[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6057682,"mediaKeyId","3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55","parentId",3300521,"title","Lawmakers debate banning ultra‑processed foods in school meals and seek study on healthier options","audioSeconds",3352,"startMs",8428000,"endMs",11780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55&start=8428&end=11780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55/thumbnail_8428000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6057682/Louisiana/Lawmakers-debate-banning-ultraprocessed-foods-in-school-meals-and-seek-study-on-healthier-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057682-4f22832cc79101b344e5f7b4a1f9a217/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911364&Signature=N9Cj8Gdq9uIMXt1-ljpsMNuVlZe~2yH-y0hH0Cx9GblD8GwDN3n-iZNYmCV2R4Gj2JWPO2s4fYz8B89R26Eir4ZcYDE8C~2BIS0hHdiIlprftnNSQy-vA1yeq8CMPsYWnKwBglBO3Qef0CYcoxe8zQk~ElEtxqhnYbLoR5u9FUH5fiN6DDcgRRO-pQIKOkjnf78g5cpzLfSP3zXDrYSrzju3f1atN2AuQ3tBpUbCMrVhVfzlwn0Q0kdJznGLs8XE-~sXKiVU3WaNQduVDlPEzMpyt3eLAcfkyW-FyTS1A-6VFUc5NCHIplLaQ71vWqMypEM7EjnUPb-RuLliWN9Jmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 117, introduced by Senator Katrina Miguez, would prohibit the serving or selling of specified ultra‑processed ingredients and additives in taxpayer‑funded public school meals beginning in the 2027–28 school year. Senator Miguez described the measure as a public‑health response to childhood obesity and behavioral concerns linked in some studies to certain dyes and additives, and said the bill includes an implementation window and language directing the Department of Education to post compliance certification on school websites.

Miguez said the bill focuses on items already restricted in other jurisdictions and countries and noted an amendment to encourage, but not mandate without appropriation, the purchase of Louisiana agricultural products. “Let's remove the junk out of our food. Let's educate our children,” she said in closing.

Representatives from public school nutrition programs and school districts cautioned against unintended operational and fiscal consequences. Dr. Jacqueline Richard, school nutrition program director for Calcasieu Parish and a registered dietitian, told the committee that school meals already meet federal nutrition standards under the National School Lunch Program and breakfast programs and that Louisiana schools served tens of millions of reimbursable meals this year. “School meals are vital to combating childhood hunger, improving the health of kids and supporting academic achievement,” Richard said.

Other witnesses—public‑health advocates and anti‑processed‑food groups—urged action, citing studies linking food dyes and some additives to hyperactivity and other adverse effects. Brian Sickma of the Make America Healthy Project told lawmakers that several other states have already enacted related measures and described the proposed rules as part of a broader movement to improve nutrition in school meals.

Committee members debated sequencing and the need for a study. Representative Echols had introduced a study resolution (HR 3) asking the State Department of Education to study feasibility and costs of prohibiting certain foods and beverages in public schools; Representative Echols and supporters said that study and a related House resolution (HR 4) asking Congress for funding to buy American produce would allow time for procurement and training. Representative Freiberg urged waiting for the department’s study before passing restrictive laws. Senator Miguez replied that the bill’s delayed effective date and a legislative amendment carving out appropriations language for buying Louisiana products provide time to prepare.

The committee adopted a narrow technical amendment (prohibiting third‑party food‑management companies from serving banned items on campus during mealtimes) after discussion about school fundraising, parent‑provided foods and vending rules. Department of Education staff clarified that federal meal reimbursement rules limit states from imposing stricter reimbursable menu requirements but do allow states to narrow permitted products; they also said items parents bring for celebrations are not covered by federal meal restrictions and are handled at the local level.

What’s next: SB 117 was reported by the committee with amendments to encourage in‑state procurement subject to appropriation, and proponents and opponents said they will continue work with the Department of Education and school nutrition professionals on procurement timelines and implementation details.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Education May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 117 would bar specified ultra‑processed ingredients and additives from taxpayer‑funded school meals beginning in 2027–28, after supporters cited child‑health studies and opponents warned of implementation and procurement challenges.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057671,"Committee clears bill setting safety requirements if schools use ride‑sharing companies for student transport",1605,7195000,8800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55&start=7195&end=8800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55/thumbnail_7195000.jpg","/articles/6057671/Louisiana/Committee-clears-bill-setting-safety-requirements-if-schools-use-ridesharing-companies-for-student-transport","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057671-31d014329d3aa270d2038131e9091a7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911364&Signature=bnx9IFPouBn8sSEbTpxqKyiNYmii1zSo~TiTS0BQmNh6ahYAH-S4JbU3FPaJWe2AfvREasfQu1gg~l43VXTGLTuIC9YiUxgIucLV93lQQ-qJlVR5kO8uJuY6Sm8Udq4C-TBsqptaBU4zzZQEGYMa3ZRo7QIpaGbLs3POzhxJKldj~yfer6HC9NF8rUG9BHDgF3PBJMsyqY1i3XaC2iPJmQramp25r~vh0vW169wF5GVrSNai1cVv~ErrWgR7AYhjzxLItEfzLzrY99gZ8TEWqmNJe00O5CVj98V13emZZWJ46LO~AnacoWlFWZJyDwpIQUPIR9VYvF3bp5zmEvOZAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 160, introduced by Senator Kathy, would permit local school districts to contract with transportation network companies to transport students to and from school or school‑related activities if the companies meet specific safety and screening requirements. Senator Kathy described the bill as permissive: districts may use such providers but are not required to do so. The draft requires drivers to be at least 21, hold a valid license with three years’ driving experience, pass FBI and state background checks and child‑abuse screening, receive CPR and child‑safety certification, and have vehicles inspected annually. The bill also requires drivers to perform daily pre‑trip inspections.

