RATINGS of LOUISIANAacuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/...8. HB 892 Legalizing...

2018

Letter from the Chairman .......................................................2

ACU & ACUF Board Members ..............................................3

Selecting the Votes .......................................................................3

2018 Winners & Losers ................................................................4

LA Senate Statistics .......................................................................5

LA Senate Vote Descriptions ................................................ 6

LA Senate Scores ............................................................................ 9

LA House Statistics .......................................................................11

LA House Vote Descriptions ................................................12

LA House Scores ............................................................................15

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RATINGS of LOUISIANARATINGS of LOUISIANA

ACUConservative @ACUFoundation | #ACURatings Conservative.org

2

AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION FOUNDATION’S 2018 Ratings of Louisiana

Dear Fellow Conservative,

The American Conservative Union Foundation is proud to present our ratings of the 2018 meeting of the Louisiana State Legislature. Like our Ratings of Congress, which date back 47 years, our state ratings are meant to reflect how elected officials view the role of government in an individual’s life. We begin with our philosophy i.e., conservatism is the political philosophy that sovereignty resides in the person, and then apply our understanding of government (its essential role is to defend Life, Liberty and Property).

Because our ratings are designed to educate the public about how consistently elected officials adhere to conservatism, we carefully examine the entire docket of legislation introduced in each state every year. We select the most meaningful bills and publish the results after the dust has settled. ACUF state ratings—launched in 2011 with ratings for five states—have become a nationally recognized resource for evaluating over 8,000 elected officials comprising each of America’s 99 state legislative chambers.

Each election cycle, citizens choose leaders whose vision for the state most closely matches their own, hoping that candidates’ promises will be kept. ACUF’s ratings measure whether those promises were fulfilled or forsaken. With nearly a decade of data on state legislators’ voting records and average scores for every legislative chamber, citizens in every state can assess how effectively their lawmakers have applied conservative philosophy to the role of government.

We at ACUF believe, as Ronald Reagan once said, that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We hope that by providing this unique tool, these ratings will empower Americans to exercise their right to protect our unique American democracy from tyranny.

Sincerely,

Matt Schlapp Chairman American Conservative Union Foundation

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

ACUConservative @ACUFoundation | #ACURatings Conservative.org

TO SEE MORE ACU RATINGS, PLEASE VISIT: acuratings.conservative.org

3


SELECTING THE VOTES

ACU researched and selected a range of bills before the Louisiana State Legislature that determine a member’s adherence to conservative principles. We selected bills that focus on Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of the “three-legged stool”: 1) fiscal and economic: taxes, budgets, regulation, spending, healthcare, and property; 2) social and cultural: 2nd amendment, religion, life, welfare, and education; and 3) government integrity: voting, individual liberty, privacy, and transparency. This wide range of issues are designed to give citizens an accurate assessment that conveys which of Louisiana’s elected leaders best defend the principles of a free society: Life, Liberty and Property.

Matt Schlapp Chairman

Charlie Gerow Vice Chairman

Carolyn D. Meadows 2nd Vice Chair

Bob Beauprez Treasurer

Ron Christie Secretary

Ed Yevoli At-Large

Dan Schneider Executive Director

ACUExecutive Committee

Jackie Arends

Larry Beasley

Kimberly Bellissimo

Morton C. Blackwell

Jamie Burke

José Cárdenas

Muriel Coleman

Sean Fieler

Alan M. Gottlieb

Van D. Hipp, Jr.

Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser

Ed McFadden

Priscilla O’Shaughnessy

Ron Robinson

Mike Rose

Peter Samuelson

Sabrina Schaeffer

Terry Schilling

Matt Smith

Chris Turner

Bill Walton

Thomas Winter

Board Members

ACUFExecutive Committee

Matt Schlapp Chairman

Millie Hallow Vice Chair

Van D. Hipp, Jr. Treasurer

Kimberly Bellissimo Secretary

Dan Schneider Executive Director

Board Members

José Cárdenas

Gordon Chang

Jonathan Garthwaite

Charlie Gerow

Niger Innis

Adam Laxalt

Willes K. Lee

Mary Matalin

Carolyn D. Meadows

Randy Neugebauer

Thomas Winter

The ACUF Legislative Ratings Team

Francis Finnegan

Larry Hart

Fred McGrath

Tyler Muench

Luke Schneider

4


2018 WINNERS & LOSERS

SENATE

n/a

90-100% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE EXCELLENCE

HOUSE

n/a

SENATE

n/a

10% COALITION OF THE RADICAL LEFT

HOUSE

n/a

≤

SENATE

n/a

HOUSE

BISHOP

COUSSAN

CREWS

HOUSE

EMERSON

MIGUEZ

SEABAUGH

80-89% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

5


LOUISIANA SENATE STATISTICS

60%OVERALL AVERAGE

FANNIN 47%

LOWEST REPUBLICAN

60%REPUBLICAN AVERAGE

59%DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

MILKOVICH76%

HIGHEST DEMOCRAT

LOUISIANA SENATE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

2018 ACUF PERCENTAGE

# OF STATE

SENATORS

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

090-100%0-9% 10-19% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89%20-29%

6


1. HB 27 (1st Special Session) Hiking Taxes on Wireless Devices and Cellphones. This bill increases the monthly telecommunications tax levied on all wireless devices and cellphones from 4.5 cents to 5 cents. The revenue generated from this tax is deposited into the “telecommunications for the deaf fund.” Higher tax burdens suppress economic growth, which reduces family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. While ACU sympathizes with those with special conditions, we oppose the further expansion of a redistribution program, which results in higher phone costs for everyone and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 5, 2018 by a vote of 36-0.

