Legislative Update - May 16, 2023

Louisiana REALTORS • May 16, 2023

Louisiana REALTORS is sad to inform members that Jim Harris passed away on Monday, May 8th after a hard-fought battle with ALS. Jim was a founding member of Harris, Deville & Associates, the firm that has represented Louisiana REALTORS® at the state Capitol for over 30 years.


Jim’s legacy includes advocating for the passage of many Louisiana real estate laws that are the envy of your colleagues in other states. In 2011 Jim supported Louisiana REALTORS® in the passage of a constitutional amendment that prohibits real estate transfer taxes from happening in this state.  While the 2023 Legislative Session marks the first time in over 30 years that Louisiana REALTORS® has been without Jim’s commanding presence, his legacy of hard work, integrity and tenacity lives on in those who had the honor of working with and learning from him.


If Jim were here, he would likely tell us an appropriate Winston Churchill quote, (Jim’s most respected leader) about mourning and loss and then growl that we have to keep at it and press forward, because there is still work to do.


This is exactly what Harris, Deville & Associates and your Louisiana REALTORS® Advocacy Team is doing – keeping at it on your and your clients’ behalf until the clock strikes 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8th and the 2023 Legislative Session finally adjourns sine die, just as Jim would expect. We will miss Jim dearly, but know that he has taught us well and that he is watching all of us carry on the wonderful attributes and skills he instilled in all of us! 


We have lost a giant, a mentor and a father figure, but know we are all better for having had the opportunity to have known Jim for so long!

 

Legislative Bill Tracker

  • Property Insurance

    Good news – the Louisiana Legislature is making headway on improving laws to protect consumers and move the needle somewhat on property insurance reform. Bad news - no one should expect property insurers to flock back to Louisiana and rates to go down overnight.


    Bills moving through the process include those that would require endorsements and discounts for Fortified Roofs, prohibit assignment of insurance benefits, and improve Louisiana’s insurance regulatory market.


  • Property Management

    House Bill No. 180, Representative Matthew Willard

    This bill would have required housing providers to disclose their criminal history screening or admission criteria in as much detail as is feasible prior to accepting an application fee from a prospective tenant.  


    Position:  Oppose

    Status:  Heard by the House Commerce Committee; voluntarily deferred


    House Bill No. 660, Representative Edmond Jordan


    Position:  Oppose

    Status:  Set to be heard by the House on Thursday, May 18th


    As amended in the House Commerce Committee, HB No. 606 would do the following:


    (1) Allow a residential rental tenant to terminate their lease if there are police reports for at least two violent crimes or drug offenses occurring on the property of a multi-family residence where the tenant resides or on an adjacent property if the rental property resided in by the tenant is a single-family residence. 


    (2) Prohibit a lessor from reporting the termination of a lease under proposed law to a credit bureau, but allow the lessor to pursue legal action to be paid the amount owed for the remaining term of the lease.


    (3) Require owners or managers of all residential rental properties (single or multi-family) provide certain security measures including security cameras capable of obtaining clear footage of all property not located within the confines of building or structure of the residence and lighting of significant strength so security cameras can obtain clear footage of those areas.


    (4) Require all owners or property managers of any rental property disclose to any prospective tenant the resources where data regarding criminal incidents occurring within close proximity to the rental property may be obtained.


    While the bill has a noble intent, the unintended consequences and upheaval it would cause in the statewide residential rental market would result in crippling instability for lessees and lessors alike.  Members are encouraged to contact their state representative to ask them to oppose the bill.


    Find who represents you in the state House of Representatives here.

  • Sale of Property to Foreign Adversaries

    There are three bills going through the process that prohibit the sale or purchase of certain types of property by foreign adversaries.  Louisiana REALTORS® is currently monitoring these bills, but this position may change as more information regarding the potential unintended consequences this type of legislation may cause the real estate profession and market.

Louisiana’s 2025 First Extraordinary Session

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 30, 2025
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Technology for Real Estate Agents

Why Real Estate Professionals Must Stay Current with Technology

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 24, 2025
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.

2025 Fall Governance Meetings Recap

By Louisiana REALTORS®  • October 17, 2025
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
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