Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant adjustments to the Louisiana Election Code specifically for elections scheduled in 2026. The bill enacts Part I-B of Chapter 5 of Title 18, which includes provisions for the spring primary election to be held on May 16, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled April 18, 2026. Additionally, the spring general election is moved to June 27, 2026, from May 30, 2026. The bill also establishes that the qualifying period for candidates will open on February 11, 2026, and outlines new requirements for nominating petitions, including a reduced number of signatures needed for candidates running for U.S. Congress and Senate.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that committees and candidates for major offices participating in the May 16, 2026, election must file financial reports by November 20, 2025, and allows for extensions on certain reporting deadlines. The Secretary of State is granted the authority to make necessary changes to election-related materials to reflect these new dates without prior approval, and can initiate emergency rulemaking if needed. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for gubernatorial action.