2. SB 99 Reauthorizing the Behavioral Analyst Licensing Board. This bill extends the authorization of the Behavioral Analyst Licensing Board for 10 years to 2028. ACU opposes this licensing regime which establishes unnecessary and burdensome standards for those who assist individuals with autism, thus reducing competition and raising caregiving costs and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 18, 2018 by a vote of 33-3.

3. SB 489 Allowing the Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages. This bill allows third-party delivery services to deliver sealed alcoholic beverages to customers. ACU supports a free market for all beverages and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 18, 2018 by a vote of 23-11.

4. HB 532 Banning the Sale and Possession of Sky Lanterns. This bill bans the sale, use and possession of all types of “sky lanterns” and authorizes their seizure as contraband by state authorities. ACU opposes this overly-aggressive ban and seizure of a product that is part of a cultural tradition for some, supports reasonable use of these products and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 25, 2018 by a vote of 31-2.

5. SB 365 Expanding Eligible Loan Offerings of “Payday Lenders.” This bill permits licensed short-term lenders (commonly referred to as “payday lenders”) to offer loans between $500 and $875 with durations between three months and 12 months. Previous law only permitted loans up to $350 with durations of 30 days or less. ACU opposes government-imposed price controls on interest rates, which reduce loan opportunities for those without a strong credit history, and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 1, 2018 by a vote of 20-17.

6. HB 484 Permitting Fantasy Sports Contests. This bill allows fantasy sports contests to be legally held in the state by defining the contests as games of skill as opposed to games of chance. The bill establishes a regulatory framework and requires each of the state’s parishes to ask voters through a referendum whether fantasy sports contests should be permitted. ACU supports regulatory reform and the expansion of individual liberties and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2018 by a vote of 21-15.

7. HB 891 Prohibiting Taxpayer-Funded Abortions. This bill prohibits state or federal taxpayer funds from being used to provide abortions and prevents organizations that perform abortions (such as Planned Parenthood) from receiving taxpayer funds for any type of public health services unless the services are provided through a physically and financially separate entity. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2018 by a vote of 28-5.

8. HB 892 Legalizing Switchblade Knives. This bill repeals the ban of knives that are spring-loaded, commonly known as switchblade knives. ACU supports the expansion of individual liberties and this reform to an outdated 1950s-era law and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 9, 2018 by a vote of 21-11.

LOUISIANA SENATE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS

7


9. SB 558 Ensuring Dignity for Incarcerated Women. This bill provides increased access to feminine hygiene products for incarcerated women and also establishes a framework that governs the way male correctional officers conduct searches of female inmates. The ACU Foundation’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform is a leading authority on this issue and works to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system. ACU supports these reforms which are designed to improve sanitary conditions, increase transparency and protect the human dignity of those in state custody and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 14, 2018 by a vote of 37-0.

10. SB 462 Preventing Local Governments from Mandating Affordable Housing. This bill prevents municipalities from establishing mandatory exclusionary zoning laws, which are requirements that a developer sell or rent a portion of their properties below market prices. The bill instead authorizes municipalities to incentivize developers with greater development rights if they build affordable housing. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to protect the property rights of all landowners. ACU opposes all affordable housing mandates and price controls which interfere with the free market and infringe on the property rights of landowners and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 14, 2018 by a vote of 26-11 but it was later vetoed by the governor.

11. HB 619 Increasing Penalties for Cellphone Use While Driving. The Cortez (ACUF 63% Lifetime) amendment to a bill banning cellphone use on all public roads, increases penalties for violations by upgrading infractions to “moving violations.” ACU opposes fining motorists for their cellphone use absent any other driving safety infractions and opposed this amendment. The Senate defeated the amendment on May 15, 2018 by a vote of 14-18.

12. SB 181 Prohibiting Abortions after 15 Weeks. This bill prohibits a doctor from performing an abortion that is later than 15 weeks after conception. At this time, the unborn baby is fully formed, has a beating heart, functional brain, can make distinct facial expressions and has developed motor skills in his or her fingers and toes. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 16, 2018 by a vote of 24-1.

13. HB 265 Restoring Voting Rights for Convicted Felons on Parole. This bill makes individuals convicted of a felony and currently on parole or probation eligible for restoration of their voting rights if at least five years have elapsed since the conclusion of their incarceration. ACU supports restoring the voting rights of those who have paid their debt to society and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 16, 2018 by a vote of 24-13.

14. SB 534 Defining and Criminalizing “Coerced Abortion.” This bill defines a “coerced abortion” as the use or threatened use of physical force against a pregnant woman to undergo an abortion against her will, and makes the act a “crime of violence” which carries criminal penalties. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 17, 2018 by a vote of 29-3.

