Bills in the Legislative session that are problematic

Louisiana’s 2026 legislative session includes more than 1,400 bills, but none threatens Black political power more than HB 911. This bill would reshape the New Orleans court system, erase elected positions and override the choices of the voters who put those judges and clerks in office. It is the most far‑reaching attempt in years to weaken the voting strength of a majority‑Black city.

HB 911, filed by Rep. Dixon McMakin of Baton Rouge, would combine Civil District Court, Criminal District Court and Juvenile Court into one new “Forty‑First Judicial District Court.” It would cut the number of judges, eliminate several elected seats and replace the current elected clerks with one new clerk chosen under a state‑controlled system. In simple terms, HB 911 would undo the results of local elections and give the state power to redesign the New Orleans judiciary from the top down.

HB 911 is part of a larger package aimed at reducing the number of judges elected by New Orleans voters. SB 197, SB 217, and SB 256, all filed by Sen. Jay Morris, would cut seats on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, reduce judgeships in Civil and Criminal District Courts, and merge the elected clerks into one office. Together, these bills would shrink the influence of Black voters in the only large court system in Louisiana where they consistently elect judges who reflect their community.

Other bills in the session also raise concerns for Black Louisianans. HB 152, by Rep. Shane Mack, adds new drugs to the state’s controlled‑substances list, which means more people can be arrested and charged. Black communities, already facing higher arrest rates, would feel this the most. HB 53, by Rep. Bryan Fontenot, adds more crimes to the list used for racketeering charges, making it easier for prosecutors to stack charges and push for longer sentences.

HB 7, the “Louisiana Landowners Protection Act,” raises penalties for trespassing and could be used against protesters, including environmental‑justice groups. For clarity, the Mike Johnson who filed this bill is a state representative from Pineville, not the Speaker of the U.S. House from Bossier Parish.

In education, SB 484, by Sen. Rick Edmonds, shifts power away from the Board of Regents and could weaken programs that support fairness and diversity on college campuses.

In the workplace, HB 232, by Rep. Josh Carlson, changes how teens get permission to work. It removes the old school‑issued work permit and replaces it with a form that teens and parents fill out themselves. In short, it cuts back on state oversight and makes it easier for employers to hire minors without strong protections. HB 334, by Rep. Raymond Crews, reshapes Louisiana Works and could weaken job protections for low‑wage workers.

SB 489, also by Sen. Edmonds, lets outside companies scan license plates to check if drivers have insurance. This means more tracking on the road, and Black drivers – who are stopped more often – could face more questioning and fines.

Why These Bills Matter

These bills erase elected positions in a majority‑Black city, override local elections and weaken Black political power. They increase arrests, reduce worker protections and expand surveillance.

This article originally published in the April 27, 2026 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.