New Laws Going into Effect in Louisiana on August 1, 2026
We change the calendar to a new month this weekend and with that comes a host of new laws in Louisiana.
After the spring legislative session, the Governor signed a pile of bills that go into effect on August 1, 2026. Many are technical in nature and don't impact that many folks. Others only apply in one part of the state. That includes the ban on any new alcohol permits in House Districts 2 and 3 in the Shreveport area. Several other new laws take effect in other communities across the state.
But there are several measures that will impact all residents and will make some significant changes to our current laws. One of the big ones is the new law banning balloon releases. The Governor vetoed this measure last year, but he let it go into effect without his signature this year.
Another measure went into effect this summer banning sleeping in public places. The National Homelessness Law Center calls this "one of the country’s cruelest anti-homeless laws." The legislation, authored by Metairie state Rep. Debbie Villio, allows for the arrest of individuals sleeping on public streets and sidewalks. The law also calls for specialized homeless courts, but there is concern about money needed to run the diversion programs that will be needed.
Another concern about this law is the enforcement. Will police have the time and manpower to start arresting folks who are sleeping on public benches? And do we have the jail space to lock these folks up?
New Laws in Louisiana You Need to Know About