District 69 Newsletter - August 2026

Friends and neighbors,

My first Regular Legislative Session has passed, and I want to report back to you on the work we accomplished in Baton Rouge on your behalf. You sent me to the Capitol in March, and I hit the ground running. Within two weeks, I passed my first bill in the House, and by the end of the session, the priorities I campaigned on were signed into law.

My focus was simple: protect our homes from flooding, bring down insurance costs, and stand up for the families of House District 69. Across the Capitol, this session also delivered major reforms to strengthen Louisiana's workforce and keep our budget stable. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues to advance the priorities of our parish, our region, and our state.

Below is a rundown of what we passed, along with two fortified roof programs you can take advantage of right now. 

What We Passed This Session

HB 802 - Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund – SIGNED INTO LAW

This year marks ten years since the catastrophic 2016 flood, and in many ways, the Capital Region is still recovering. Governor Landry has signed HB 802, along with Senator Rick Edmonds' companion bill SB 367, establishing the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund for the Amite River Basin. The new law directs a portion of sand severance tax revenues generated in the basin toward restoring impacted watersheds, reducing flood risk, and strengthening flood resilience across our region, with priority given to flood-prone areas. It is the most significant state flood resilience legislation for the Amite River Basin since 2022. This is an important milestone, but it is not the finish line. I will keep fighting for greater flood protection for the lives, homes, and communities of the Capital Region.

HB 1187 - $50 Million for Fortified Roofs – SIGNED INTO LAW

Louisiana families pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, and stronger homes are the long-term answer. HB 1187 directs $50 million in surplus funds from Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance, money originally collected from policyholders after Katrina and Rita, to the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program. Combined with $30 million in the state budget, the program now has $80 million this year, enough to help roughly 3,000 more homeowners install fortified roofs. Stronger roofs mean fewer losses, and fewer losses mean lower premiums for everyone. Governor Landry signed this bill in May, and the next grant lottery is already underway. See the fortified roofs section below for how you can benefit.

HB 1193 - Faster Repairs for Flood Protection Infrastructure – SIGNED INTO LAW

When a storm damages a levee or flood control project, red tape should never slow down repairs. HB 1193 authorizes the state to use Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contracting so we can respond quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively when our flood protection infrastructure takes a hit, all while keeping the safeguards in place to protect the public. The bill passed both chambers and now awaits the Governor's signature.

HB 139 - Parkview Oaks Crime Prevention District – SIGNED INTO LAW

Safe neighborhoods start at the local level. HB 139 creates the Parkview Oaks Crime Prevention and Improvement District right here in East Baton Rouge Parish, giving residents a local tool to fund enhanced security and crime prevention in their own neighborhood.

HCR 97 - Hunter Education in Our Schools

Hunting is one of Louisiana's most cherished traditions, and it should be passed on safely and responsibly. HCR 97 directs the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, to study incorporating age- and grade-appropriate hunting education, conservation education, and shooting sports courses into public school curricula for grades five through twelve. This is the first step toward bringing these skills to the next generation, and I will keep pushing this effort forward.

Honoring Those Who Serve

I was also proud to pass several resolutions recognizing the people who serve our community. HR 263 designated May 11 through 16, 2026, as National Police Week in Louisiana, honoring the law enforcement officers who keep our families safe. HR 319 directs a study on merging Baton Rouge City Parish firefighters into the statewide Firefighters' Retirement System, an important step toward strengthening retirement security for the men and women who protect us. HR 213 commended Pastor Gerrit Scott Dawson of First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge on his designation as pastor emeritus, celebrating decades of spiritual leadership in our community.

The Work Continues

I recently hosted my first town hall alongside Reps. Chenevert, McMakin, and Freiberg, bringing together constituents to talk through flood prevention, insurance rates, infrastructure funding, and workforce development. I appreciated everyone who showed up and spoke honestly about what matters to them. I hope to see even more of you there as we schedule additional town hall opportunities. 

The legislative session may be over, but the job is not. I wake up every morning thinking about the challenges Louisiana families face: rising costs, the need for good-paying jobs, keeping our communities safe, and making sure Baton Rouge is actually working for the people who sent us there. I am committed to fighting for Louisiana values, safeguarding your tax dollars, and delivering real results for House District 69.

If my office can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Paul Sawyer

State Representative, District 69

Email: hse069@legis.la.gov 

Mobile: (225) 362-5301

Committee Assignments: Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs, Natural Resources and Environment, Transportation, Highways and Public Works, House Select Committee on Homeland Security

District Office Location:

7902 Wrenwood Blvd. Suite D, Baton Rouge, LA 70809