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LouisianaSB 2912026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

ARCHITECTS: Provides relative to the practice of architecture. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

Sponsored By: Mark Abraham (Republican)

Signed by Governor

CommerceCommerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 3 mixed.

Architects face new education renewal rules

Beginning August 1, 2026, architects must apply and pay for annual renewal during November or December. They must confirm completion of board-required continuing education, and the board can reject activities that fail its standards. The law removes the old 12-hour annual limit and specified subjects, leaving those details to board rules. Those rules must identify accepted activities and required records. A license expires when not renewed by its deadline, but later renewal is available with a late fee.

License requirements for Louisiana architects

Beginning August 1, 2026, people and firms must hold a Louisiana license to practice or offer architectural services. New applicants must document approved education, experience, and exams, submit an application, and pay required fees. Applicants with felony convictions must have paid restitution. Certain convictions, false application statements, conduct-rule violations, or unlawful practice can prevent initial licensing. Applicants using an out-of-state license must hold a current board-recognized license and current National Council of Architectural Registration Boards certificate.

Fee caps for architects and firms

Beginning August 1, 2026, initial license fees are capped at $200 for Louisiana-based individuals, $500 for others, and $300 for firms. Initial fee increases are limited to $30 over three years for Louisiana-based applicants and $50 for others; firm fees can be waived. Annual architect renewal fees are capped at $200 for Louisiana-based architects and $500 for others, with an additional matching late-fee cap after December. Firms renew during May or June for up to $300, unless exempted, and owe up to $300 extra after June. Renewal and late-fee increases are limited to $30 over any three-year period.

Public records help clients check architects

Beginning August 1, 2026, Louisiana's architecture board must maintain a public, searchable license roster on its website. It lists each licensee's name, license number and status, first licensing date, expiration date, and work address. The board must publish all disciplinary actions on its website and in its official newsletter. It can also share those actions with architecture organizations and news outlets.

Funding supports architecture students and training

Beginning August 1, 2026, the board can use up to 10% of yearly renewal and late-fee collections for architecture education awards. Supported activities include approved experience-program training and preparation for approved licensing exams. University architecture programs must be accredited by and in good standing with the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Universities seeking awards must submit an annual proposal and budget.

Architecture violations bring fines and costs

Beginning August 1, 2026, the board can fine architecture firms up to $5,000 per violation. It can also cancel, suspend, refuse to renew, or revoke firm licenses, impose probation, or issue formal warnings. Firm discipline can follow violations by the firm or its officers, directors, employees, agents, or representatives. The board can count each day of a continuing violation separately and charge reasonable investigation, stenographer, attorney, and court costs. It can require payment for probation or reinstatement, and assess proceeding costs against people found to have violated architecture law.

Courts can stop unlawful architecture work

Beginning August 1, 2026, the architecture board can ask courts for temporary or permanent orders stopping violations and unlawful work. This includes work already underway or about to begin, and the board must provide an affidavit or other proof. A person found guilty of violating architecture law in an injunction case must pay a court-set penalty of at least $1,000. The court can include the board's attorney fees, investigation expenses, and other costs. Violating an injunction is contempt of court and is punishable under law.

More conduct triggers architecture enforcement

Beginning August 1, 2026, added discipline grounds include false licensing statements, helping rule violations, disobeying board orders, and misusing licenses or seals. Grounds also include fraud, incompetence, certain felony pleas or convictions, and certain licensing actions elsewhere. Practicing with a license expired more than 90 days, or while in emeritus status, also triggers discipline. Enforcement covers unlicensed practice or advertising, false license claims, deceptive seals, impersonation, and false evidence. Requested records must be provided within 30 calendar days when a violation-related request arrives by certified mail, registered mail, or personal service.

Architects face stricter plan seal rules

Beginning August 1, 2026, contract drawings and specifications issued for use in Louisiana must carry an architect's seal. The seal must contain a board-approved image. Architects can seal documents only when they prepared them or directed their preparation, except in cases covered by R.S. 38:2317. Removing a seal or using an architect's plans without legal permission or the architect's written approval violates the law.

Architecture firms get licensing deadlines

Beginning August 1, 2026, architecture firms must meet requirements set by Louisiana's architecture board. Firms must apply for registration and licensing within 30 days after the applicable incorporation, organization, or out-of-state qualification event. The board must issue a license within 60 days after filing when the firm complies with architecture law and board rules. A licensed firm can contract to provide architectural services in Louisiana.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark Abraham

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 138 • No: 3

House vote • 5/12/2026

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 89, nays 3. The bill, having received two-thirds vote of the elected members, was finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

Yes: 89 • No: 3

House vote • 5/5/2026

Reported with amendments

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

Read by title, passed by a vote of 34 yeas and 0 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 484.

    5/29/2026Senate

  2. Effective date 8/1/2026.

    5/29/2026Senate

  3. Signed by the Speaker of the House.

    5/25/2026House

  4. Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.

    5/21/2026Senate

  5. Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.

    5/20/2026Senate

  6. Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 89, nays 3. The bill, having received two-thirds vote of the elected members, was finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

    5/12/2026House

  7. Received from the House with amendments.

    5/12/2026Senate

  8. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/12/2026.

    5/11/2026House

  9. Read by title, amended, passed to 3rd reading.

    5/7/2026House

  10. Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

    5/6/2026House

  11. Reported with amendments (15-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

    5/5/2026House

  12. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Commerce.

    3/30/2026House

  13. Received in the House from the Senate, read by title, lies over under the rules.

    3/26/2026House

  14. Read by title, passed by a vote of 34 yeas and 0 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

    3/25/2026Senate

  15. Read by title. Committee amendments read and adopted. Ordered engrossed and passed to third reading and final passage.

    3/23/2026Senate

  16. Reported with amendments.

    3/18/2026Senate

  17. Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

    3/9/2026Senate

  18. Prefiled and under the rules provisionally referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

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