School superintendents and district representatives noted some districts already contract with private providers for trips and extracurricular transportation and raised legacy concerns, such as retirement and pension impacts if districts privatize routes. Michael Falk, executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, said some districts privatize services and that legacy costs can be a factor in the decision. Senator Kathy said the bill simply sets safety minimums and echoed examples from other states and private programs that use vetted adult volunteers and retired educators.

The committee reported SB 160 favorably. Proponents said the bill gives districts an additional safe option to meet transportation needs while codifying driver screening and vehicle safety practices; supporters included district leaders and nonprofit groups that operate vetted student transportation services.

What’s next: SB 160 was reported favorably and will advance for floor consideration; if enacted, local districts would be authorized to contract with companies that meet the statutory safety standards, and the Department of Education would play a role in implementation oversight as districts adopt the option.","Senate Bill 160 would allow school districts to use ride‑share/transportation network companies for student transport if companies meet background, training and vehicle‑inspection standards.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057677,"House panel rejects measure to require LEAP testing for LA Gator scholarship students",1864,3216000,5080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55&start=3216&end=5080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","/articles/6057677/Louisiana/House-panel-rejects-measure-to-require-LEAP-testing-for-LA-Gator-scholarship-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057677-808ce74422274e9a9311d449c3029135/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911364&Signature=cICYvMMyY2mNXnckTmIvGj6pYiit97St0adE4-icAImnZgNnpMt6I8eEvOt-X3h6Qw1L9aMZ2aj4cg4fXdQAyCy9EV~iVvrUu6Q-zYDFIWZBZ-HYIdJjBRtoOvlFjKPumDtrUcqAwdim-rhcDGBrkNiAGqxtSROD2KgQcZ3NefIXqV9EAaKUBjeGmwpV9AqrcO52k30hQ65hsOzsAeDE3DIgNdFOE5WndR-PTbE5yLVL1c-1B3P1gHqpstZkHSRl99vJC-6l-809WvD7oOHHmcyREKNzesYRvkU-wBe3nG~gDvYOHaf~dCgFkIryeA2SWRYjuz6iA4G04a6wlRobrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Tanner Landry told the House Education Committee he introduced House Bill 243 to add accountability for the LA Gator Scholarship Program by requiring students who receive state scholarship funds to take the LEAP assessment used in public schools. Landry said that if the state will spend tens or hundreds of millions on the program, legislators must ensure the money produces results.

Teachers, private‑school leaders and choice advocates responded. Lauren Jewett, a special‑education teacher, supported consistent comparative assessment but cautioned that different nationally norm‑referenced tests assess skills differently and that LEAP includes constructed‑response components. Representatives of Catholic schools, the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops and other private‑school leaders argued that the LEAP is criterion‑referenced to state standards and does not align with many nonpublic curricula; they warned that mandating LEAP could stigmatize scholarship students and penalize schools that did not sign up for that testing regime.

Members debated whether requiring a single assessment for scholarship recipients would provide fair, actionable comparisons. Representative Carlson and others asked whether private schools would be required to rework curricula; Representative Landry said voucher students already take nationally norm‑referenced tests, but committee members said the tests and curricula differ in purpose and rigor.

