With only days remaining in the 2025 Regular Session, several high-impact, 1A-supported measures are advancing toward final passage. From major enhancements to the state’s economic development toolkit to revamped tax credits for early childhood and workforce development, lawmakers are moving to wrap up work on legislation that will strengthen Louisiana’s long-term competitiveness.
Statewide Economic Development
Three cornerstone measures championed by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) remain on track:
- SB 161 (Mizell) – Advances strategic reorganization at LED, formally establishes the LED Innovation Fund, and gives the agency greater authority over real estate transactions to support site development. SB 161 is expected to receive House final passage today.
- HB 433 (Deshotel) – Creates the Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund to enhance high-potential sites with infrastructure like roads, sewer, and utilities. HB 433 was recommitted to the Senate Finance Committee, which is not expected to meet again this session. That said, the provisions of this bill are expected to be amended on to one of the budget bills.
- HB 507 (Emerson) – Establishes the High Impact Jobs Program, which will serve as LED’s centerpiece incentive for job creation. The program offers performance-based grants tied to annualized wages for companies that create high-wage jobs with basic health benefits. Grants are awarded on a tiered basis: 22% for jobs paying at least 150% of the parish average wage; 18% for jobs paying at least 125% of the parish average wage; and 8% for jobs in distressed areas paying at least 110% of the parish or regional average wage. HB 507 is pending House concurrence of Senate amendments.
Together, these measures will enhance LED’s ability to attract investment, accelerate site readiness, and support high-quality job growth across Louisiana.
Revamped Tax Credits to Support Louisiana’s Workforce
Two additional 1A priority bills would modernize and expand tax credit programs that aim to connect more Louisianans to opportunity:
- SB 233 (Edmonds) – Renames and expands the School Readiness Tax Credit as the Workforce Child Care Tax Credit, doubling the allowable donation per business to support quality early care seats. Participating businesses may receive a credit of up to 50% of their donation. This bill strengthens a proven program and elevates the role of employers in helping working parents access reliable, high-quality child care. SB 233 is pending Senate concurrence of House amendments.
- HB 533 (Carver) – Creates the Work-Based Learning Tax Credit to incentivize employers to hire apprentices, interns, and youth workers. Employers would be eligible for a credit of $2.50 per hour, up to $2,500 per participant, for qualified work-based learning opportunities—supporting talent development and aligning with Louisiana’s new school accountability formula. HB 533 is pending final passage on the Senate floor.
LOOKING AHEAD
With Sine Die fast approaching this Thursday at 6 p.m., two other major items still in play include:
- State Budget Bills – Pending final passage in the Senate today, where Senate floor amendments are expected to be the final changes, if the House concurs.
- DOTD Reform Package (Bourriaque) – A set of bills to reorganize and modernize the Department of Transportation and Development, including the creation of an Office of Transformation and a new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to improve project delivery. HB 528, HB 556, and HB 640 are pending final passage on the Senate floor.
1A will continue to advocate for pro-growth legislation through the close of session. Look out for a full Legislative Recap in next week’s update.