2026 Legislative Session Scoop - Session Wrap-up

Louisiana REALTORS® • June 5, 2026

The 2026 Regular Legislative Session has officially adjourned, and Louisiana REALTORS® closes the session with a strong record of legislative wins, defensive victories and meaningful progress on issues that directly impact property owners, homebuyers, housing providers and real estate professionals across Louisiana.

 

This session touched nearly every major pressure point in the real estate market: insurance affordability, transaction transparency, appraisal certainty, leasing law, property taxes, blight redevelopment, litigation costs, consumer protection and private property rights.

 

Louisiana REALTORS® successfully advanced several major policy priorities this session, including residential wholesaling reform, vacant residential land disclosure, appraisal certainty, security deposit reform, insurance mitigation funding and redevelopment tools for blighted property. At the same time, the association helped stop or reshape proposals that would have harmed housing supply, increased practitioners' liability, or created uncertainty for property owners and housing providers.

 

Major Wins for You and Real Estate

Residential Wholesaling Reform

The signature victory of the session was HB 468 by Rep. Troy Hebert, Louisiana REALTORS®’ residential wholesaling reform bill. For years, residential wholesaling operated in a gray area of Louisiana law. HB 468 creates a clear statutory framework for residential wholesaling, strengthens consumer protection, increases transparency, and gives the Louisiana Real Estate Commission meaningful enforcement authority. The bill’s conference report passed unanimously in both chambers, with votes of 94-0 in the House and 35-0 in the Senate. This is a major structural reform for Louisiana real estate law.

 

This bill will be state law effective August 1, 2026. Please note that the law does not affect any wholesale contracts between now and the effective date.

 

Vacant Residential Land Disclosure

HB 1166, by Rep. Kim Carver, passed the Legislature and has been sent to the Governor for his signature. The bill addresses disclosure gaps in vacant residential land transactions where buyers may discover late-stage issues involving access, utilities, drainage, flood risk, prior use or other material facts. HB 1166 creates a clearer process for buyers, sellers and real estate practitioners, and should help reduce failed transactions, disputes and closing-table surprises.

 

As new industry forms and disclosures are developed, Louisiana REALTORS® will monitor the process closely and work to ensure the final requirements are practical, clear and consistent with sound industry practice.

 

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission will complete the forms and disclosure process, with final implementation expected to be legally required for agents beginning January 1, 2027.

 

Appraisal Liability Protections

Louisiana REALTORS® secured two important appraisal-related wins. HB 1027 also by Rep. Troy Hebert, signed as Act No. 187, clarifies that appraisers should not be held liable for compliance with obligations that belong to other parties in the transaction. HB 300 by Rep. Neil Riser, signed as Act No. 149, addresses appraisal thresholds for bank-owned property. Together, these measures support greater transaction certainty and fairness in the appraisal process.

 

The pair of these measures will take effect as law on August 1, 2026.

 

Housing & Market Stability

Security Deposit Reform

HB 292, by Rep. Delisha Boyd and signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 63, creates a more workable process for addressing damage discovered at the end of a lease and provides greater flexibility through written agreements regarding security deposit timelines. The measure offers practical clarity for housing providers, tenants and property managers when property damage is identified after move-out, allowing additional time to assess damage, obtain repair estimates and document costs before final security deposit accounting is completed. By creating a clearer statutory framework, the law helps reduce disputes and ensures that both landlords and tenants have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

 

Property managers can mark August 1, 2026, on their calendars, as that is the effective date for this legislation.

 

Protections for Victims & Landlords

HB 297, by Rep. Mandie Landry and signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 64, expands Louisiana's early lease-termination protections to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking. The law recognizes that personal safety may require a tenant to leave a residence before the end of a lease term. To exercise these protections, a tenant must provide documentation from a qualified third party or other authorized evidence demonstrating that they are a victim of stalking or cyberstalking and that continued occupancy would present a safety concern. The measure also clarifies and expands who may serve as a qualified third party for purposes of supporting a tenant's request.

These changes will take effect into law on August 1, 2026.

