Here’s what Gov. Jeff Landry signed into law, effective Aug. 1

During the 2025 Regular Legislative Session, Gov. Jeff Landry signed a few bills that would impact crime, drug regulation, higher education, and motor vehicles.

The session ended on Thursday, June 12. Landry announced he plans to call a special session. It is unclear when lawmakers would be asked to return.

Here’s what to know about the laws that will go into effect soon.

Act 24: State Rep. Jay Luneau authored a bill that would create penalties for traffic offenses, such as driving in the incorrect lane. State law requires all drivers to be in the right lane, except when overtaking and passing a vehicle driving in the same direction, or when preparing to turn left at an intersection or into a private driveway.

Violators can be fined $150 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense within a year of the first offense, $350 for the third offense within a year of the first offense, or imprisoned for up to 30 days.

Act 26: Lawmakers modified the current law to create a crime for “theft of critical infrastructure.” Critical infrastructure is defined as chemical plants, power generation, water intake facilities, railyards, pipelines, internet and phone networks, powerlines, and pump stations.

Violations include misappropriating, taking, or possessing anything from critical infrastructures. Penalties would include the following:

• Under $25,000
  • up to 15 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine
• $25,000 or more
  • up to 20 years in prison and/or $50,000 fine
• If human life were at risk
  • up to 20 years in prison and/or $50,000 fine

Offenders would also have to pay back what they stole or damaged.

Act 95: Sen. Michael Fesi authored a bill regarding the intentional release of substances into the atmosphere to affect the weather. The bill states no one should release any chemical or substance into the atmosphere in attempts to affect the weather.

The bill also requires the reports to be submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality and made public records.

Act 97: This bill, which was authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, criminalizes predatory behavior towards children. The new anti-grooming law covers a situation where an adult manipulates, coerces, or threatens an intimate relationship with someone 17 and under, with the intent to commit a sexual offense.

According to state law, violators could face up to 25 years in prison. The new law becomes part of the state’s broader registry of sexual offenses against minors.

Act 124: Rep. Troy Romero authored a bill that increases the penalties for hit-and-run accidents. Romero wrote that whoever commits a hit-and-run when death or serious injury is the result of the crash, the driver could face up to 10 years imprisonment or be fined up to $5,000 or both.

Act 135: This new bill prevents websites and apps from creating reservations without the restaurant’s approval. Third-party websites are not permitted to sell reservations for a restaurant unless the owner signs a contractual agreement. If a site violates this law, the state can fine them $1,000 per day per restaurant.

The bill was created to protect restaurants from unauthorized reservations and confusion for customers.

Act 143: Rep. Daryl Deshotel authored a bill that was signed to lower the state limit for front-side window tinting. Previously, the legal limit for front window tint was 45% visibility, but as of Aug. 1, the legal limit will be reduced to 25% visibility.

Act 154: A new law would regulate hallucinogenic substances, such as Beta-phenyl-GABA, muscimol, ibotenic acid (found in some mushrooms), or similar chemicals. The law penalizes the production and possession of any of the hallucinogens.

Violators who produce the hallucinogens could face up to 10 years in prison and/or up to $20,000 fine, while violators who are in possession of it can face up to five years and/or up to a $5,000 fine.

Act 174: Rep. Delisha Boyd’s anti-hazing law goes into effect on Aug. 1. The law requires student organizations (clubs, fraternities and sororities, sports teams) at state colleges to provide at least two hours of anti-hazing training to members, prospective members and volunteers. If a group fails to comply, the university could terminate the organization’s operation and must report it to the House Committee on Education.

Act 185: This bill designates the Secretary of State as the Chief Protocol Officer, giving them the responsibility of seeking and maintaining relationships with foreign government officials and managing cultural, educational and commercial exchange between the foreign governments and the state.

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