The 2020 Louisiana Legislative Session has not gotten off to the start that many in and around the Capitol City would have imagined. Just days after convening, the House and Senate agreed to recess until 11:00 a.m. on March 31 out of an abundance of caution to the spread of COVID-19.
Early this week, the rumors started to bubble up about the potential of the House and Senate introducing late-filed bills on the 31st, immediately adjourning and extending their recess to line up with the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation date of April 13th. If the legislature does convene on the 13th of April, it will give lawmakers approximately 50 days to move over 1,200 bills and resolutions through the process. This scenario almost certainly puts into play an extraordinary session this fall.
The Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate and the Governor are reportedly meeting about future dates and scenarios for the legislative session.
Louisiana COVID-19 Update:
On Sunday March 22, Governor Edwards issued a “Stay at Home” order requiring Louisiana residents to shelter in place unless going out for essential tasks. If you are wondering what qualifies as essential, check out the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) guidance. Still have questions? Please reach out, as we are happy to clarify!
Taking a more stern tone during a press conference held this morning, Governor Edwards had these words for the public:
"The case count is sobering. This is a rapidly evolving and escalating public health emergency. We have not begun to flatten the curve... I can assure the public COVID-19 is present in every single parish. This is real… Our efforts will be in vain if people don't do their part and follow the stay at home order.”
The coronavirus has rapidly spread throughout the state and shows no signs of slowing. As of March 26th, there were 2,305 confirmed cases, in 53 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and, sadly, 83 deaths directly contributed to the virus. Visit this page for the latest on the COVID-19 spread in Louisiana.