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By Alexander Moraski

Daily News

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a bill aimed at strengthening the state’s power in legal matters involving the federal government, saying it will help protect state rights under the U.S. Constitution.

House Bill 64, also known as the “Sovereignty Bill,” passed the state Senate on June 8 after previously clearing the House on May 21. It now heads to Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk for final approval.

If signed into law, the bill would grant the state attorney general the authority to represent Louisiana, its agencies, and local governments in lawsuits involving federal issues. The legislation would also require state and local government offices to notify both the governor and attorney general within 30 days of receiving a legal claim from the federal government. Once notified, the attorney general would have up to 60 days to decide whether to step in.

One of the most significant aspects of the bill prohibits state or local agencies from entering into federal court settlements—known as consent decrees—without obtaining permission from both the attorney general and the governor. Consent decrees are legal agreements often used to settle lawsuits without going to trial, and they can sometimes result in long-term federal oversight of local agencies.

Attorney General Liz Murrill praised the bill’s passage on social media, calling it a “monumental state’s rights legislation” and urging Gov. Landry to sign it.

Supporters of the bill argue that it reinforces Louisiana’s autonomy and reflects the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not explicitly delegated to the federal government for the states. They argue that federal judges often impose long-term requirements on state and local governments without sufficient input from elected state leaders.

“This bill makes it clear that Louisiana will stand up for its right to govern itself,” Murrill wrote in her official post.

Opponents, however, worry that the law could interfere with the legal process and introduce political pressure into matters that the courts should decide. Some legal experts have warned it could make it harder for local agencies to reach agreements with federal officials in essential cases, such as civil rights or environmental enforcement.