Louisiana Legislative Update - 5.15.23.

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

We made it through a very difficult week that proved to be both shocking and sad. Still, our work is far from over and we are in for a tough fight for the remainder of the session! Read on for an update and ways to get involved.

Sadly, two bills attempting to mitigate our state’s total abortion ban were voted down in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee last Wednesday. HB 346 by Rep. Delisha Boyd and HB 549 by Rep. Cedric Glover both sought to add exceptions to the total ban to allow survivors of sexual assault to access abortion care in their state. Despite powerful testimony from doctors, survivors, and experts, both bills were ultimately rejected by the committee.  

Watch PPGC’s Petrice Sams-Abiodun's testimony here! 
 
Please take a moment to thank the five legislators who supported HB 346 and HB 549, and voice your outrage and disappointment to those who refused to support survivors:  
 
Committee members who voted to support survivors: 

• Chairman Joe Marino: [email protected] 

• Rep. Marcus Bryant: [email protected] 

• Rep. Vanessa LaFleur: [email protected] 

• Rep. Alonzo Knox: [email protected] 

• Rep. Denise Marcelle: [email protected]  

Committee members who voted against survivors: 

• Rep. Tony Bacala:  [email protected] 

• Rep. Bryan Fontenot: [email protected] 

• Rep. Raymond Garofalo: [email protected] 

• Rep. Jonathan Goudeau: [email protected] 

• Rep. Valarie Hodges: [email protected] 

• Rep. Kathy Edmonston: [email protected] 

• Rep. Dodie Horton: [email protected] 

• Rep. Nicholas Muscarello: [email protected] 

• Rep. Alan Seabaugh: [email protected] 

• Rep. Debbie Villio: [email protected] 

PPGC-Supported Bills:  

HB 598, which would amend the total ban by expanding definitions of pregnancy complications and medical emergencies, was referred to the House Health & Welfare Committee where it was rejected by the Committee Chair and recommitted to the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee next week. 

PPGC-Opposed Bills:  

HB 81, aka the “deadname bill,”which prohibits use of certain names and pronouns for students in public schools, passed the House and now moves to the Senate.  

HB 152, a constitutional amendment to provide for so-called “parental rights,” passed out of the House Civil Law Committee and now advances to the House floor. 

HB 466, aka the “don’t say gay” bill, also passed the House and now moves to the Senate.  

NOT SURE WHAT ANY OF THIS MEANS SO FAR? See our legislative session 101 guide here. 

This week’s anticipated legislative action:  

Monday, May 15 
Oppose: 

SB 7: The library book ban and censorship bill is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor.  

SB 41: This bill would provide tax credits on donations to so-called “maternal wellness centers” ... but don’t be fooled, these centers are actually Crisis Pregnancy Centers, dedicated anti-abortion organizations that regularly trick and deceive patients about their reproductive health options. We will be carefully watching SB 41, which was already presented and amended in committee, as author Sen. Beth Mizell stripped the bill of oversight and regulatory reporting requirements, making this bill even more dangerous. 

Sign LocALL's Petition Against Book Bans in Louisiana 

Support:  

SB 11: A bill to prohibit gender-based insurance rate discrimination is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor.  

Tuesday, May 16 
Oppose:
 
HB 152: A constitutional amendment to provide for so-called “parental rights” is scheduled to be heard on the House floor  

HB 648 (formerly HB 463): A bill completely banning gender-affirming care for minors, with or without parental consent, is also scheduled to be heard on the House floor. 

Support: 

HB 598: A bill to expands the definitions of pregnancy complications and medical emergencies in the total abortion ban was recommitted to the House Administration Criminal Justice Committee. 

Wednesday, May 17 
Support:

HB 117: A bill that would ensure all public schools have free menstrual products is scheduled to be heard on the House floor.    

Upcoming Events, Sigev 

Women on Wednesdays: Wednesday, May 17 - Religious Freedom Day 

Real Name Campaign’s March for LGBTQ+ Youth: Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. Sign up to request a ride. Sign up to provide a ride.   
 
Send an email:  Don't Let The Louisiana Attorney General Dictate What You Are Allowed to Read 
 
10,000 Women: Women, Wine, and Wisdom: Every Thursday from 7 - 8 p.m. 

PPGC In the News: 

Rape and incest exceptions voted down along party lines in Louisiana House committee | WWNO 

"... Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast also spoke out against the vote, saying a ban without these exceptions leaves sexual assault survivors with two options: they’re either forced “to carry pregnancies to term against their will or try to find the resources to flee their state for abortion.” 

 
Useful links: 

PPGC Bill Tracker 
ACLU of Louisiana's Activism Guide 
2023 Regular Legislative Session 

PPGC’s 2023 Legislative Session Page  
 
 
Thank you for your attention, persistence, and for joining Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast in the fight for equitable health care and to achieve racial and gender justice for every person in every community we serve.