Louisiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana SB194: FUNDS/FUNDING: Requires the referral of applicants who fail citizenship or immigration verification to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note)
Status: Signed into law, June 1, 2026
What the bill says
An act To amend and reenact R.S. 46:233.4, relative to public assistance; to provide for referral of applicants for assistance who are not valid citizens or immigrants; to require notification to federal authorities; and to provide for related matters.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT To amend and reenact R.S. 46:233.4, relative to public assistance; to provide for referral of applicants for assistance who are not valid citizens or immigrants; to require notification to federal authorities; and to provide for related matters. Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana: Section 1. R.S. 46:233.4 is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows: §233.4. Verification of citizenship of applicants for public benefits A. Except as prohibited by federal law, a state agency or political subdivision shall verify that each applicant who applies for federal, state, or local public benefit is a person who has been recognized as a citizen of the United States by birthright, naturalization, or any other method provided for under applicable federal law or has satisfactory immigration status as a qualified alien as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1641(b). B. For the purposes of Medicaid, Medicare, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and any health plan offered through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, the term "qualified alien" shall be limited to: (1) An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence as an immigrant, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15) and 1101(a)(20), excluding alien visitors, Page 1 of Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law; words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SLS 26RS-477 ORIGINAL SB NO. tourists, …
Sponsors
- Miguez, Blake (R, 22) · primary sponsor
- Hodges, Valarie (R, 13)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 8/1/2026.
- : Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 745.
- : Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.
- : Signed by the Speaker of the House.
- : Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.
- : Amendments proposed by the House read and concurred in by a vote of 27 yeas and 9 nays.
- : Received from the House with amendments.
- : Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 67, nays 27. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.
- : Scheduled for floor debate on 05/26/2026.
- : Read by title, amended, passed to 3rd reading.
Votes
- Senate Vote on SB 194, CONCUR (#1405) (May 27, 2026): 27 yea, 9 nay, passed
- House Vote on SB 194, FINAL PASSAGE (#1526) (May 26, 2026): 67 yea, 27 nay, passed
- Senate Vote on SB 194, FINAL PASSAGE (#545) (May 5, 2026): 25 yea, 10 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SB194?
- SB194 is a bill in the Louisiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): FUNDS/FUNDING: Requires the referral of applicants who fail citizenship or immigration verification to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note).
- What does SB194 do?
- In its own words: An act To amend and reenact R.S. 46:233.4, relative to public assistance; to provide for referral of applicants for assistance who are not valid citizens or immigrants; to require notification to federal authorities; and to provide for related matters.
- What is the status of SB194?
- Signed into law as of June 1, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 8/1/2026. (June 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB194?
- Miguez, Blake (R, 22), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for SB194?
- On the Louisiana Legislature website: https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26RS&b=SB194
Source: official Louisiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.