Final Countdown: Where Key Bills Stand in Louisiana’s 2025 Session
As we enter the final days of Louisiana’s legislative session—with the deadline to pass bills fast approaching on Thursday, June 12—this is the most pivotal week of the year. Conference committees are convening, final votes are being cast, and critical decisions are being made.
Here’s where things stand on key legislation we’re closely tracking in support of the American Heart Association’s mission:
Strengthening Cardiac Emergency Response Plans in Schools
HB 1 – Coaches Funding
Thanks to our advocacy, Louisiana schools are now implementing cardiac emergency response plans at both campuses and athletic events. This session, we’re building on that progress by working to secure funding in the state budget (HB 1) to ensure high school coaches receive AED/CPR certification every two years. This vital training ensures that trained responders are present when it matters most.
This initiative is a cornerstone of our Nation of Lifesavers campaign to build a culture of lifesaving readiness. The bill has cleared the Senate and heads to the House floor for concurrence.
Tackling Tobacco and Nicotine Addiction
HB 517 – Youth Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Fund
With federal cuts leaving a gap in youth tobacco prevention funding, HB 517 aimed to create a state-level fund to sustain these essential programs. While the bill did not make it out of Senate Finance, we’re encouraged by the momentum: legislative champions are now proposing a joint task force to study the impact of youth tobacco and nicotine use and develop meaningful policy recommendations.
HB 325 – Cigar Tax Reduction
We’ve worked hard to oppose HB 325, which would slash the tax on high-end cigars (retail price over $120) from 20% to just 50 cents per cigar. A single cigar can deliver as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, making them highly addictive and harmful. Lowering taxes on these products undermines efforts to reduce tobacco-related illness and death.
The bill has passed both chambers and is now on Governor Landry’s desk. We are urging him to veto this legislation to protect public health and preserve critical state funding.
HB 669 – “Heat-Not-Burn” Products
This bill seeks to define and tax heat-not-burn tobacco products at a lower rate than cigarettes. It has undergone several revisions and is now headed to conference committee, where further changes may be introduced. We are monitoring this closely.
Looking Ahead
We’re making meaningful progress—but there’s still work to do. As we approach the finish line, our focus remains on protecting public health, advancing prevention, and ensuring that key initiatives aren’t lost in the rush to adjourn.
Written by Erica Williams, Louisiana Government Relations Director, and Julie M. Howell, Sr. Region Grassroots Lead.