A sweeping new law signed by Governor Jeff Landry last month is set to dramatically curtail the use of speed cameras across Louisiana marking not just a change in traffic enforcement, but part of a broader wave of new legislation that will impact everything from how we drive to what’s on our dinner plates.
Act 107, formerly Senate Bill 99, bans the use of automated speed enforcement cameras statewide, with the exception of school zones and red-light intersections. The law goes into effect Aug. 1, and includes strict penalties for municipal officials who continue operating speed cameras in violation of the new rules.
A late-session amendment allowed for one notable exception: the city of Opelousas, which was carved out of the ban through a narrowly written exemption that drew criticism from lawmakers across the state.
The impact of the new law will be felt sharply in northeast Louisiana towns like Epps, Mangham, Delhi, Sicily Island, Baskin and Clayton, where automated speed enforcement had become a key tool for cash-strapped local governments. Now, any continued use of speed cameras outside of legal zones could result in malfeasance in office charges, a felony carrying up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Gov. Landry has framed the law as part of a larger effort to restore fairness and transparency in traffic enforcement. That philosophy seems to extend to several other laws he signed during the 2025 legislative session particularly those targeting driver behavior and public safety.
Among them is a new hands-free driving law, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, which bans drivers from holding or even touching their phones behind the wheel. While Bluetooth and voice-activated features remain legal, fines will begin at $100 and rise to $250 in school or construction zones. Law enforcement will issue warnings until the new year, after which full enforcement begins. Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple championed the bill as a way to curb distracted driving and eventually bring down insurance rates.
Another measure likely to catch attention is Louisiana’s updated left-lane driving statute. Effective Aug. 1, it empowers state police to cite any driver in the left lane who isn’t actively passing another vehicle -- even if they’re only slightly under the speed limit.
Not all of this year’s legislation focused on the highway. In a move making headlines nationwide, Louisiana became the first state to give law enforcement the authority to intercept and disable drones deemed a public safety threat.
Under the newly signed “We Will Act” Act, specially trained officers may use jamming tools or physical techniques to take down drones operating unlawfully near schools, public gatherings, or critical infrastructure. The law takes effect Aug. 1, but as of now, there is no clearly defined statewide training program, meaning local departments may vary in how quickly they implement the new powers.
In the health and consumer arena, Act 198 allows adults to purchase ivermectin over the counter beginning Aug. 1.
State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham of Alto supported the bill, citing the drug’s longstanding use for parasitic infections and calling it a victory for “medical freedom.” Still, many large pharmacy chains like CVS and Walmart have not confi rmed whether they’ll carry the drug, citing the lack of FDA approval for nonprescription use.
Meanwhile, public school cafeterias are in for a makeover of their own. New legislation bans certain artificial food dyes and seed oils in school meals and requires restaurants to disclose seed oil use on menus. While the dietary changes won’t go into effect until 2028, supporters say the laws represent a win for transparency and child health.
In Louisiana’s classrooms, other changes are stirring. One of the most controversial laws passed this session required the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school classrooms. Although Governor Landry signed it as part of his “Dream Big” education platform, a federal court quickly ruled it unconstitutional citing First Amendment concerns. The state has pledged to appeal.
Other school-related laws include a statewide literacy and numeracy initiative, expanded free tutoring programs, and a policy requiring teachers to refer to students by their birth-assigned pronouns unless the student’s parent or guardian provides written permission to do otherwise.
Supporters say the measures improve structure and accountability. Critics argue they could leave some students feeling targeted.
