Louisiana Senate Bill SB31

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 3/9/26

Caption

NURSING HOMES: Provides for an extension to the moratorium for nursing facilities. (8/1/26)

Summary

SB 31 extends Louisiana’s existing moratorium on nursing facilities and additional nursing facility beds. Under current law, the moratorium is set to expire on July 1, 2027; this bill changes that date to July 1, 2032. The measure amends R.S. 40:2116.1(B)(1) and does not create a new program or regulatory framework, but instead lengthens the time during which the state will continue to restrict new nursing facility capacity. The practical effect is to keep in place the state’s current limits on the approval or expansion of nursing homes for an additional five years. Because the bill is narrowly drafted, its impact is focused on facility need review and licensing-related decisions affecting nursing home operators, prospective developers, and communities seeking additional long-term care capacity. The bill is scheduled to take effect August 1, 2026, if enacted.

Impact

SB 31 would amend Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:2116.1(B)(1) to extend the nursing facility moratorium from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2032. This would continue restrictions on new nursing facilities and additional beds, affecting state oversight of long-term care facility growth, licensing, and facility need review. The bill primarily impacts nursing home providers, potential entrants to the market, and residents or regions that may be seeking expanded nursing home access.

Sentiment

The available context shows the bill as pending in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, with no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts provided. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears administrative and continuation-oriented rather than controversial on its face, but the absence of recorded discussion means there is no documented public sentiment in the supplied materials. The bill’s purpose suggests support from those favoring continued control over nursing facility expansion, while opponents could arise from stakeholders seeking more beds or new facilities.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely whether Louisiana should continue limiting nursing home expansion for another five years. Supporters may view the moratorium as a way to manage supply, control costs, and preserve oversight of long-term care capacity. Opponents, including nursing home operators, developers, or communities with unmet demand, may argue that extending the moratorium could restrict access to care, delay needed facility growth, or limit competition. No specific objections or named opponents are identified in the provided record.