 

Insurance Affordability and Mitigation

Insurance affordability remained one of the most significant issues facing Louisiana homeowners and the real estate market. HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer, signed by Governor Landry as Act No. 416, transfers an additional $50 million in Katrina bond assessment funds to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Combined with other insurance-related funding, the program reaches approximately $80 million for the year. The Fortify Homes Program remains one of Louisiana’s most direct tools for reducing property risk, strengthening homes, improving market stability, and placing downward pressure on insurance costs over time. Several additional insurance measures did not reach final passage, including legislation on fortified roof endorsements, nonrenewal protections for homeowners who mitigate risk, and a pre-suit review process for residential property insurance disputes. These remain important long-term priorities.

 

This became law and took effect upon the Governor’s signature.

 

Blight, Redevelopment, and Property Taxes

Louisiana REALTORS® supported policies this session aimed at returning neglected property to productive use and strengthening property-tax fairness. HB 214 by Rep. Chance Henry, now Act No. 272 with Governor Landry’s signature, will appear on the ballot as a constitutional amendment authorizing an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property.

 

HB 217, also by Rep. Chance Henry, is the enabling legislation for HB 214 and has received the Governor’s signature, becoming Act No. 422. Together, these measures would give local governments another tool to encourage private investment, neighborhood revitalization, and redevelopment.

 

SB 180, now Act No. 39, will also appear on the ballot. The measure allows the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability to transfer an expanded property tax exemption. This is both a property-tax fairness measure and a homeownership stability measure for Louisiana veterans’ families.

 

If passed in the fall election, the measures would take effect on January 1, 2027, as well as SB 180.

 

Defensive Victories

Some of the most important wins in this session came from stopping harmful legislation before it became law.

 

Rent Stabilization Stopped Twice

HB 472 by Rep. Alonzo Knox, the rent price control bill, was stopped after being involuntarily deferred. Louisiana REALTORS® opposed the bill and provided testimony in committee because rent-control policies can discourage investment, reduce housing supply, create uncertainty for housing providers and ultimately worsen affordability challenges. Knox brought the bill to the House Committee on Municipal, Local and Parochial Affairs twice due to the opposing testimony of our organization and opposition from the Home Builders Association and the Louisiana Apartment Association.

 

Hidden Fees Bill Reshaped Yet Still Thwarted

HB 617 by Rep. Mandie Landry, the hidden fees bill, raised concerns because it could have imposed liability on real estate professionals for fees they do not control, including those set by lenders, title companies, insurers, government entities and other third parties. Louisiana REALTORS® successfully negotiated a House-side amendment exempting real estate transactions from the bill’s scope. The bill later died in the Senate Commerce Committee. It is worth noting that the author agreed to include us in an amendment by Rep. Troy Hebert from the House floor, exempting real estate transactions.

 

Automatic Renewal Bill Monitored

HB 750, by Rep. Vincent Cox, addressing automatic renewal provisions, was closely monitored by Louisiana REALTORS® to ensure the legislation did not unintentionally apply to residential or commercial leases, property management agreements, association operations, nonprofit activities or standard real estate practices. Those concerns were successfully addressed through a Louisiana REALTORS® amendment offered by Senator Pressly during Senate consideration. When the bill returned to the House, Rep. Cox accepted the amendment and supported concurrence, preserving the bill's consumer protection goals while ensuring Louisiana's real estate industry, housing providers, associations and nonprofits were not subjected to unintended regulatory  burdens.

 

Missed Opportunities

Two broader legal reform measures passed the House but stalled in the Senate Judiciary A Committee. HB 437, by Rep. Michael Melerine, addressing expert witness fees, and HB 1089, by Rep. Dennis Bamburg, establishing CARE Accounts, both reflected broader efforts to reduce litigation costs, improve Louisiana’s legal climate, and address cost drivers affecting insurance affordability and business competitiveness. Their failure to reach final passage was a missed opportunity, but the issues remain central to Louisiana’s long-term affordability conversation. Louisiana REALTORS® will continue to monitor these proposals and hope to see similar reforms return next session with a different outcome.

 

What Comes Next

The end of the session does not end the work. Louisiana REALTORS® will now turn to implementation, member education, ballot engagement and preparation for the next legislative cycle by directly engaging you, the driving force behind all of our efforts. The issues that shaped this session — housing affordability, insurance availability, redevelopment, legal costs, and private property rights — are not going away. Neither are we. Louisiana REALTORS® remain committed to serving as a consistent, credible and effective voice for property owners, homebuyers, housing providers and real estate professionals across Louisiana.

 

Thank You

As the Legislature adjourns, Louisiana REALTORS® expresses sincere appreciation to the leadership, members, public officials and advocacy partners who helped make this a productive and successful session for the real estate industry and property owners across Louisiana.

 

We are especially grateful to Louisiana REALTORS® President Ginger Maulden, President-Elect David Favret, Treasurer Misty Ingersoll, Legislative Committee Director Keary Coffin, Outside General Counsel Eric Landry, LARPAC Chairwoman Marsha McGraw-Barbera, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission Commissioners and Executive Team, and the members of the Louisiana REALTORS® Legislative Committee for their leadership, guidance, resources and engagement throughout the session.

 

We also extend a special thank you to those who attended this session’s REALTOR® Day and helped strengthen our presence at the Capitol. Your participation amplified our ability to advocate with one united voice when it mattered most.

 

We further extend our appreciation to the legislators and partners who worked alongside us this session, including Rep. Troy Hebert, Rep. Kim Carver, House Commerce Chairman Daryl Deshotel, Rep. Delisha Boyd, Rep. Stephanie Hilferty, Rep. John Wyble, Sen. Beth Mizell, Sen. Greg Miller, Speaker Phillip DeVillier, Senate President Cameron Henry and Governor Jeff Landry for their leadership, accessibility and commitment to addressing issues impacting housing, property rights, insurance affordability, redevelopment and Louisiana’s economic future.

 

Strong policy outcomes are only possible through collaboration, professionalism and sustained engagement. Louisiana REALTORS® remains grateful for the relationships and partnerships that helped move meaningful legislation across the finish line this year.

 

Please view the session wrap-up tracking report provided by our lobbying team over at Harris, DeVille and Associates.