Representative Taylor moved to report the bill favorably but Representative Carver objected; the roll call resulted in 4 yeas and 9 nays and the motion failed. Members said the issue of accountability is important but disputed the appropriate standards and timing, noting that the LA Gator program and voucher rules were extensively negotiated in the prior session and that Department of Education staff had recommended caution to preserve curriculum‑test alignment and avoid overtesting.","Representative Tanner Landry proposed HB 243 to require LA Gator scholarship students take the same LEAP tests used for public school accountability. After extended debate about assessment alignment, private‑school autonomy, parental choice and data comparability, the committee voted 4‑9 against advancing the bill.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6057686,"Louisiana lawmakers back hazing study task force and advance mandatory anti‑hazing training bill with amendments",324,152000,476000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55&start=152&end=476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3300521-ebbbd437effb2ab532293f8a5b076b55/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6057686/Louisiana/Louisiana-lawmakers-back-hazing-study-task-force-and-advance-mandatory-antihazing-training-bill-with-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6057686-3649c583c646a8a7c90d6a91155db68c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770911364&Signature=WzwTIeokxuOcPfm0wv155CVa~vtqsQQ8wtn6cwXcOSWH4qtDvCJSqhbw1FjEQ26sThYQH5XKT8e3OuEnWj-O91s5pUFhp-QELLGuavCSGEfq75nSK-~wuIO9pm-wZ4Lt0Xfq15Zlu2RlvRvniJKf-vg4v3s-6WSQqjy4~qbw9aV95Y7-EnLtoJxNkrsate-yPOwBmwz7HCE8AmNBtop~lBafHiempETvE~mJgbpgKwhXahE3f1uoiR1IWoucTvb2jHUaUBO-WmxhmEsl4rU5A-LKiN0CLZRHoj95UsXqYIIbFtOKlgZ8~tCERaxbG-UUqqc68HngOMmA86FadhCsfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Royce Hughes, who introduced House Concurrent Resolution 37, told the House Education Committee the measure would create a Hazing Prevention Task Force to review criminal and civil statutes and postsecondary policies following recent campus deaths related to hazing. “I come before you with House Concurrent Resolution 37, which would establish the Hazing Prevention Task Force,” Hughes said.

The committee voted to report HCR 37 favorably. The resolution directs the Board of Regents to staff the task force and includes representatives from higher education, students, campus public safety and legislators. Hughes said the family of Caleb Wilson supports forming the group and hopes it will produce policy and legislative recommendations.

Separately, the committee considered House Bill 279, the Anti‑Hazing Prevention Act introduced by Representative Barbara Boyd. Boyd described HB 279 as “a tool…to help empower and educate our children regarding hazing and what’s allowed, what hazing looks like, informing students that hazing is now a felony,” and said the measure would require anti‑hazing instruction for students who intend to pledge or join campus organizations.

Several students testified in support of HB 279, providing detailed accounts of alleged hazing within university bands. Catherine Erwin recounted derogatory treatment and humiliating initiation activities she experienced while on the LSU drumline; Dakota Espinosa described being coerced into substance use, alleged incidents of sexual misconduct and disciplinary actions they said followed after they reported misconduct. Erwin said the environment “never felt like a safe place for me to be.” Espinosa said reporting led to retaliation and lasting harm to their health and daily functioning.

Lawmakers debated the bill’s fiscal and implementation impacts. Representative Brett Fryberg and others raised concerns about the bill’s fiscal note and whether institutions need more time to implement a mandatory credit course. Boyd responded that an amendment converted the requirement to an elective for general students and a mandatory course for students intending to pledge or join organizations, and that the effective date was moved to Aug. 1, 2026, after Board of Regents officials said they would need more time for implementation.

Representative Ras Brass offered—and the committee adopted—an amendment that replaced the body of HB 279 with existing statutory requirements (cited in the hearing as RS 17:1801.1) for annual training, and doubled that training to two hours while adding an enforcement mechanism allowing an institution to terminate an organization’s campus recognition for noncompliance. Representative Brass said the change shifts most of the compliance burden to organizations rather than requiring a university credit hour for every student. Boyd said she will continue to work with Representative Hughes’ task force to align longer‑term policy and criminal accountability the Wilson family seeks.

After amendments were adopted, the committee voted to report HB 279 with amendments and to recommit the bill to the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. Representative Boyd closed by saying the measure is meant to “protect our kids” and that she supports preserving the family’s request for separate legislation focused on penalties for instructors or others who enable hazing.

What’s next: HCR 37 will proceed as a concurrent resolution with Board of Regents staffing the task force; HB 279 was advanced with amendments and will receive further fiscal review in Appropriations. The task force, as configured in testimony, is expected to deliver stakeholder findings that lawmakers said could inform statutory and institutional policy changes.","The House Education Committee voted to report a hazing prevention task force resolution favorably and advanced a bill requiring anti‑hazing education for postsecondary students, after testimony from survivors and university stakeholders and adoption of amendments that change the bill’s scope and effective date.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers debate banning ultra‑processed foods in school meals and seek study on healthier options

Committee clears bill setting safety requirements if schools use ride‑sharing companies for student transport

House panel rejects measure to require LEAP testing for LA Gator scholarship students

Louisiana lawmakers back hazing study task force and advance mandatory anti‑hazing training bill with amendments