As the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session hits its midpoint stride, a powerful coalition of Northeast Louisiana lawmakers is successfully navigating a complex slate of bills through the Capitol, ranging from judicial funding and hospital oversight to the modernization of the state’s education system.
Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews and Representatives Adrian Fisher and Pat Moore are currently advancing several key measures that promise significant shifts for both the local region and the state at large.
Senator Jackson-Andrews
At the forefront of the legislative push, Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews has taken a firm stand on healthcare governance with Senate Bill 359.
The measure, which recently cleared the Senate with a unanimous vote, seeks to impose term limits on hospital service district commissioners. By ensuring regular turnover on these boards, Jackson-Andrews aims to prevent administrative stagnation and invite fresh perspectives into the management of local healthcare facilities.
Simultaneously, she is championing the “Learn and Earn” Act, a workforce development initiative currently moving through the House that creates a pathway for students to receive vocational training and compensation simultaneously, addressing critical labor shortages in skilled trades.
Rep. Fisher
In the House, Representative Adrian Fisher is tackling the practical financial needs of the local judiciary while looking toward the technological future.
His House Bill 559 addresses a looming funding gap for the Fourth Judicial District Court by proposing an increase in filing and conviction fees—raising the cap from $18 to $35. These funds, collected by the Clerk of Court, are the lifeblood of daily operations for the courts in Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes.
Beyond the courtroom, Fisher is also pushing House Bill 1149, which would mandate artificial intelligence instruction for students in grades 6 through 12, a move intended to ensure the next generation of Louisiana workers is prepared for an increasingly digital economy.
Rep. Moore
Representative Pat Moore continues to balance public safety with community legacy.
Her House Bill 68, which clarifies the legal standards for disturbing the peace, is currently on the verge of final passage in the Senate. This adjustment is designed to provide law enforcement with clearer guidelines while maintaining a focus on community order.
On the commemorative front, Moore has successfully moved a proposal through the House to designate a portion of Highway 15 as “President Barack Obama Road.” This initiative, co-authored by both Fisher and Jackson-Andrews, represents more than a symbolic gesture; it is viewed by local leaders as a cornerstone for future community revitalization and historical preservation along the route.
House Bill 86
The three legislators have also converged on one of the session’s most high-profile public safety measures: House Bill 86.
This collaborative effort seeks to establish a statewide registry for repeat domestic abuse offenders. Proponents argue the registry would serve as a vital tool for public awareness and law enforcement intervention, potentially preventing escalations of violence before they become fatal.
As these bills move into the final weeks of the session, the Monroe-area delegation remains focused on bridging the gap between local administrative needs and statewide reform, with several measures now only a few votes away from reaching the Governor’s desk.
