Commissioners endorse new letter process, plan March 2025 Capitol Day

The Louisiana Commission on HIV and Hepatitis C Education, Prevention, and Treatment reviewed the Legislative Committee’s work from the 2024 session and agreed the committee’s new process for drafting and issuing letters was positively received.

Commissioners discussed the committee’s monitoring of bills and outcomes for measures the commission had written to lawmakers. The group considered adjustments to Capitol Day and a related luncheon after members noted the event drew more legislative staff than elected lawmakers. Commissioners suggested distributing handouts at each educational table and exploring larger educational venues that draw legislators; they also questioned whether offering continuing legal education during a lunchtime event would be effective.

Why it matters: Capitol Day and legislative outreach are primary ways the commission educates policymakers and influences state-level HIV and hepatitis C policy. Commissioners said earlier timing in the session and targeted outreach to legislators could increase the event’s impact.

Discussion details: The commission considered logistical ideas including spreading food among educational tables or implementing an incentive system (tickets) to encourage attendees to visit multiple tables. Staff and committee members noted that an earlier March date can be better for reaching legislators, and the commission decided to attempt to schedule the next Capitol Day for a Tuesday in March 2025.

The meeting minutes record no formal roll-call votes on the committee’s recommendations at this session because a quorum was not present.