15. SB 364 Protecting Free Speech on College Campuses. This bill expands free speech protections on campuses of public colleges and universities by eliminating “free speech zones,” which restrict free speech to only certain areas of campus. Furthermore, the bill ensures that students and faculty can lawfully assemble, and that public forums are open to all speakers. ACU supports protecting free speech under the First Amendment and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 17, 2018 at 33-0.

16. SB 260 Permitting the Appeal of Actions taken by Licensing Boards. This bill grants individuals who have had a disciplinary action brought against them by the state licensing boards of dentistry or auctioneers the right to appeal the matter to a court of administrative law. ACU supports the right to appeal actions taken by professional licensing boards, especially considering that those boards often abuse their authority and restrict competition, and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on May 17, 2018 by a vote of 32-1.

17. SB 319 Abolishing Unneeded Boards and Commissions. This bill helps streamline government by abolishing numerous inactive and unneeded boards, commissions and authorities, including the councils on “innovation” and “retirement.” ACU supports this effort to permanently eliminate councils whose missions often involve advocating initiatives that defy the proper role of government (to defend Life, Liberty and Property) and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on May 18, 2018 by a vote of 20-5.

8


18. SB 6 (2nd Special Session) Reducing Tax Credits and Rebates for Government-Favored Industries. This bill helps promote a more level and fair tax code by extending an impermanent provision that reduces numerous special-interest tax credit and rebate programs. Under the bill, payouts under the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit, Quality Jobs Program, and the Competitive Project Payroll Incentive Program, and others, would be cut by 20 percent. ACU supports a level tax code that provides all individuals and companies with the lowest possible rates and opposes special tax credits which provide select industries and businesses with competitive advantages and force the remaining tax base to replace the lost revenue and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on May 30, 2018 by a vote of 20-17.

19. SB 10 (2nd Special Session) Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit. This bill significantly increases the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit from 3.5 percent to 5 percent, which is expected to cost taxpayers more than $100 million over the next five years. ACU opposes expanding this redistribution program that, on the federal level, has been found to be rife with fraud, especially at a time when the state is facing a tremendous budget deficit, and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on May 30, 2018 by a vote of 30-5.

20. SB 13 (2nd Special Session) Increasing Transparency of Government Expenditures. This bill establishes a fiscal transparency website known as the “Louisiana Checkbook,” which enables taxpayers to view exactly how their tax dollars are spent. ACU supports increased transparency of government expenditures and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 4, 2018 by a vote of 37-0.

21. HB 10 (3rd Special Session) Extending the State Sales Tax Increase. This bill maintains nearly half of the “temporary” 1 percent sales tax increase that was imposed in 2017 and was set to expire. The bill is expected to generate $463 million per year and extends the additional tax for seven years. ACU believes the state should make significant spending cuts in order to fix its budget shortfall and opposes squeezing even more revenue out of taxpayers and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 24, 2018 by a vote of 33-6.

9


LOUISIANA SENATE VOTE DETAIL

Party Dist.

HB

27 (1st Special Session)

SB 99

SB 489

HB

532

SB 365

HB

484

HB

891

HB

892

SB 558

SB 462

HB

619

SB 181

HB

265

SB 534

SB 364

SB 260

SB 319

SB 6 (2nd Special Session)

SB 10

(2nd Special Session)


HB

10 (3rd Special Session)

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

ALARIO R 8 - - + - - - + - + + + + - + + + + + - + - 12 21 57% 77% 55%

ALLAIN R 21 - - + - + + + + + + - + - + + + + - - + - 13 21 62% 77% 58%

APPEL R 9 - - + - + + + + + + - + - + + + - - + + - 13 21 62% 67% 56%

Barrow D 15 - X X - - + + - + - + + + X X X X + X + - 8 14 57% 45% 43%

Bishop D 4 - - + - + + - - + - + X X X + + X + - + - 9 17 53% 33% 39%

Boudreaux D 24 - - + - + + - - + - + + + X X X + + - + - 10 18 56% 27% 43%

Carter D 7 - - + X + + - X + - + X + - + + + + - + - 11 18 61% 45% 48%

CHABERT R 20 X - - - + + + + + + - X + + + + X - - + - 11 18 61% 62% 55%

CLAITOR R 16 - - + + - + + + + + - + + + + + - - - + - 13 21 62% 77% 56%

Colomb D 14 - X X X X X X X X X X X + X X X X X X + - 2 4 n/a† 44% 35%

CORTEZ R 23 - - + - - + + + + + - + + X X X + - - + - 10 18 56% 75% 63%

DONAHUE R 11 - - + X - - + + + + + + - + + + - X X + - 11 18 61% 77% 64%

ERDEY R 13 - - - - + - + + + + - + - + + + + - - + - 11 21 52% 55% 55%

FANNIN R 35 - - - - - - + - + + + + X X X X X + + X - 7 15 47% 67% 59%

GATTI R 36 - - - X + - X X + + X X + + + + + + - + + 11 16 69% 55% 60%

HEWITT R 1 - - + - + X X X + + - + - + + + - - + + + 11 18 61% 69% 61%

JOHNS R 27 - - + - + + + + + + X + + + + + + - - + - 14 20 70% 69% 51%

Lafleur D 28 - - X - + + X X + X X X + + + + X + - X - 8 13 n/a† 75% 58%

LAMBERT R 18 - - + - + + + + + + - X - + + + + - - + - 12 20 60% 73% 65%

LONG R 31 - - - - - - + - + + + + + + + + + - - + - 11 21 52% n/a 48%

Luneau D 29 - - + - - + + + + + X + + + + + + + - + - 14 20 70% 55% 58%

LOUISIANA SENATE SCORES

10


LOUISIANA SENATE VOTE DETAIL

Party Dist.

HB

27 (1st Special Session)

SB 99

SB 489

HB

532

SB 365

HB

484

HB

891

HB

892

SB 558

SB 462

HB

619

SB 181

HB

265

SB 534

SB 364

SB 260

SB 319


SB 10

(2nd Special Session)


HB

10 (3rd Special Session)

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

MARTINY R 10 - - + - + + + X + + - + + + + + + + X + - 14 19 74% 73% 53%

Milkovich D 38 - + - + + - + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + 16 21 76% 62% 62%

MILLS R 22 - - + - - + + + + + - + + + + + + + - + - 14 21 67% 46% 51%

MIZELL R 12 - - - - + + + + + + + + - + + + X - - + + 13 20 65% 62% 63%

Morrell D 3 - - + X X + - - X - + - + - + + + + - + - 9 18 50% 25% 36%

MORRISH R 25 - - + - - X X X + + - X + + + + + - - + - 9 17 53% 60% 49%

PEACOCK R 37 - + - - + + + + + + + + - + + + + - + + - 15 21 71% 69% 59%

PERRY R 26 X - + - - - + + + + X + + + + + X - - + + 12 18 67% 64% 62%

Peterson D 5 - - - - - - - - + - + X + - + + X + - + - 7 19 37% 18% 24%

Price D 2 - - X X + - + + + - + X + + + + + + - + - 12 18 67% 69% 44%

RISER R 32 - - + - - - + + + - + + - + + + X - - + + 11 20 55% 54% 60%

Smith, G. D 19 - - + - + + + + + + - + + + + + X + - + - 14 20 70% 58% 57%

SMITH, J. R 30 X X X - - + + - + - + X + + + + + + - + - 11 17 65% 58% 59%

Tarver D 39 - - - - - + + + + - + X + + + + X + - + - 11 19 58% 60% 49%

Thompson D 34 - + - - - - + - + - + X + + + + X + - + - 10 19 53% 55% 49%

WALSWORTH R 33 - - + - - - + + + + - + - + + + - - - + - 10 21 48% 69% 57%

WARD R 17 - - + - + - X + + + + + - X X X + + - + - 10 17 59% 45% 51%

WHITE R 6 - - + - + - + + + + X X - + + - X - - + - 9 18 50% 62% 53%

“+” Member voted with ACU’s position“-” Member voted against ACU’s position“X” Member was absent for vote“E” Member was excused for vote

† Legislator did not vote on enough of the selected bills and as a result the 2018 percentage was not rated. 2/3rds of the selected bills must be voted on to receive a score.

11


LOUISIANA HOUSE STATISTICS

62%OVERALL AVERAGE

PYLANT48%

LOWEST REPUBLICAN

65%REPUBLICAN AVERAGE

56%DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

BROWN, C.72%

HIGHEST DEMOCRAT

LOUISIANA HOUSE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

30

25

20

15

10

5

090-100%

2018 ACUF PERCENTAGE

# OF STATE REPS

0-9% 10-19% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89%20-29%

12


1. HB 27 (1st Special Session) Hiking Taxes on Wireless Devices and Cellphones. This bill increases the monthly telecommunications tax levied on all wireless devices and cellphones from 4.5 cents to 5 cents. The revenue generated from this tax is deposited into the “telecommunications for the deaf fund.” Higher tax burdens suppress economic growth, which reduces family prosperity, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. While ACU sympathizes with those with special conditions, we oppose the further expansion of a redistribution program, which results in higher phone costs for everyone and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 2, 2018 by a vote of 75-18.

2. HB 561 Repealing Licensing Mandates on Florists. This bill scales back the state’s anti-competitive licensing requirements for florists by eliminating a license that was required for those who simply prepare and sell pre-cut flowers. Instead, only those who operate as “floral dealers” are required to obtain a license. ACU believes it is absurd to test florists on their ability to arrange bouquets and opposes the proliferation of licensing requirements that are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on April 9, 2018 by a vote of 61-29.

3. HB 564 Repealing Licensing Mandates on Hair Braiders. This bill exempts those who perform “natural hair braiding services” from the state’s cosmetology licensing requirements (which include an exam and 1,500 hours of classroom instruction). ACU believes dire reforms need to be made to the state’s occupational licensing system, which the Institute for Justice has named sixth worst in the nation, and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House failed to pass the bill on April 11, 2018 by a vote of 44-44 (53 votes were required).

4. HB 892 Legalizing Switchblade Knives. This bill repeals the ban of knives that are spring-loaded, commonly known as switchblade knives. ACU supports the expansion of individual liberties and this reform to an outdated 1950s-era law and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 13, 2018 by a vote of 83-0.

5. HB 484 Permitting Fantasy Sports Contests. This bill allows fantasy sports contests to be legally held in the state by defining the contests as games of skill as opposed to games of chance. The bill establishes a regulatory framework and requires each of the state’s parishes to ask voters through a referendum whether fantasy sports contests should be permitted. ACU supports regulatory reform and the expansion of individual liberties and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 17, 2018 by a vote of 67-23.

6. HB 749 Expanding Ridesharing Services by Establishing a Legal Framework. This bill ensures ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft can operate statewide by creating a uniform legal framework. While the bill does contain negative provisions, such as granting airports the ability to charge pick-up fees, the bill as a whole expands and protects ridesharing due to key provisions that prevent local governments from imposing additional licenses or taxes. ACU supports the right for drivers and passengers to freely contract through ridesharing services and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 17, 2018 by a vote of 97-1.

7. HB 513 Providing $10 Million in Additional Funding for Child Care Assistance. This bill provides an additional $10 million dollars per year through fiscal year 2023 to the Child Care Assistance Program to reduce the waitlist of those eligible for “free” or state-subsidized day care. An overreliance on welfare diminishes recipients’ employment prospects, keeping families out of the workforce and unable to prosper, as illustrated by the ACU Foundation’s Family Prosperity Index. ACU opposes the further expansion of welfare programs at a time when the state is facing enormous budget shortfalls and tax hikes and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on April 30, 2018 by a vote of 85-9.

8. HB 619 Banning Cellphone Use While Driving. This bill expands the state’s ban on the use of cellphones while driving (which previously only applied to school zones) to now include all public roadways. The bill establishes up to a $125 fine for a first time violation and a $250 fine for subsequent violations. ACU opposes fining motorists for the responsible use of cellphones absent any other driving safety infractions and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on May 3, 2018 by a vote of 53-34.

LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS

13


9. HB 532 Banning the Sale and Possession of Sky Lanterns. This bill bans the sale, use and possession of all types of “sky lanterns” and authorizes their seizure as contraband by state authorities. ACU opposes this overly-aggressive ban and seizure of a product that is part of a cultural tradition for some, supports reasonable use of these products and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on May 7, 2018 by a vote of 93-0.

10. SB 462 Preventing Local Governments from Mandating Affordable Housing. This bill prevents municipalities from establishing mandatory exclusionary zoning laws, which are requirements that a developer sell or rent a portion of their properties below market prices. The bill instead authorizes municipalities to incentivize developers with greater development rights if they build affordable housing. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to protect the property rights of all landowners. ACU opposes all affordable housing mandates and price controls which interfere with the free market and infringe on the property rights of landowners and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 8, 2018 by a vote of 61-29 but it was later vetoed by the governor.

11. SB 558 Ensuring Dignity for Incarcerated Women. This bill provides increased access to feminine hygiene products for incarcerated women and also establishes a framework that governs the way male correctional officers conduct searches of female inmates. The ACU Foundation’s Center for Criminal Justice Reform is a leading authority on this issue and works to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system. ACU supports these reforms which are designed to improve sanitary conditions, increase transparency and protect the human dignity of those in state custody and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 10, 2018 by a vote of 87-0.

12. SB 99 Reauthorizing the Behavioral Analyst Licensing Board. This bill extends the authorization of the Behavioral Analyst Licensing Board for 10 years to 2028. ACU opposes this licensing regime which establishes unnecessary and burdensome standards for those who assist individuals with autism, thus reducing competition and raising caregiving costs and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on May 14, 2018 by a vote of 90-0.

13. SB 181 Prohibiting Abortions after 15 Weeks. This bill prohibits a doctor from performing an abortion that is later than 15 weeks after conception. At this time, the unborn baby is fully formed, has a beating heart, functional brain, can make distinct facial expressions and has developed motor skills in his or her fingers and toes. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 15, 2018 by a vote of 81-9.

14. SB 364 Protecting Free Speech on College Campuses. This bill expands free speech protections on campuses of public colleges and universities by eliminating “free speech zones,” which restrict free speech to only certain areas of campus. Furthermore, the bill ensures that students and faculty can lawfully assemble, and that public forums are open to all speakers. ACU supports protecting free speech under the First Amendment and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 15, 2018 by a vote of 58-26.

15. SB 534 Defining and Criminalizing “Coerced Abortion.” This bill defines a “coerced abortion” as the use or threatened use of physical force against a pregnant woman to undergo an abortion against her will, and makes the act a “crime of violence” which carries criminal penalties. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The bill passed the House on May 16, 2018 by a vote of 85-0.

16. HB 891 Prohibiting Taxpayer-Funded Abortions. This bill prohibits state or federal taxpayer funds from being used to provide abortions and prevents organizations that perform abortions (such as Planned Parenthood) from receiving taxpayer funds for any type of public health services unless the services are provided through a physically and financially separate entity. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 16, 2018 by a vote of 84-0.

14


17. SB 260 Permitting the Appeal of Actions taken by Licensing Boards. This bill grants individuals who have had a disciplinary action brought against them by the state licensing boards of dentistry or auctioneers the right to appeal the matter to a court of administrative law. ACU supports the right to appeal actions taken by professional licensing boards, especially considering that those boards often abuse their authority and restrict competition, and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on May 16, 2018 by a vote of 65-26.

