Info Alert #2 2026 Legislative Session Starts Today

March 9, 2026

Today at noon, the 2026 Regular Legislative Session begins. Lawmakers will meet to discuss many important issues facing Louisiana. The session must end by 6:00 PM on June 1^st.

This session, the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and LaCAN will focus on four key issues:

• Creating an Emergency Alert system for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
• Increasing funding for Louisiana Rehabilitation Services
• Increasing home and community-based services (HCBS) rates and Direct Support Worker pay
• Restoring funding for Families Helping Families Centers

Fact sheets about these issues are available here:

https://laddc.org/lacan/fact-sheets/.

The Council and LaCAN will also track bills during the session to make sure the needs of the I/DD community are part of the conversation.

Click HERE to view the Council’s legislative tracker.

Get Involved

Your voice matters. When people speak up, advocacy works. It helps shape policy, educate our communities, and create real change.

We encourage everyone to get involved during this legislative session. Let your Representatives and Senators know what issues are important to you.

During the session, we will send Action Alerts. These alerts will explain what is happening at the Capitol and how it may affect you or someone you know. Each alert will include simple steps you can take to help.

If these issues are important to you, reach out to your LaCAN Leader to learn how to take part in action alerts, legislative visits and Yellow Shirt Days.

Save the Date

Public Testimony in House Appropriations

Tuesday, March 24^th

9:00 AM

LA State Capitol – House Committee Room 5