Senate Bill No. [insert number] introduces the Louisiana Voting Rights Act, which aims to safeguard voters from suppression and vote dilution, particularly for protected class members. The bill establishes Chapter 15 of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, prohibiting any political subdivision or state agency from enacting election policies that could lead to voter suppression or dilute votes. It defines essential terms such as "election policy or practice," "protected class," and "racially polarized voting," while outlining the criteria for identifying violations. The Act emphasizes equal access to voting and the ability of protected class members to elect their preferred candidates.

The legislation also creates the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission, composed of five commissioners serving staggered five-year terms, responsible for enforcing the Act's provisions. The commission will evaluate election policies to ensure they do not disproportionately impact protected class members and will have the authority to approve or deny new or modified election policies through a preclearance process. Additionally, the bill allows individuals or entities affected by violations to seek enforcement actions, while providing a safe harbor for political subdivisions to rectify potential violations before facing legal challenges. Overall, the Louisiana Voting Rights Act seeks to enhance electoral integrity and ensure fair representation for all voters in the state.