WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 407

CONGRESS: Provides for the redistricting of Louisiana congressional districts. (See Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mandie Landry and 3 co-sponsors

SB 407 updates Louisiana to a six-district congressional map based on 2026 precinct shapefiles, with elections in 2028 and full implementation in 2029.

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 407

Overview

  • Bill: SB 407 (Louisiana)
  • Session: 2026
  • Topic: Congressional redistricting of Louisiana
  • Purpose: To establish a new set of Louisiana congressional districts (based on 2026 precinct shapefiles) and set effective timing for elections and other purposes.

Main purpose and intent

  • Update Louisiana’s congressional districts to reflect updated precinct boundaries and Voting Districts (VTDs) as of 2026.
  • Transition from the 2020 census-based framework to a new district configuration described in the bill, with a staged effective date for different purposes and timelines.

Key provisions and changes

  • New district definitions:
    • Enacts R.S. 18:1276 to define six congressional districts (Districts 1–6) with precise precincts listed for each district (covering multiple parishes and extensive precinct enumerations).
    • Repeals the current R.S. 18:1276.1.
  • Precinct and VTD basis:
    • District descriptions rely on Voting Districts (VTDs) contained in the file “2026 Precinct Shapefiles (1-27-2026).”
    • The 2026 Shapefiles are based on the 2020 Census Tiger/Line data, modified and validated by the Legislature to reflect parish-subdivided precincts where applicable.
    • If a precinct is subdivided by parish action (nongeographic or geographic), all subdivisions are included in the district designation.
  • Territorial stability:
    • The district boundaries remain in effect until changed by law, regardless of any later precinct changes by parish authorities.
  • Office and appointment implications:
    • The law does not reduce the term of office for any current holder whose appointment/election is based on the existing congressional districts as of the effective date.
    • For positions filled after January 3, 2029, appointments/elections must be from the new district configuration described in the bill.
  • Effective dates and phased implementation:
    • For the 2028 U.S. House elections (the upcoming regular congressional elections), the new districts become effective upon the governor’s signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action (for election purposes only).
    • For all other purposes, the new districts take effect noon on January 3, 2029.
    • Section 2 repeals the previous 18:1276.1.
  • Technical notes:
    • The amendment includes a plan map and population data under Plan Statistics, showing approximate population parity among the six districts.
    • The plan report provides actual vs. ideal population figures per district, showing minimal deviation.

Who or what would be affected

  • United States Representatives (Congress) elected from Louisiana in 2028, and subsequently.
  • State and local offices whose districting or qualification relies on congressional districts (for purposes other than congressional elections) would transition to the new district definitions starting in 2029.
  • Voters and precinct administrators, as district boundaries and precinct delineations are updated to reflect the 2026 shapefiles.
  • Parish authorities that subdivide precincts would need to align with the new district boundaries as described.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative process: Introduced and referred to Senate committee; sponsor is Senator Price with several co-sponsors.
  • Effective timing:
    • Election-specific effectiveness: New districts apply for the 2028 congressional elections, upon governor’s signature or expiration of the signature window.
    • General effectiveness: Noon January 3, 2029, for all other purposes.
  • Precedent and references:
    • Repeals an existing provision (R.S. 18:1276.1) and adds new district definitions (R.S. 18:1276).
    • Uses 2026 precinct shapefiles as the official basis for district boundaries.

Summary of impact

  • Provides a updated, six-district framework for Louisiana’s congressional map aligned with 2026 precinct data.
  • Seeks to maintain population balance across districts while acknowledging the practical implementation via the 2028 election cycle.
  • Establishes a clear, future-oriented transition timeline, preserving current terms until 2029 for non-electoral purposes and 2028 election purposes for districted representation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.