18. HB 265 Restoring Voting Rights for Convicted Felons on Parole. This bill makes individuals convicted of a felony and currently on parole or probation eligible for restoration of their voting rights if at least five years have elapsed since the conclusion of their incarceration. ACU supports restoring the voting rights of those who have paid their debt to society and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on May 17, 2018 by a vote of 54-42.

19. SB 319 Abolishing Unneeded Boards and Commissions. This bill helps streamline government by abolishing numerous inactive and unneeded boards, commissions and authorities, including the councils on “innovation” and “retirement.” ACU supports this effort to permanently eliminate councils whose missions often involve advocating initiatives that defy the proper role of government (to defend Life, Liberty and Property) and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on May 18, 2018 by a vote of 75-5.

20. SB 13 (2nd Special Session) Increasing Transparency of Government Expenditures. This bill establishes a fiscal transparency website known as the “Louisiana Checkbook,” which enables taxpayers to view exactly how their tax dollars are spent. ACU supports increased transparency of government expenditures and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on June 4, 2018 by a vote of 97-0.

21. HB 10 (3rd Special Session) Extending the State Sales Tax Increase. This bill maintains nearly half of the “temporary” 1 percent sales tax increase that was imposed in 2017 and was set to expire. The bill is expected to generate $463 million per year and extends the additional tax for seven years. ACU believes the state should make significant spending cuts in order to fix its budget shortfall and opposes squeezing even more revenue out of taxpayers and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on June 22, 2018 by a vote of 74-24.

15


LOUISIANA HOUSE VOTE DETAIL

Party Dist.

HB

27

HB

561

HB

564

HB

892

HB

484

HB

749

HB

513

HB

619

HB

532

SB 462

SB 558

SB 99

SB 181

SB 364

SB 534

HB

891

SB 260

(OPTIO

NA

L) HB

265

SB 319

SB 13 (2nd Special

Session)

HB

10 (2nd Special

Session)ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

ABRAHAM R 36 - + + + X + - - - + + - + + + + + + + + - 14 20 70% 73% 66%

Abramson D 98 X X X X + + - X X - + - X X + + X + X + - 7 11 n/a† n/a 31%

AMEDÉE R 51 - + + + - + - + - + + - + + + + + - + + + 15 21 71% 71% 73%

Anders D 21 - - - + + + - + - + + - + + + + + X + + - 13 20 65% 71% 52%

Armes D 30 - X X X X + - X - X X - + X X + + + X + - 6 11 n/a† 64% 47%

BACALA R 59 - + + + + + - - - + + - + + + + + - + + - 14 21 67% 67% 67%

BAGLEY R 7 - - - X + + + - - + + - + + + + - - X + X 10 18 56% 71% 63%

Bagneris D 100 - - - + + + - - X - + X X X + X + + X + - 8 15 53% 54% 43%

BARRAS R 48 - + + + + + - - - + + - + X + + - - + + - 12 20 60% 73% 63%

BERTHELOT R 88 - - - + + + - - - + + - + + + + - - + + - 11 21 52% 64% 58%

Billiot D 83 - + - + + + - + - + + - + - + + + + + + - 14 21 67% 53% 53%

BISHOP R 43 + + + X X + - + X + X - + + + X + + X + X 12 14 86% 73% 70%

Bouie D 97 - - - + + + - - - - + - - - X + + + X + - 8 19 42% 50% 40%

Brass D 58 - + - + + + - + - - + - X - X + + + + + - 11 19 58% n/a 58%

Brown, C. D 60 - + + + + + X - - + X - + X + + + + + + - 13 18 72% 58% 63%

Brown, T. I 22 - - - + + + - + - X + - + + + + + X + + - 12 19 63% 67% 60%

CARMODY R 6 + + + + + + - + - + X - + + + + - - X + X 13 18 72% 73% 59%

Carpenter D 63 - X - X + + - + - - + - X - + + X + + + - 9 17 53% 54% 46%

Carter, G. D 102 - + X + + + X - X X X X X - X X + X - + - 6 11 n/a† 45% 32%

Carter, R. D 72 - - - + - + - + - - + - + X + + - + + + - 10 20 50% 57% 52%

CARTER, S. R 68 - + - + + + - - - + + - + - + + + - + + - 12 21 57% 73% 57%

CHANEY R 19 - - - + - + - - - + + - + + + X + + + + - 11 20 55% 67% 57%

CONNICK R 84 - + + X + + - - X + + - + X + + + + + + - 13 18 72% 71% 63%

LOUISIANA HOUSE SCORES

16



Party Dist.

