2017 Legislative Session Begins
LOUISIANA REALTORS • April 10, 2017
The Louisiana Legislature convened today, Monday, April 10th. The major focus of the 60-day session will be on the budget deficit facing the state. Tax measures, budget bills, criminal justice reform and TOPS issues will be discussed and debated. Louisiana REALTORS® will be heavily engaged on several tax measures and other bills to ensure the real estate industry and its members are not negatively impacted.
Each week, we will update the membership on legislative activities. This first edition provides a general overview of several bills that have been filed and limited information on the governor’s tax proposals. Most of the tax measures have not been filed yet, so specifics are not available at this time. On April 18, a team of members will review all legislation filed and take positions on these measures.
TAX PROPOSALS BEING DISCUSSED:
Sales Tax on Services Proposal – This proposal would expand the sales tax to include professional services, including services to immovable property. This tax puts an additional sales tax on any services related to the industry, such as appraisals, pest control services, surveying, landscape and lawn maintenance, and extends to the remodeling, renovation and repair of immovable property.
Corporate Tax Proposal – This proposal seeks to eliminate some existing taxes on corporations and creates a new gross receipts tax calculated based on company gross profits. This proposal is being modeled off the state of Ohio model, but the specific details for how it is being proposed in Louisiana have yet to be released. The rate, kinds of receipts to be counted and types of businesses are all important factors. The impact of this tax, while claiming a broad base and low rate, will vary depending on the company and its gross profits. But our early estimates predict an increase in taxes for broker owners and agents.
OTHER BILLS:
Senate Bill 108 by Senator Bodi White
This Louisiana REALTORS®-supported legislation will require out-of-state licensees doing business in Louisiana to either become licensed in the state or co-broke with a Louisiana licensee when conducting business in the state. The legislation provides for a misdemeanor penalty for those who violate this section of the law.
Senate Bill 120 by Senator. Rick Ward
The Louisiana Law Institute is recommending changes to the Louisiana residential leasing laws. The Louisiana REALTORS® legal counsel is reviewing the legislation as are several residential leasing specialists.
House Bill 469 by Representative Reid Falconer
This legislation amends the Louisiana condominium laws and will specifically require all unit owners to carry property and liability insurance on their respective owned units.
Senate Bill 205 by Senator Morrell
This legislation would require the Louisiana Real Estate Commission to refer all investigative complaints to the Division of Administrative Law Judge for final decisions. This legislation would considerably increase costs for the commission with attorney fees and for potential damages should they lose the case. Also, many times these law judges are not experts in immovable property issues.
Senate Bill 236 by Senator Eric LaFleur
This legislation seeks to implement uniform real estate and other document fees filed with the clerks of court. The Louisiana REALTORS® and many in the land title industry are reviewing the legislation.
For information or clarification on any issues during the legislative session please contact: Norman Morris, CEO
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
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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!
