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HB 117

SUNSET LAW: Re-creates the Department of State and the statutory entities made a part of the department by law

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beau Beaullieu

HB 117 re-creates the Department of State and its entities on June 30, 2026, with a unified sunset ending July 1, 2033, under a single re-creation framework.

Effective date: 06/30/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 117

Summary of HB 117 (2026, Louisiana) — Sunset Law: Re-creates the Department of State and the statutory entities made a part of the department by law

Purpose and intent

  • Re-create the Louisiana Department of State and the statutory entities that are part of the department for a defined period, under the state’s sunset framework.
  • Replace the existing sunset provisions that require separate actions to re-create each statutory entity within the department with a single, general re-creation of the department and its statutory entities.

Key provisions

  • Effective re-creation date

    • The Department of State and all statutory entities made a part of the department by law shall be re-created effective June 30, 2026.
    • The re-created structure continues under the authority and procedures established in Part XII, Chapter 1 of Title 49 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

  • Termination dates and sunset

    • All statutory authority for the existence of the Department of State and the statutory entities shall cease beginning July 1, 2033.
    • The Department of State may be re-created prior to that date in accordance with the sunset provisions.

  • Supersession of existing sunset provisions

    • The provisions of R.S. 49:193 (existing sunset framework) are superseded to the extent they conflict with HB 117.
    • The amendment modifies the phased termination schedule and consolidates the re-creation process rather than requiring separate legislation for each statutory entity.

  • Specific changes to statutory sections

    • Amends R.S. 49:191(4) to align the termination/phase-out dates with the new schedule:
    • The department and all statutory entities would begin terminating operations on July 1 of the specified years, culminating in termination of existence by July 1, 2033.
    • The bill explicitly sets July 1, 2025–2032 as part of the ongoing phase-out framework, with 2033 as the termination date.
    • Repeals R.S. 49:191(1)(c) in its entirety (removing the prior provision that governed the existing sunset timing for the department and its statutory entities).

  • Effective date and contingencies

    • The act becomes effective June 30, 2026.
    • If vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, it becomes effective on June 30, 2026 or the day after legislative approval, whichever is later.

Who/what is affected

  • The Department of State (Louisiana) and all statutory entities made part of the department by law.
  • Entities governed under the sunset framework for dissolution and potential re-creation.
  • State agencies and officials responsible for governing, coordinating, or maintaining the Department of State and its statutory bodies.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Under current law, sunset triggers and re-creation procedures require separate legislation for each statutory entity and follow a phased termination schedule.
  • HB 117 consolidates the re-creation into a single act, with a uniform re-creation date (June 30, 2026) and a unified termination date (July 1, 2033), subject to potential re-creation prior to termination under the Part XII framework.
  • The bill’s duration effectively covers a six-year period from re-creation (2026) through termination (2033), with ongoing authority preserved during that period as provided by the sunset statutes.

Practical considerations

  • For agencies and stakeholders: anticipate the re-creation of the Department of State and its statutory entities on June 30, 2026, followed by a formal sunset ending on July 1, 2033, unless re-created again.
  • The bill supersedes some existing sunset procedures, reducing the need for separate re-creation bills for each entity within the department during the 2026–2033 window.

Overall, HB 117 centralizes the re-creation process for the Department of State and its statutory components, extending their existence through 2033 while aligning with the state’s sunset law framework.

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

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