Josh Carlson

The 2026 Louisiana legislative session resulted in changes to the state's congressional election map and increased prison funding, while New Orleans faced targeted cuts to local offices and state funding. The session was marked by racial and partisan tensions following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais.

Louisiana lawmakers passed House Bill 310, allowing prosecutors to reassign cases to a new randomly selected judge when defendants waive their jury trial right. The law, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, aims to prevent 'judge shopping' but faces criticism for potentially eroding constitutional protections.

Louisiana lawmakers passed House Bill 310, which allows prosecutors to reassign cases to a randomly selected judge when a defendant waives their jury trial. The law, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, takes effect August 1 and aims to prevent 'judge shopping' by ensuring cases are not heard by the initially assigned judge unless the prosecutor objects.