House Bill 906

A Louisiana bill aiming to restrict primary election access to registered Republicans and Democrats failed to pass the state Senate. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Beth Billings, would have allowed party leaders to control primary ballot access for certain offices, potentially excluding no-party voters, who comprise about a third of the state electorate. The bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate, and its sponsor plans to propose an alternative in 2027.

Louisiana's recent redistricting efforts, including the elimination of a Black-majority congressional district and a Supreme Court decision striking down majority-Black districts, have drawn comparisons to historical Jim Crow tactics. The state's actions, including a bill to restrict primary access for no-party voters, have prompted concerns about eroding voting rights protections.

Louisiana Senate President Cameron Henry opposes a bill that would allow Democratic and Republican party leaders to exclude unaffiliated voters from their primary elections. The bill, House Bill 906, has passed the House and awaits Senate approval. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry supports the legislation, citing a technical challenge in 2028.