Bill Wrap-up Report

Managing Multiple Pets? Here’s How Helps Spot Makes ItAffordable and Simple

By Louisiana REALTORS® • June 1, 2026
Article provided through SPOT Pet Insurance partnership Caring for multiple pets can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also mean more vet visits, more surprise illnesses or injuries, and more financial planning. Spot Pet Insurance helps make protecting your entire household easier and more affordable. With Spot, pet parents get a 10% multi-pet discount on every additional pet after the first, plus the ability to customize coverage for each pet based on their individual needs. And to make life even simpler, all policies can be managed under one Spot account in the member center or app. Whether you have two energetic dogs, a pair of curious kittens, or a full house with pets of different ages and health needs, Spot gives pet parents an easy way to stay organized and confident about their pets’ care. Why Multi-Pet Insurance Matters for Pet Parents The Rising Cost of Veterinary Care for Multiple Pets If one pet has ever needed emergency care, you know how quickly veterinary bills can add up. Now imagine the possibility of two pets needing treatment in the same year—or even the same month. Multi-pet households can face higher odds of unexpected vet visits making coverage even more important. Pet insurance helps offset the cost of covered veterinary care, giving pet parents financial support when things don’t go as planned. Peace of Mind for Every Pet in Your Home Each pet has unique needs. Some may be seniors who require ongoing care, while others may be young, active, and prone to accidents. Spot allows every pet to have a plan tailored to them, helping give pet parents peace of mind no matter what comes up. Spot’s 10% Multi-Pet Discount: Savings That Add Up How Spot’s Multi-Pet Discount Works Spot offers a 10% discount on every additional pet after the first. That means the more pets you have, the more you can save—without sacrificing coverage. Whether you’re protecting two pets or five, Spot helps keep costs manageable. An Affordable Way to Protect Your Whole Pack Cats, dogs, or a mix of both—all pets qualify for the multi-pet discount. For households managing multiple personalities, energy levels, and health needs, these savings can make a big difference in long-term budgeting. Customizable Coverage for Every Pet’s Unique Needs Accident-Only and Accident & Illness Plans Accident-Only coverage for pets who simply need protection from mishaps Accident & Illness coverage for pets who could benefit from more extensive support This gives you flexibility, especially if one pet has existing health concerns while another is relatively low-risk. Tailor Each Plan with Adjustable Options Every Spot plan can be personalized with: Annual limit Annual deductible Reimbursement rate Optional preventive care add-ons This makes it easy to create a plan that helps fit each pet’s lifestyle—and your budget. Why Customizable Coverage Matters for Multi-Pet Households Different pets have different needs: Senior pets may need broader illness coverage Young pets might benefit more from accident-focused protection Active pets may need higher limits Indoor pets may require less coverage With Spot, every pet gets the coverage they need. Nothing more, nothing less. One Account, All Your Pets: Simple Multi-Pet Management Manage All Plans Under One Spot Account Instead of juggling multiple logins or losing track of policy documents, Spot lets pet parents manage every pet’s plan from a single account. You can: View coverage details Submit claims for each pet Track reimbursements Access policy documents anytime Everything is organized and easy to find. The Spot Pet Insurance App Makes It Even Easier The app puts all your pets’ information at your fingertips. In just a few taps, you can: File a claim for any of your pets Upload bills and photos Review claim updates Access plan summaries It’s simple, fast, and convenient—especially for households with more than one pet. No Network Restrictions for Any Pet Spot gives every pet the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. That includes primary vets, emergency clinics, and specialists. This is especially convenient if: You have a preferred clinic You travel frequently with your pets No networks. No referrals. Just easy access to care. Frequently Asked Questions About Multi-Pet Insurance Do I need separate policies for each pet? Yes. Each pet gets their own plan, so coverage can be personalized for their needs. But you can manage all of your pets’ plans conveniently under one Spot account. How does the multi-pet discount work? Spot automatically applies a 10% discount to every additional pet after the first. This makes it more affordable to protect all your pets. Can I choose different coverage options for each pet? Yes. Spot allows you to choose either an accident-only or an accident and illness plan for each pet. You can adjust annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates individually. Can I file claims for all my pets in the same app or account? You can! All your pets’ plans are available within one account in the Spot member center or mobile app, making claim filing simple and organized. Does Spot have any network restrictions? No. You can visit any licensed veterinarian, emergency clinic, or specialist in the U.S. or Canada. Key Takeaway Spot Pet Insurance takes the stress out of managing multiple pets by offering customized plans, a 10% multi-pet discount, and easy account management. Every pet gets the coverage that fits them best, while pet parents enjoy a simple, organized way to handle all their plans in one place. Affordable, flexible, and convenient—Spot helps you protect your entire household with confidence. Paula Gil, Author If you need a story or someone to talk to your cat like a person, I’m your person. With 3 cats, 1 dog, and a lifetime of pets, I write from experience, usually with a cat on my keyboard and a dog in my lap.

