More than 500 new laws took effect across Louisiana on Aug. 1, following the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. The measures address issues including crime, public safety, education, insurance, traffic, and consumer regulation.
Under Act 288, holding a phone while driving is now illegal. Drivers may only use phones while parked or stopped at red lights. The first offense carries a $100 fine.
Act 24 increases fines for driving slowly in the left lane to $150, with higher penalties for repeat violations. Act 143 lowers the legal light transmission for front window tint from 40% to 25%.
Act 41 bans the possession and sale of kratom. The substance is now classified as a controlled substance under state law.
Act 97 establishes the crime of child grooming, defined as manipulative conduct targeting minors with intent to commit a sexual offense. Act 226 imposes a $2,000 fine on individuals convicted of certain sex-related crimes, in addition to other penalties.
New criminal offenses include theft of critical infrastructure (Act 26), theft of gift cards or redemption codes (Act 28), and sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use (Act 106). Act 416 expands electronic monitoring for certain offenders, and Act 420 updates illegal weapons possession laws.
Act 469 mandates mental health screenings in schools. Act 425 requires mapping data of school facilities to assist emergency responders. Act 449 mandates that vocational and technical courses be available to all public high school students.
Under Act 100, discrimination based on military status is prohibited in education, employment, housing, and public accommodations. Act 110 excludes deposits into ABLE accounts from state income tax.
Acts 407 and 414 regulate carbon sequestration and underground storage. Act 95 prohibits releasing chemicals into the atmosphere for the purpose of altering weather or temperature. Act 325 creates a new state park in Terrebonne Parish.
Act 4 prohibits wagering on elections. Act 37 regulates exit polling procedures. Act 89 allows political campaign signage at school athletic facilities if paid for by the campaign.
Other changes include Act 91, requiring commercial fish sellers to keep records; Act 94, limiting agricultural liability involving gypsum; and Act 109, legalizing night frogging.
Taxicab drivers are no longer required to hold a chauffeur’s license under HB170. Notaries may obtain death certificates when assisting with succession matters. State park wardens may now issue littering citations.
Act 172 designates *Cajun Night Before Christmas* as the official state children’s Christmas book.
A complete list of laws is available through the Louisiana Legislature’s website.