HB

27

HB

561

HB

564

HB

892

HB

484

HB

749

HB

513

HB

619

HB

532

SB 462

SB 558

SB 99

SB 181

SB 364

SB 534

HB

891

SB 260

(OPTIO

NA

L) HB

265

SB 319

SB 13 (2nd Special

Session)

HB

10 (2nd Special

Session)

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

COUSSAN R 45 + + + + X + - + - + + - + + + + + X X + + 15 18 83% 73% 77%

Cox D 23 - - - + X + X + X - + - + - X + + + + + - 10 17 59% 64% 39%

CREWS R 8 + + + + - + X X - + + - + + + + + X + + + 15 18 83% 67% 75%

CROMER R 90 X X X X X X X X X X X X + X X X + X X X - 2 3 n/a† 91% 72%

Danahay D 33 - + + + X + - + X X X X X X X X X X X X X 5 7 n/a† 67% 51%

DAVIS R 69 - X + + + + - X - + X - + + X X X - + + - 9 15 60% 79% 66%

DEVILLIER R 41 + + + + - + - - - + + - + + + + + - + + + 15 21 71% 80% 77%

Duplessis D 93 X X - + + + - + - - + - - - X X - + - + - 7 17 41% n/a 41%

DWIGHT R 35 - + + + X + - - - + + - + + + + - + X X - 11 18 61% 67% 64%

EDMONDS R 66 + + + + - + X - - + X X + + + + + - + + + 14 18 78% 71% 74%

EMERSON R 39 + + + + - + - + - + + - + + + + + + + + + 17 21 81% 80% 81%

FALCONER R 89 - X + + - + - - - + X X + + + + + - X + + 11 17 65% 83% 72%

FOIL R 70 - + + + + + - + - X + - + + + + + + + + - 15 20 75% 67% 53%

Franklin D 34 - + - + + + - - - - + - + - + + + + + + - 12 21 57% 53% 36%

Gaines D 57 - + - + + + - X - - + - X - + + + + + + - 11 19 58% 62% 37%

GAROFALO R 103 + + + X - + X - - + + X + + + + + - X + + 13 17 76% 80% 73%

Gisclair D 54 - - - + + + - + - - + - + + + + + + + + - 13 21 62% 67% 53%

Glover D 4 - X - + + - - X - - + - - - + + + + + + - 9 19 47% 58% 46%

GUINN R 37 - - X + + + X - - - + - + + + + - + X + - 10 18 56% 57% 61%

Hall D 26 - X - + + + - + - - + - + - + + + + X + - 11 19 58% 60% 47%

Harris, J. D 99 - + - + + + - - - - + - + - + + + + - + - 11 21 52% 54% 42%

HARRIS, L. R 25 - - + + - + + - - + + - + + + + + - + X + 13 20 65% 80% 64%

HAVARD R 62 - - X + + + - + - + + X + + + + - - X + - 11 18 61% 53% 70%

HAZEL R 27 - + - X - + - + - + + - + + + + + - + + - 12 20 60% 60% 50%

HENRY R 82 X + X + + + - X - + + - + X + + + - + + + 13 17 76% 62% 66%

17



Party Dist.

HB

27

HB

561

HB

564

HB

892

HB

484

HB

749

HB

513

HB

619

HB

532

SB 462

SB 558

SB 99

SB 181

SB 364

SB 534

HB

891

SB 260

(OPTIO

NA

L) HB

265

SB 319

SB 13 (2nd Special

Session)

HB

10 (2nd Special

Session)

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

HENSGENS R 47 - + X + + + + - X X X - + X + X + - + X - 9 14 64% 73% 72%

HILFERTY R 94 - X + + + + - - - + X - + + + + - X + + - 11 18 61% 91% 71%

Hill D 32 - X X X X X X - - + + - + X X X X + + + - 6 11 n/a† 43% 43%

HODGES R 64 + - + + - + - - - + + - + + + + + - + + + 14 21 67% 64% 75%

HOFFMANN R 15 - + - + X + - - - + + - + + + + + + X + - 12 19 63% 67% 62%

HOLLIS R 104 - X X + + + - - - X X X X X + X + - X + X 6 11 n/a† 91% 73%

HORTON R 9 + + + + - + - X - + + - + + + + + - X + + 14 19 74% 71% 73%

HOWARD R 24 - - X + + + - - - X X - + + + + + - + + - 10 18 56% 71% 67%

Hunter D 17 X - - + + + - + - - + - - - X X - + X + - 7 17 41% 62% 35%

HUVAL R 46 + + + X - + - - - + + - + + + + - - X + + 12 19 63% 75% 64%

IVEY R 65 - + + + - + - + - + + - + + + + + - + + + 15 21 71% 67% 77%

Jackson D 16 - - - + + + - + - - + - + + + + + + + X - 12 20 60% 64% 49%

James D 101 X + - X + + - X - - + - - - + + + + + + - 10 18 56% 46% 39%

Jefferson D 11 - + - + + + - + - - + - - - + X + + + + - 11 20 55% 60% 44%

Jenkins D 2 - + - X + + - X - + + - X + X X + + + + - 10 16 63% 57% 50%

Johnson D 28 X + - X + + - + - X + - + - + + - + + + - 11 18 61% 50% 48%

Jones D 50 - - - + + + - + - + + - + - X + - + + + - 11 20 55% 57% 52%

Jordan D 29 - + - + + + - - - - + - + - + + + + + + - 12 21 57% 60% 59%

LANDRY, N. R 31 - + + + + + - - - + + - + + + + + - + + + 15 21 71% 83% 74%

Landry, T. D 96 - + - + + + - - - - + - + - + + - + X + - 10 20 50% 53% 37%

Lebas D 38 - X X + X + - X - - X X X - X + - + + + - 6 13 n/a† 54% 46%

Leger D 91 - + X X + + - - X - + - X X X X X + - + - 6 13 n/a† 50% 36%

LEOPOLD R 105 - - + X X + X + - + + X + + + + + - + + - 12 17 71% 67% 57%

Lyons D 87 - + - + + + - X - - + - X - X + X + + + - 9 17 53% 57% 47%

MACK R 95 + - - + - + - - - + + - + + + + - - + + + 12 21 57% 60% 64%

18



Party Dist.

