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Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that he has signed the following bills from the 2023 Regular Legislative Session into law. You can look up the text of bills at legis.la.gov.

ACT 361-HB56 Authorizes the Monroe City School Board to levy an ad valorem tax for the purpose of funding early childhood care and education.

ACT 362-HB169 Provides for safety protocols for elementary school students when being dropped off at and picked up from school.

ACT 363-HB181 Provides relative to telemedicine access for coroners.

ACT 364-HB183 Prohibits the assignment of certain benefits.

ACT 365-HB189 Provides relative to alcoholic beverages.

ACT 366-HB250 Authorizes assessors in each parish to increase their annual compensation.

ACT 367-HB291 Provides for visitation policies at certain healthcare facilities and requires that such policies allow for in-person visitation.

ACT 368-HB339 Provides relative to motions for summary judgment.

ACT 369-HB459 Provides relative to phlebotomists.

ACT 370-HB462 Requires public school governing authorities to post certain fiscal information on their websites.

ACT 371-HB472 Provides for the state's entry into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which provides relative to certification and qualification of teachers.

ACT 372-HB533 Changes the composition and qualifications of the board of commissioners of the Red River, Atchafalaya, and Bayou Boeuf Levee District.

ACT 373-HB547 Provides relative to catalytic converter sales law.

ACT 374-HB556 Provides relative to electronic monitoring.

ACT 375-HB558 Provides for the collection and remittance of state and local sales and use taxes.

ACT 376-HB563 Creates a law enforcement recruitment incentive fund.

ACT 377-HB568 Provides relative to sanctions for a lapse in required vehicle liability security.

ACT 378-HB571 Provides relative to carbon capture and sequestration.

ACT 379-HB573 Provides relative to prohibited provisions in certain public contracts.

ACT 380-HB583 Provides relative to franchise fee audits.

ACT 381-HB593 Provides relative to cemeteries.

ACT 382-HB629 Exempts from local sales and use taxes certain prescription drugs administered by topical system in medical clinics.

ACT 383-HB653 Provides relative to Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities.

ACT 384-HB654 Provides for the collection of fees associated with facilitating an electronic signature or authorization.

ACT 385-HB660 Provides relative to the carrying of concealed firearms by qualified retired law enforcement officers.

ACT 386-SB31 Creates database to track trafficking arrests, convictions, restitution, fines, and civil asset forfeiture.

ACT 387-SB73 Provides relative to truancy and assessment and service centers.

ACT 388-SB77 Provides relative to the capital outlay process.

ACT 389-SB136 Provides relative to the governance of the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District.

ACT 390-SB140 Provides relative to online judicial sales.

ACT 391-SB153 Creates the Correctional Facility Capital Outlay Fund.

ACT 392-SB197 Provides relative to teacher certification.

ACT 393-SB201 Provides for meetings of boards and commissions via electronic means.

ACT 394-SB205 Creates the Louisiana Foundational Integrated Research System for Transformation (LA FIRST).

ACT 395-SB132 Provides relative to exemptions to capital outlay procedure.

ACT 396-SB227 Provides for state and local sales and use taxes on digital art sold in a cultural product district.

ACT 397-HB560 Makes supplemental appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.

ACT 398-HB3 Provides for the Omnibus Bond Act.

ACT 399-HB90 Provides relative to penalties for distribution or possession with intent to distribute fentanyl or carfentanil.

ACT 400-HB104 Appropriates funds for the expenses of the judiciary for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

ACT 401-HB176 Provides relative to transfer of ownership of movable property.

ACT 402-HB222 Provides for Revenue Sharing Distribution for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

ACT 403-HB247 Establishes a tax credit for purchases of firearm safety devices.

ACT 404-HB255 Establishes a tax credit for restaurants that recycle oyster shells.

ACT 405-HB327 Relative to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), provides that dependent children of parents living overseas meet TOPS residency requirements if certain conditions are met.

ACT 406-HB369 Provides for a premium discount for certain military personnel.

ACT 407-HB379 Provides relative to liability associated with parades.

ACT 408-HB388 Provides for the ancillary expenses of state government.

ACT 409-HB484 Provides relative to suspension of a driver's license and eligibility for a hardship license for certain offenses of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

ACT 410-HB550 Provides for the transfer, deposit, and use of monies among state funds.

ACT 411-HB562 Provides relative to the Motion Picture Production Tax Credit.

ACT 412-HB586 Provides for civil liability for actions related to fentanyl.

ACT 413-HB618 Provides with respect to the credit and the deduction for taxes paid to other states.

ACT 414-HB635 Increases the rate of the excise tax on vapor products and electronic cigarettes and dedicates a portion of the avails of such increase to payment of salaries and related benefits for La. State Police.

ACT 415-HB636 Makes appropriations for the expenses of the legislature for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has added additional information to the website nextsteps.la.gov to help Louisianans better protect themselves against identity theft in light of last week’s MOVEit cybersecurity breach in Louisiana as well as several other states and countries.

It also provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Louisiana is one of several states, federal agencies, private entities, and international organizations impacted by the incident. MOVEit is an industry-leading third-party data transfer service that is widely used to send large files.

