Creates the Lupus Commission

HB 237 Original 2026 Regular Session Walters

Abstract: Creates the Lupus Commission.

Proposed law establishes the 17-member Lupus Commission.

Proposed law provides that all members except the member from the House of Representatives, the member from the Senate, the member from Ochsner Health System, the executive director of the governor's office on women's policy, and Women's Hospital of Baton Rouge shall be appointed by the governor.

Proposed law provides that each member shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Proposed law states that the commission shall adopt rules and regulations to provide for the governance of the commission.

Proposed law establishes that the term of each member is four years.

Proposed law provides that the members of the commission serve without compensation except that legislative members receive per diem and travel reimbursements customary for attending a meeting, and nonlegislative members may receive reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the guidelines of the entity they represent.

Proposed law states that the chairman is elected by the members for a term to be determined by the members.

Proposed law provides that the domicile of the commission is Baton Rouge.

Proposed law states that the commission shall meet quarterly unless the commission, by a majority vote of the members or by order of the chairman, decides on a different schedule for meetings.

Proposed law provides that half of the members constitutes a quorum.

Proposed law provides that the La. Dept. of Health shall provide administrative staff to and serve as staff for the commission.

Proposed law states that the purpose of the commission is to collaborate with and support stakeholders to provide education and awareness of lupus and recommend policies to treat and care for individuals with lupus.

Proposed law directs the commission to submit an annual written report to the Senate and House committees on health and welfare at least 60 days prior to each regular session.

(Adds R.S. 36:259(B)(23) and R.S. 40:1122.11)