Pacific Legal Foundation Applauds Louisiana Passage of SB 59 and HB 99

Last week, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed two vital pieces of legislation aimed at reducing government waste, restoring the constitutional system of separated powers, and ensuring those accused of wrongdoing get their day in court.  

Senate Bill 59, sponsored by Sen. Mike Reese (R-Leesville), sets a monetary threshold for legislative review of proposed agency actions. If a new rule hits either of the two new thresholds—$200,000 per year or $600,000 over three years—it must be approved by the relevant legislative committee. 

House Bill 99, sponsored by Rep. Beth Billings (R-Destrehan), ensures that citizens and businesses challenging an agency action get a fair day in court. Under the new law, judges are required to interpret statutes and rules de novo, or without bias toward the agency’s interpretation of the law or its own rules.  

“With these bills, Louisiana is guaranteeing the Constitution’s promise of separation of powers for those fighting agency actions and making significant agency rules subject to legislative approval, ensuring that state agencies continue to work for and represent the will of those who elected them,” said Kileen Lindgren, legal policy manager for Pacific Legal Foundation. “PLF was proud to work with and support the authors and sponsors of these vital pieces of legislation, as well as the Pelican Institute for Public Policy who continue to support legislation that makes Louisianians more prosperous and freer.”   

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