What to Know About the 2025 Louisiana Fiscal Session: New Orleans Lawmakers Show Up
On Monday, the Louisiana Legislature reconvenes in Baton Rouge. As usual, the Capitol will buzz with suits, lobbyists, and lawmakers making big promises. But this year, with a fiscal session on the table, lawmakers are mostly limited to addressing financial matters—budgets, taxes, revenue, and appropriations. Each legislator is allowed to file up to five non-fiscal bills, but the heart of the session is money.
And let’s be clear: New Orleans has a lot on the line.
Why This Session Is Different
Louisiana alternates between two types of sessions. General (regular) sessions happen in even-numbered years and allow lawmakers to file bills on almost any topic—except new taxes. Fiscal sessions, like this one in 2025, are for tax and budget issues.
That said, the legislation being filed still touches many parts of daily life. And New Orleans lawmakers are making their five-bill limit count.
Willard Brings the Policy—and the Receipts
Representative Matthew Willard, Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and one of the sharpest young voices in Baton Rouge, came prepared. His prefiled bills aren’t just political gestures—they’re rooted in what people in his district actually talk about.
Election Transparency (HB 405)
Let’s not pretend confusion at the polls hasn’t been a problem. Willard’s bill would require the Secretary of State to publicly share any election law changes. Because democracy shouldn’t come with fine print.
Child Tax Credit (HB 337)
Raising kids isn’t cheap. Especially in New Orleans. Willard proposes a new income tax credit for families with young children—a real step toward easing the burden for working parents.
Homestead Exemption Increase (HB 271)
In a bold move, Willard filed a constitutional amendment to raise the state’s homestead exemption from $75,000 to $125,000. If passed, this could provide meaningful property tax relief for homeowners across the state, particularly in cities like New Orleans where housing costs are rising fast.
Willard’s work reflects a practical, people-first approach—focused on families, voters, and common sense. That’s the kind of leadership that resonates beyond committee rooms.
Duplessis Brings the Heat in the Senate
Over on the Senate side, Senator Royce Duplessis—another New Orleans standout—is putting forward legislation that speaks directly to workers and neighborhoods.
Supplemental Pay for Teachers (SB 219)
Duplessis wants to dedicate a slice of tax revenue to pay public school employees more money. It’s not a complete fix, but it’s a signal: teachers matter, and it’s time we treated them like it.
Short-Term Rental Regulation (SB 225)
We all know what’s happened with short-term rentals in New Orleans. Neighborhoods gutted. Rents up. Longtime residents priced out. Duplessis’ bill would provide a legal cause of action—giving communities more tools to push back.
He’s aiming for balance—economic development without wiping out what makes New Orleans, New Orleans.
Related: Is the State Really Trying to Take Over the French Quarter
Other Bills to Watch
While Willard and Duplessis are leading on several fronts, other bills making noise this session could reshape life in the city:
Carbon Capture Control (HB 4)
This one gives local parishes the right to accept or reject carbon injection wells. With environmental concerns already looming in New Orleans East, the bill puts power back in the hands of communities.
School Food Reform
Two bills seek to ban ultra-processed foods from school meals. In a state battling childhood obesity, this could be one of the quietest but most impactful debates.
Water Fluoridation Repeal (SB 2)
A controversial proposal would eliminate the requirement for fluoride in public water. Health experts say it’s a dangerous rollback, especially for children without dental coverage. Supporters argue for local control—but the consequences could be statewide.
Why New Orleanians Should Care in Louisiana Legislative Session 2025
This session runs through June 12, and while Baton Rouge can feel distant, the decisions made there always land on our front steps. From how much we pay in taxes, to how schools get funded, to whether homeowners catch a break—this session matters.
New Orleans legislators are stepping up. They’re filing bills that reflect real concerns, not just soundbites. And for once, it feels like the people’s business might actually get done.
But it only works if we stay engaged. Read the bills. Watch the votes. And don’t be afraid to remind Baton Rouge who they really work for.
For more information on these bills and to track their progress, visit the Louisiana State Legislature’s official website.