HB

27

HB

561

HB

564

HB

892

HB

484

HB

749

HB

513

HB

619

HB

532

SB 462

SB 558

SB 99

SB 181

SB 364

SB 534

HB

891

SB 260

(OPTIO

NA

L) HB

265

SB 319

SB 13 (2nd Special

Session)

HB

10 (2nd Special

Session)

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

MAGEE R 53 - + + X + + - X - + + - + + + + + + + + - 14 19 74% 67% 67%

Marcelle D 61 - + - + + X - + - - + X X - X + X + - X - 7 15 47% 45% 40%

Marino I 85 - + + X + + - X - - + - - + X X X + + + - 9 16 56% 64% 60%

MCFARLAND R 13 - + + + - + - - X + + - + + + + + - + X - 12 19 63% 83% 68%

MIGUEZ R 49 + + + + - + + + - + + - + + + + + - + + + 17 21 81% 79% 74%

Miller, D. D 40 X + X + + + - - - X + X + X + + + + + + - 12 16 75% 57% 58%

MILLER, G. R 56 - + + X X X + - - + + - + + + + + + + + - 13 18 72% 86% 68%

Moreno D 93 X + X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 1 1 n/a† 55% 26%

MORRIS, JAY R 14 - + + + + + + - - + + - + X X X X - X + + 11 16 69% 73% 66%

MORRIS, JIM R 1 - + + + + + + - - + + X + + + + X - + + + 15 19 79% 75% 76%

MUSCARELLO R 86 X - X + - + - + - + + - + + + + - X + + - 11 18 61% n/a 61%

Norton D 3 - - - X + + - + - - + - + + X + X + + + - 10 18 56% 54% 35%

PEARSON R 76 - + + + + X + - - + + - + + + + + - + + - 14 20 70% 75% 71%

Pierre D 44 - - - + + + - - - - + - + - + + + + + + - 11 21 52% 53% 38%

POPE R 71 - - + + - + - - - X + - + + + + + - + + - 11 20 55% 67% 64%

PUGH R 73 - - - + + + - - - + + - + + + + - - + + - 11 21 52% 77% 65%

PYLANT R 20 X - - + - + - - - + + - + + + + - - + + - 10 20 50% 57% 65%

Reynolds D 10 - + - + + + - - - + X - + X + + - + + + X 11 18 61% 50% 50%

Richard I 55 - X - + - + - - - X X - + + + X + + + + - 9 17 53% 79% 65%

SCHEXNAYDER R 81 - - - + + + - - - + + - + + + + - - + + + 12 21 57% 60% 59%

SEABAUGH R 5 + + + + - + + + - + + - X + + + + - + + + 16 20 80% 67% 80%

SHADOIN R 12 - + + + + + - X X X + - - X + + - + + + - 11 17 65% 73% 64%

SIMON R 74 + X + + X X - + - + + - X X + + X - + + X 10 14 71% 90% 74%

Smith D 67 - + - + + + - + - - + - - - + X + + + + - 11 20 55% 46% 36%

19



Party Dist.

HB

27

HB

561

HB

564

HB

892

HB

484

HB

749

HB

513

HB

619

HB

532

SB 462

SB 558

SB 99

SB 181

SB 364

SB 534

HB

891

SB 260

(OPTIO

NA

L) HB

265

SB 319

SB 13 (2nd Special

Session)

HB

10 (2nd Special

Session)

ACU Votes

Votes Cast

2018 %

2017 %

LIFETIME AVG

STAGNI R 92 - - - + + + - + - X + - + + + + - + + + - 12 20 60% 67% 63%

STEFANSKI R 42 + + + X + + X X - + + - + + + X - - X + + 12 16 75% 73% 74%

STOKES R 79 X + + + + + - X - + + - + + + + + - + + - 14 19 74% 62% 64%

TALBOT R 78 + + + + + + - - - + + X + X + + + - + + + 15 19 79% 67% 68%

Thibaut D 18 - X X + + + - - - + X - + X + X + + X + - 9 15 60% 62% 58%

THOMAS R 80 X + + + + + - - - + + - + + + + - - + + - 13 20 65% 80% 73%

White D 75 - + + X + + - - - + + - + - + + X + + + - 12 19 63% 62% 56%

WRIGHT R 77 + + X + X X - - - + + - + + + + + - + + + 13 18 72% n/a 72%

ZERINGUE R 52 - - - + + + - - - + + - + + + + + + + + - 13 21 62% 67% 62%

“+” Member voted with ACU’s position“-” Member voted against ACU’s position“X” Member was absent for vote“E” Member was excused for vote

† Legislator did not vote on enough of the selected bills and as a result the 2018 percentage was not rated. 2/3rds of the selected bills must be voted on to receive a score.

RATINGS of LOUISIANAacuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/...8. HB 892 Legalizing...

Documents

Transcript of RATINGS of LOUISIANAacuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/...8. HB 892 Legalizing...