2026 Legislative Session Scoop - Week 12 Recap

By Louisiana REALTORS® • May 29, 2026
Louisiana REALTORS® closed out Week 12 of the 2026 Regular Session in the final push toward sine die, with several priority bills either crossing the finish line, landing on the Governor’s desk, or moving through the last major stage of session. The headline for the association is a major win on HB 468 by Rep. Troy Hebert, the residential wholesaling bill, which cleared conference committee with the fixes Louisiana REALTORS® was seeking and was scheduled for final House action on May 29. With the constitutional deadline for third reading and final passage falling on Friday, May 29, and sine die adjournment set for Monday, June 1, the last hours of session became decisive for the remaining bills still in motion. The lead priority remained HB 468 , which is the flagship Louisiana REALTORS® package bill on residential wholesaling. After the House rejected Senate amendments 91-0 on May 20, the bill moved into conference committee rather than dying. House conferees were named as Rep. Troy Hebert, Rep. Phillip Deshotel, and Rep. Jacob Landry, while Senate conferees were named as Sen. Miller, Sen. Allain, and Sen. Connick. The conference committee report was received by both chambers on May 27, and the bill was then scheduled for final House action on May 29. This remains one of the most important bills of the session for the real estate industry because it creates a clearer regulatory framework for residential wholesaling, strengthens consumer protections, and gives the Louisiana Real Estate Commission enforcement authority over the practice. The session also produced a strong slate of enacted real estate, housing, and property-management wins. HB 1027 , the appraiser liability bill, was signed by the Governor as Act No. 187 on May 15 and becomes effective August 1, 2026. HB 292 , dealing with security deposits, was signed as Act No. 63 on May 11 and also becomes effective August 1, 2026. HB 297, expanding lease termination protections for stalking and cyberstalking victims, was signed as Act No. 64 on May 11. HB 300 , dealing with appraisal thresholds for bank-owned property, was signed as Act No. 149 on May 15. Taken together, these measures represent meaningful wins for appraisal certainty, leasing, property management, and transaction stability. Several additional REALTOR®-relevant measures cleared the Legislature and moved to the Governor’s desk by the close of Week 12. HB 1166 by Rep. Kim Carver, the vacant residential property disclosure bill, passed the Senate 38-0 on May 25 and was sent to the Governor on May 27. This is one of the most important real estate bills of the session because it closes an existing gap in Louisiana law for vacant residential properties and should help reduce late-stage surprises involving condition issues, access, utility status, and other material facts that can derail transactions. HB 1187 , dealing with Louisiana Citizens emergency assessments, was sent to the Governor on May 26 and remains an important insurance-affordability measure for homeowners across the state. HB 217 , the optional blight rehabilitation tax exemption bill, was sent to the Governor on May 21 and, together with HB 214 , strengthens the redevelopment toolkit for returning derelict property to commerce. On the constitutional amendment side, Louisiana REALTORS® also saw meaningful progress on broader property-tax and redevelopment issues. HB 214 , authorizing a property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict properties, became Act No. 272 and was sent to the Secretary of State for placement on the ballot. SB 180, allowing the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability to transfer an expanded property tax exemption, became Act No. 39 and was likewise sent to the Secretary of State for ballot placement. These measures remain relevant to neighborhood revitalization, property-tax fairness, and broader housing stability across Louisiana. Insurance and mitigation policy continued to matter through the final days of session. HB 759 , relating to fortified roof endorsement offers, remained alive on the Senate floor subject to call and needed final Senate passage by the May 29 deadline to survive. That bill remained important because fortified roof policy sits directly at the intersection of mitigation, homeowner resilience, and insurance affordability. At the same time, slower-moving insurance measures such as HB 408 on non-renewal protections for homeowners who timely mitigate and HB 1210 on pre-suit claim review for residential property insurance did not advance this session, but both remain relevant to the longer-term insurance affordability discussion. Week 12 also highlighted the value of Louisiana REALTORS®’s defensive work. HB 617, the hidden-fees bill, stalled in Senate Commerce and effectively ran out of time. That was a meaningful defensive win, as the concern throughout was that broad fee-disclosure language could have unfairly placed liability on real estate professionals for charges they do not control, including fees set by lenders, title companies, insurers, government entities, and other third parties. HB 472 , the rent stabilization bill, remained dead after being involuntarily deferred, which is another meaningful win from a property-rights and housing-supply standpoint, though similar language always remains worth watching late in session. HB 750, dealing with automatic renewal contracts, remained alive on the Senate floor subject to call and continued to require defensive monitoring so that broad subscription language would not bleed into leases, property management agreements, association dues, or nonprofit and association activity. The broader civil justice and cost environment also remained part of the policy picture, even where bills stalled. HB 437 , dealing with expert witness fees, and HB 1089 , dealing with CARE Accounts, both passed the House but stalled in Senate Judiciary A. While they did not advance this session, they remain part of the larger conversation around litigation costs, insurance affordability, and the long-term cost structure affecting property owners, housing providers, and small businesses. The bottom line for the 2026 session is that it was a strong one for Louisiana REALTORS®. The association’s flagship wholesaling bill, HB 468 , cleared conference committee with the fixes we wanted and moved to final House action. Four major REALTOR®-relevant bills were already enacted into law: HB 1027, HB 292, HB 297, and HB 300 . Two property-tax constitutional amendments, HB 214 and SB 180 , are headed to the ballot. Three additional bills, HB 1166, HB 1187, and HB 217 , reached the Governor’s desk. On defense, rent stabilization was stopped, the hidden-fees bill stalled, and problematic consumer language in other measures was monitored closely through the final days of session. Louisiana REALTORS® remained engaged through the end on every issue affecting real estate transactions, mortgages and lending, insurance affordability, property management, private property rights, blight and redevelopment, property taxes, and housing supply across Louisiana.

