name changes. Schools are also banned from adopting policies recognizing a student’s chosen identity.
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U.S. Representative Mike Johnson’s Restroom Policy: In 2024, U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA), now Speaker of the House, enacted a policy banning transgender women and girls from using restrooms aligned with their gender identity in U.S. House-controlled facilities. This harmful policy perpetuates false claims about transgender individuals, intensifies stigma, and endangers their mental health and safety. Transgender people deserve dignity and equality. This policy undermines their rights and deepens disparities in public life.
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Federal ICE Oversight: January 2026
Aggressive federal immigration enforcement, including militarized raids, harms Louisiana communities, threatens public safety, and endangers civilians. PACE Louisiana calls on our federal representatives to ensure ICE and DHS comply with court orders, provide transparent oversight, and hold officials accountable for actions that put lives at risk.
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