Senate Bill No. 131, introduced by Senator Pressly, aims to amend and reenact R.S. 37:21, which pertains to the limitations on the recovery of attorney fees and costs in disciplinary proceedings initiated by professional or occupational licensing boards. The bill specifies that the provisions of Subsection A of this section do not apply to certain licensing boards, including the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry, and several others.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that if a professional or occupational board initiates a disciplinary action against a licensee and the final resolution results in a consent order or judgment that imposes a suspension or probationary period, or a monetary payment that is less than a prior offer made by the licensee, the board cannot collect attorney fees or costs incurred after the offer was made in writing. This change is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB131 Original: