House Bill No. HLS 251ES-7 proposes significant changes to the election schedule for spring elections in Louisiana in 2026. The bill enacts new provisions under Part I-B of Chapter 5 of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 18:419.1 and 419.2. It establishes that the spring primary election will be held on May 16, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled April 18, 2026, and the spring general election will take place on June 27, 2026, instead of May 30, 2026. Additionally, the bill outlines the new qualifying period for candidates, which will open on February 11, 2026, and specifies that signatures collected on nominating petitions after September 16, 2025, will be considered timely.

The bill also addresses campaign finance disclosure deadlines, requiring reports to be filed by November 20, 2025, for candidates and committees participating in the May 16, 2026, election. It allows the Secretary of State to make necessary adjustments to election-related materials to reflect the new dates without requiring additional approval. Furthermore, the bill ensures that actions taken to place propositions on the original April 18 or May 30 ballots remain valid, even with the changes in election dates. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for gubernatorial action.