Louisiana House passes bills on nursing home ratings and illegal gaming regulations

The Louisiana House of Representatives convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss several significant legislative measures, focusing on nursing home rankings, health insurance for retired district attorneys, and illegal gaming regulations.

One of the key discussions centered around an amendment aimed at improving the quality of nursing homes in Louisiana, which has some of the lowest-ranked facilities in the nation. The amendment proposes that only nursing homes in the top three tiers of a five-star rating system would be eligible for certain benefits. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the effectiveness of this measure, debating whether to limit eligibility to only the highest-rated homes. Proponents believe this could incentivize lower-ranked facilities to improve their standards.

Another important bill discussed was Senate Bill 138, which seeks to ensure that retired employees of district attorney's offices can enroll in health insurance without discrimination based on their retirement status. This legislation aims to provide essential health coverage for retirees under specific circumstances.

The assembly also addressed Senate Bill 181, which targets illegal online gaming. This bill establishes penalties for companies engaging in illegal iGaming activities that undermine licensed gaming operators in Louisiana. Lawmakers emphasized the need to protect residents from potential fraud and scams associated with unregulated gaming platforms.

In addition to these topics, the House passed several local bills, including measures related to wildlife management areas and municipal powers regarding water service charges. Notably, Senate Bill 63 expands municipal authority to collect unpaid water charges from multifamily properties, aiming to alleviate financial burdens on local governments.

The meeting concluded with discussions on Senate Bill 66, which seeks to prohibit discrimination against military spouses in various sectors, including education and housing. This bill aims to address challenges faced by military families relocating to Louisiana.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the legislature's ongoing efforts to address pressing issues affecting Louisiana residents, from healthcare access for retirees to the regulation of gaming and municipal financial management. The next steps for these bills will involve further discussions and potential amendments before final votes.