Click here to find an FAQ.

“We’re continuing to monitor the impact of this incident and aside from the Office of Motor Vehicles, there’s no indication that any additional agencies are affected,” said GOHSEP Director Casey Tingle. “There’s also no evidence that the data has been sold, used, shared or released. We know that many people have many questions about what happened and the updated information on the website is designed to provide answers to help everyone better understand how the state is responding and what they can do to protect their personal information. In addition to working with state agencies, we are also in constant contact with our federal partners to identify the scope and severity of this incident and will continue to provide any new information as it becomes available.”

Anyone who suspects fraudulent activity on their credit reports or possible identity theft is strongly encouraged to immediately contact the issuer of their credit card, loan, or financial service. Also report such instances to the credit reporting agencies, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (identitytheft.gov), and Consumer Protection Division of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office.

Please remain vigilant for attempted scams, phishing efforts, or communications from unknown sources, and report any such activity to Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange Center at 1-800-434-8007.

The state remains in contact with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to ensure that any new intelligence or resources are made available to Louisiana’s citizens. CISA is also contacting private entities that may have been impacted. If it is discovered that any other Louisiana data resources have been impacted, information will be released as soon as it is verified.

Claudia Ann Foulcard, a native and resident of Franklin, died Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation of Franklin.

Visitation will be Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Franklin, followed with a procession to St. Jules Catholic Church in Franklin where a rosary will be said followed by mass. Burial will follow in church cemetery.

She is survived by two sons, Ray Francis Sr. of Jeannette and Jeremy Foulcard of Franklin; brothers, Claude Foulcard of Franklin, Gerald Foulcard and Gary Foulcard, both of Patterson; sister, Elaine Jones of Alexandria; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, parents, and sister.

Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gardens come alive with the buzzing of bees, fluttering butterflies and graceful hummingbirds each spring and summer. In June, we celebrate National Pollinator Month in the U.S., honoring these tiny but vital creatures and highlighting the significance of pollinator gardens in preserving our ecosystems.

Bees, beetles, butterflies, birds, bats, moths, wasps and many other insects play a crucial role in fertilizing flowering plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another. This intricate dance of nature ensures the reproduction of countless plant species, including those that provide us with food, fibers, medicines and beautiful landscapes.

To celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, individuals, communities and organizations throughout the country are creating and maintaining pollinator gardens. These vibrant havens are designed to provide nectar, pollen and shelter to attract and support these essential creatures throughout their life cycles.

Pollinator gardens are carefully crafted with a diversity of native or cultivated flowering plants, shrubs and trees that offer an abundant supply of nutritious food and suitable habitats. They serve as sanctuaries where pollinators can find food and vital habitat while also enhancing the natural beauty of our surroundings.

In recent years, the decline of pollinators has become a growing concern. Loss of habitat, pesticide exposure, climate change and disease have taken a toll on their populations. However, pollinator gardens help combat these challenges and ensure the survival of these wildlife species.

During National Pollinator Month, communities are encouraged to participate in various events and initiatives that promote the creation and conservation of pollinator-friendly habitats. Look for local workshops, plant sales and educational programs — or consider organizing your own to educate people of all ages about pollinators and ways to support them.

By cultivating pollinator gardens, individuals not only contribute to the conservation of these creatures but also experience the joy of witnessing nature’s delicate harmony up close. Children can learn about the interconnectedness of all living things and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world through these engaging experiences.

Want to make your own pollinator garden? Whether you have a vast backyard or a tiny balcony, even a few well-chosen native and colorful flowering plants can make a big difference. Every flower and every patch of suitable habitat is an invitation to pollinators to thrive and fulfill their vital ecological roles.

Here is a list of recommended pollinator plants suitable for Louisiana and USDA hardiness zones 8 and 9:

—Butterfly bush (Buddleja spp.). These flowering shrubs known for their vibrant blooms attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds and come in an array of colors.

—Milkweed (Asclepias spp.). The primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae, milkweed is essential for supporting monarch populations. It also attracts a variety of other pollinators. Look for the native species available in many retail garden centers.

—Salvia (Salvia spp.): Try Salvia nemorosa and Salvia leucantha, which both produce beautiful spikes of flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

—Lantana (Lantana spp.). This heat-tolerant plant comes in a wide variety of colors. Plants bloom throughout the summer and fall with nectar-rich flowers.

—Coneflowers (Echi-nacea spp.). These are not only visually stunning but also provide a valuable food source for bees and butterflies. Look for varieties such as Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida.

—Bee balm (Monarda spp.). These plants produce vibrant, showy flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They also release a delightful fragrance in the garden.

—Agastache (Aga-stache spp.). Also known as hyssop or hummingbird mint, Agastache plants produce long-lasting blooms that are irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.

—Verbena (Verbena spp.). This is a low-growing perennial with clusters of tiny, colorful flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

—Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.). Plants feature daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange and red. They are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

—Penstemon (Pen-stemon spp.): With tubular flowers, penstemon is particularly favored by hummingbirds. Bees and butterflies also visit these plants for their nectar.