The 2018 Louisiana Legislative session starts next week! 

Action Needed

Don’t forget to Register for our 2018 Day at the Capitol! See link below.

Key Dates

• The 2018 First Extraordinary Session adjourned Sine Die on March 5, 2018.
• The 2018 Regular Legislative Session will convene at noon on Monday, March 12, 2018. Final Adjournment no later than 6:00 pm on Monday, June 4, 2018.
• 2018 AHA Day at the Capitol: May 15. Register for Lobby Day here: www.yourethecure.org/lalobbyday2018.

Campaign Updates

State Campaigns

Telephone CPR:

Telecommunicators are the true, first responders and a critical link in the cardiac arrest chain of survival. It is the telecommunicator, in partnership with the caller, who can identify a patient in cardiac arrest, providing the initial level of care by delivering telephone CPR (T-CPR) instructions to the caller, and quickly dispatching the appropriate level of help. It is through these actions that the telecommunicator can make the difference between life and death.

SB264 – Sponsored by Senator Troy Carter (D)

• Requires telecommunicators giving receiving and dispatching emergency medical condition service calls be trained on delivery of telephone CPR instructions. Click the bill number to read the bill.
• Pre-filed and under the rules provisionally referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.

Smoke Free Louisiana:

In 2006, the Louisiana Legislature passed the Louisiana Smoke Free Air Act. Although the legislation prohibited smoking in most workplaces, the bill excluded bars and casinos statewide, but gave local governing authorities the power to pass local smoke free ordinances. With each additional local ordinance passed, the need for a strong, statewide law becomes viable to finally close this policy gap. As a leader among the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Louisiana (CTFLA), the American Heart Association will work to ensure smoke free workplaces for all Louisianans are protected during the upcoming session by monitoring for any attempt to repeal local governing authority and look for ways to close this policy gap.

Other Tobacco Policy to Note:

HB 46 – Sponsored by Representative Frank Hoffman (R)

• Requires the telephone number and website for the La. Tobacco Quitline to be included on signs displayed at the point of purchase or on the vending machine of any tobacco product, alternative nicotine product, or vapor product. Click the bill number to read the bill.
• Pending House Judiciary Committee

HB239 – Sponsored by Representative Vincent Pierre (R)

• Amends the definition of "vapor product" to include nicotine and other substances. Click the bill number to read the bill.
  Pending House Judiciary Committee

Local Campaigns

Smoke Free Air – Scott, La.:

A comprehensive smoke-free ordinance will be introduced by the Scott City Council on Thursday, April 5, with an anticipated vote on Thursday, May 3. Having volunteer-based support to push council members is imperative. If you live in Lafayette parish and would like to be engaged, please email [email protected].

In Other News

• Louisiana House passes Medicaid work bill that doesn't require anyone to work:
  http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/03/louisiana_medicaid_work_requir_1.html
• Louisiana Legislature adjourns special session early, doing nothing to fix budget crisis: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/03/louisiana_legislature_meltdown.html
• Governor's legislative agenda includes teacher-evaluation changes sure to be hotly debated: http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/legislature/article_ea4f9b1e-2313-11e8-84ca-d3dc3b8b4f09.html