The Louisiana Legislature adjourned Sine Die on Monday, June 1st after a three month regular session that most notably saw the republican super majority making dangerous and quick work of limiting Black representation in Congress by eliminating a Black-majority district in Louisiana. For LaFHAC and fellow housing advocates, it was a busy session that brought small wins, significant losses, and some of the worst housing policies ever seen in the nation.

The Good

Expanding Tenant Survivor Protections House Bill 297/Act 64 by Representative Mandie Landry 

This legislation by Representative Mandie Landry builds upon existing law (and a LaFHAC advocacy win in 2021 with Representative Aimee Freeman) that ensure survivors of sexual assault can end their leases early and without penalty so they don’t have to re-live their assault or feel unsafe in their home. We are grateful to Representative Landry for expanding these protections to include survivors of stalking and cyberstalking

Amendments Eliminate Jail Penalties House Bill 864 by Representative Alonzo Knox 

This legislation was a priority for the City of New Orleansto prohibit the storage of flammable materials under bridges and other structures operated by the state or municipality. The original draft of the bill carried a penalty of a misdemeanor, a fine of not more than $1,500 dollars or imprisonment for not more than six months or both for each violation.

LaFHAC’s advocacy led to an amendment to the penalties removing imprisonment and reducing the fine to not more than $1,000 for each violation out of our ongoing concern of legislative efforts to criminalize activities our unhoused community may need to survive. Having a camping stove to cook food should not lead to jail time for someone experiencing homelessness. 

The Bad

Less Security Deposit Protections for Renters HB292/Act 62, Representative Delisha Boyd

Under the claim that landlords are unable to get timely estimates for needed repairs between tenants, Representative Delisha Boyd initially aimed to increase the time landlords have to return security deposits from 30 days to 60 days. LaFHAC’s policy team with fellow advocates struck a compromise to give landlords 45 days to return the security deposit in full or send tenants a letter explaining why your deposit is not being returned in full or partially.  At a time when families are struggling to afford basic necessities, not to mention the massive costs of moving and security deposits for new housing, families may now have to wait longer for the return of money that is lawfully theirs.

The UGLY
Criminalization of homelessness HB211 Representative Debbie Villio

Representative Villio’s so-called  211 “Streets to Success Act” criminalizes unauthorized camping on public property and creates a specialized Homelessness Court to mandate treatment or workforce training for offenders. Under this legislation, unauthorized camping on public property is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both. Repeat offenses can result in felony charges, carrying up to a $1,000 fine and one to two years of imprisonment with hard labor. It also creates an optional-for-municipalities Homelessness Court Program where defendants are funneled into a mandatory 12-month diversion and treatment program targeting substance abuse, alcohol dependence, and mental health challenges. 

LaFHAC worked in broad coalition to defeat this bill, but it ultimately passed while the public eye was distracted by redistricting efforts. We will continue our work to reduce harm and provide updates on cities and parishes who opt to enforce it.

Recap Provided by: Monique Blossom, Director of Policy and Communications