What Louisiana lawmakers passed in 2025

The big picture: Because this year's session was all about the state's financials, lawmakers had limited ability to focus on other priorities.

• But limited does not mean none, so there are still changes to state laws that you should know about.
• Here's a look at some of this session's most notable edits:

💰 Budget passes: The state got a $51 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts in July. Notable line items include:

• $1.8 million for the manhunt stemming from the New Orleans jail escape, according to the AP.
• $1.2 billion in one-time funds from a state savings account to pay for infrastructure improvements, plus site prep for future economic development pitches.
• No additional funding for Landry's LA GATOR school voucher program, according to the Louisiana Illuminator.
• Teachers and support staff will get some pay increases through HB 466, which the state will pay for with education trust funds.

🚙 Car insurance changes: Heading into this session, Landry eyed changes that he believes could help lower car insurance rates for Louisiana citizens.

• Landry signed legislation to give the state insurance commissioner more authority to reject rate increases, offer discounts for dashcams for some trucking companies, prevent undocumented immigrants from collecting damages in car accidents and other changes.

🍎 MAHA trends: Some lawmakers prioritized legislation inspired by HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr's. "Make America Healthy Again" policies.

• Sen. Patrick McMath's bill that bans some artificial food dyes and additives from school foods got the OK. Restaurants would also have to post if they use seed oils. With Landry's signature, it would take effect in 2028.
• Lawmakers also approved a now-signed bill to ban "chemtrails," a conspiracy theory-based idea that chemicals are released from the vapor threads seen behind airplanes.
• Ivermectin, which some MAHA influencers say can help cure coronavirus despite studies showing it is ineffective, would become accessible in over-the-counter purchases, with Landry's signature.
• Another MAHA-adjacent bill to ban fluoride in the state's water did not pass.

🤳 Talking while driving: With Landry's signature, it'll soon be illegal to hold a cell phone while driving. Law enforcement are instructed to issue warnings until Jan. 1, 2026, after which drivers would face fines.

🎓 UNO merges into LSU system: Facing ongoing financial struggles, the New Orleans university will now be part of the flagship university's system. Go deeper from The Times-Picayune.

• Other school updates include a new TOPS award for students who score at least a 31 on the ACT and a two-hour course requirement on hazing for students who participate in student organizations. It was inspired by Southern University student Caleb Wilson's death earlier this year.

💨 Kratom ban: The herbal substance, which critics say has abuse potential, will be banned, with Landry's signature.

🎈 Balloon releases banned: The rest of the state caught up with New Orleans' ban on balloon releases after ongoing power outage issues, according to Louisiana First News.

💊 What we're watching: Landry has threatened to call a special session to address prescription drug costs.

• A controversial bill was scuttled in the 11th hour on Thursday after a fierce battle between some of the largest pharmacy benefits managers, like CVS, and Landry and his supporters, who sought to ban companies from owning PBMs and pharmacies.
• The bill, however, would not take effect until 2027, so Sen. Cameron Henry told The Times-Picayune he doesn't see the point in holding a special session for an issue that could be taken up next year instead.

Go deeper: The Times-Picayune and the AP have their own round-ups of bills to know about from this session.