Louisiana Legislative Session and COVID Update

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NASL Team

July 15th, 2020

Louisiana’s Governor John Bel Edwards on Monday, July 13th put in place a mandatory facemask proclamation and pulled back some phase 2 allowances in response to a second major COVID-19 spike, after having significantly flattening the curve during May and June.

Louisiana currently is the state with the 3rd highest per capita confirmed cases and is once again reaching our hospital capacities. Despite the health challenges and the death of a State Representative to the virus, the legislature was able to meet in person through May and June (with additional precautions) and passed our state budget among other important COVID-19 and economic recovery-related items.

Included in the legislatures efforts to address the pandemic were liability protections for businesses, schools and healthcare professionals, $250 direct payments to first responders, as well as established a $300 million small business grant program to assist business with COVID related expenses and loses.

Overall the state budget was able to be patched together with one time dollars from the CARES act, but questions remain on how revenue estimates will play out if the economic impacts of the virus continue.

If you or your business need further information or assistance in Louisiana, please contact NASL members Randy Haynie and Ryan Haynie with Haynie and Associates.