LA House Dems: Fighting for abuse survivors in Week One and beyond

Hi Friend,

Last week marked the first week of the 2021 Session in Baton Rouge. Our Democratic House members came out strong with several bills in support of domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors.

Highlights include:

  • HB 159 by Rep Malinda White, which clarifies and streamlines the definition of domestic abuse across Louisiana's civil code passed committee and the House Floor in a unanimous vote. It goes to the Senate next.
  • HB 375 by Rep Aimee Freeman, which would allow sexual assault to be included as a reason for early residential lease termination in Louisiana. It goes to the House Floor Tuesday.
We're making strides, but we need your help.
Action Items:
  • Email the House Civil Law & Procedure Committee in support of HB 609 by Rep Edmond Jordan which prohibits qualified immunity for police who abuse their authority to injure or kill people in the line of duty. Click this link to read more about the bill, and email the committee with your name, zip code, and why you support this bill.

  • Email the House Education Committee in support of HB 409 by Rep Aimee Freeman which requires the termination of postsecondary education employees for failure to comply with reporting requirements relative to power-based violence committed by or against students (dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking). Click this link to read more about the bill, and email the committee with your name, zip code, and why you support this bill.

  • Email your representative and let them know that you support HB 375 by Rep Aimee Freeman Click this link to search your address to find a list of your State House Representative. Tell them your name, address, and why you think it's important that sexual assault survivors should have the ability to work with their landlords to make the safest choice about their living arrangements without penalty. Click here to read more on the bill.

Want to watch testimony from Week 1? Click here to find footage from committee meetings and floor debates of legislation in week one.
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Rep Candace Newell (left) and Rep Aimee Freeman speak on the House Floor (photo courtesy of Louisiana House of Representatives).
Members of the Civil Law & Procedure Committee hear testimony on important bills including HB 159 and HB 375 (photo courtesy of Louisiana House of Representatives).
LSU has been in the news recently over the alleged mishandling of sexual assault allegations on campus. We are proud of these LSU student leaders for providing testimony in support of HB 375 (photo courtesy of Rep Aimee Freeman).
Louisiana House Democratic Caucus | info@lahousedems.org