2026 Legislative Session Convenes
By Richard Fontenot, Louisiana Farm Bureau President
Lawmakers are back in the Capitol for the 2026 Regular Legislative Session which convened on Monday, March 9th, and is set to adjourn on June 1st. They will have approximately 60 legislative days during this 85-calendar day period. Members were free to propose an unlimited number of bills on statewide and local issues, excluding most tax-related measures. No measure levying or authorizing a new state tax, increasing an existing state tax, or legislating regarding state tax exemptions, exclusions, deductions, or credits can be introduced or enacted during this general session. Over 1,300 bills were pre-filed and each member has up to five additional bills they can introduce until 6:00 pm on March 31st.
Lawmakers’ decisions directly affect life on the farm. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation ensures that the voices of farmers, ranchers, and rural families are heard. Through proactive advocacy and grassroots engagement, Louisiana Farm Bureau works to shape laws and regulations that protect and promote agriculture—today and for the future. We keep an eye on every bill that impacts agriculture and rural life. From introduction to passage, we ensure updates from the Capitol make it to the field and that feedback from the field makes it back to lawmakers.
Louisiana Farm Bureau members know their legislators by name—and in turn, they know ours as well. That personal connection makes all the difference. Strong relationships with lawmakers provide firsthand insight from farmers and ranchers who are impacted by their votes. Thank you for participating in the numerous legislative meetings and coffees that have been held since the last session. The relationships built during those meetings will help us to ensure a positive impact on the political process for Louisiana Agriculture. Whether it's a phone call, a personal visit, or a Voter Voice alert, with your help, Farm Bureau makes sure farmers and ranchers' voices can easily be heard loud and clear when it counts most.
The Louisiana Farm Bureau has always worked very closely with the LSU AgCenter for the good of Louisiana Agriculture. Often, this has involved legislative efforts to obtain funding for research, extension, and youth program activities as well as other programs or initiatives of vital importance to our state’s agricultural economy. The importance of the LSU AgCenter regarding our ability to compete both domestically and globally cannot be overstated. We will work to ensure that the LSU AgCenter continues to provide the technology and support that fuels the agricultural industry of Louisiana. We support bills like SB 178 by Senator Robert Allain which clarifies that the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center must administer the agricultural extension and research programs. The LSU AgCenter’s role must not be diminished and will need to expand if we are to stay on pace with technological developments and remain competitive for future generations.
In addition to our collaboration with the LSU AgCenter, we also work closely with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) on vital legislative issues. LDAF oversees and administers The Cotton and Grain Indemnity Fund and is proposing improvements to the program. This program protected many farmers this year from a complete financial disaster. HB 344 by Representative Kimberly Coats increases the amount of funds that can be maintained in the program and HB 370 by Representative Rhonda Butler increases the assessment rate to raise funds for the program. This fund has proven to be an important program in protecting Louisiana farmers. In this most recent case, many producers in other states were not as fortunate as us.
Attached is a list of all the current bills we are following. This list will be updated weekly with any new bills added while also tracking actions taken on the current bills. If you are not signed up for Voter Voice, please make sure to get signed up. Voter Voice — Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Also feel free to share the weekly update with others throughout the session.
Thanks again for your engagement in the process…together we make a difference in the future of agriculture!