Next Fortify Homes Lottery Goes Live June 1 as Program Expands to New Parishes

By Louisiana REALTORS® • May 27, 2026
From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: During a press conference today with Governor Jeff Landry, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced that registration for the next round of the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program (LFHP) will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 1, and will include 3,000 grants. The registration period for this lottery will be open for three weeks, closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.  During the press conference, Gov. Landry signed HB 1187 by Rep. Paul Sawyer, which will allow Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to transfer $50 million in additional Katrina bond assessment funds to the LFHP. Combined with the $30 million in funding the program will receive through taxes and fees on insurance entities, the LFHP will receive a total of $80 million this year. “By lowering overall losses, we can reduce insurance and reinsurance costs, draw more insurers into the market, motivate existing companies to write additional policies and lower insurance premiums,” said Commissioner Temple. “That is exactly what the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program is designed to do.” The list of coastal parishes that are eligible to participate is expanding to include Acadia, Jefferson Davis and Lafayette parishes. Additionally, homeowners who live in the portions of Ascension, Calcasieu, Iberia, Livingston, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Vermilion parishes that were previously not included in the program will now be eligible to participate. A map showing the full list of eligible parishes is available on FortifyHomes.La.Gov . “Louisiana is the fastest growing state in the country for Fortified roofs, and that growth is not by accident—it is the result of strong support from Governor Landry and legislators like Chairman Talbot, Chairman Firment and Representative Sawyer, targeted program design, and a clear recognition that strengthening homes is one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance losses,” said Commissioner Temple. “At the end of the day, this program is about more than just roofs. It is about protecting families, it is about strengthening communities, and it is about putting Louisiana in a stronger position—both physically and economically—to face the challenges ahead.” To participate in the lottery, homeowners must register during the June registration period. Homeowners who registered for a previous round but were not selected must register again to participate. People who register on the last day of the registration period have the same chance of being selected as those who register on the first day, so there is no need to rush to register as soon as the period opens. When registering, homeowners will need to upload their homestead exemption, insurance policy declarations page that includes wind coverage, and flood insurance declarations page if the residence is in a flood zone. Homeowners who need assistance obtaining a copy of their homestead exemption should contact their parish tax assessor. Homeowners can contact their homeowners and flood insurance companies or agents for a copy of their policy declarations page. Homeowners are required to create a profile in the LFHP system before registering for the lottery and may do so by visiting the LFHP website and clicking the Login button. Homeowners who previously created a profile may use the same one for this and future rounds. Once the lottery registration period closes, the LFHP will randomly select 3,000 participants and send email notifications to registrants about whether they were selected to participate. These selection notices will be sent via email beginning on Monday, June 22. There are several program requirements that homeowners should be aware of before registering. Those interested in the program are encouraged to review eligibility information and frequently asked questions at FortifyHomes.La.Gov to determine whether their home meets the requirements for the program. If selected to participate in the grant program, homeowners will be financially responsible for having the home evaluated by a FORTIFIED-certified Evaluator as well as costs for the roof upgrade including permits, inspections and construction costs beyond the amount of the grant The LFHP provides grants of up to $10,000 for homeowners to upgrade their roofs to standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. The program helps Louisiana homeowners strengthen their roofs to better withstand hurricane-force winds.
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