STATE BUDGET

The state operates on an annual budget cycle. State agencies submit their budget requests by November 15, and the Governor submits a proposed budget to the state legislature 45 days before the legislature convenes. (Newly elected governors have until 30 days before the legislature convenes.)  The legislature typically adopts a budget in June. The fiscal year begins July 1. The passed budget has to be balanced.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The state legislature has 39 Senators, serving four-year terms, and 105 members of the House of Representatives, also serving four-year terms.  Term limits were added to the Louisiana Constitution after a 1995 referendum.  In even-numbered years, a general session convenes at noon on the second Monday in March for no longer than 60 legislative days during a period of 85 days. In odd-numbered years, a session convenes at noon on the second Monday in April for no longer than 45 legislative days during a period of 60 days.  Bills do not carry over from year-to-year.

KEY RESOURCES

• Louisiana Legislature
• Louisiana Governor
• Louisiana Attorney General

2025 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

The state enacted HB264, which imposes new regulations for pharmacy benefit managers, including pricing regulations, annual transparency disclosures, implementing appeal processes, plan sponsors, and establishing a Pharmacy Benefit Manager Enforcement Fund.