Louisiana State Laws — Complete Reference
All 100+ Louisiana laws that vary from federal or other state law — plainly explained, sourced to official Louisiana codes and agency guidance, and reviewed by Louisiana-licensed attorneys. Free to read.
What makes Louisiana law distinctive
Louisiana is the only US state with a civil-law legal system, inherited from French and Spanish colonial rule. The Louisiana Civil Code (based on the Napoleonic Code) governs private law rather than English common-law precedent. Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties (64 parishes). Louisiana is a community property state (one of nine in the US).
Louisiana has a graduated 1.85%–4.25% personal income tax, 3.5%–7.5% corporate income tax, and 4.45% state sales tax. Cannabis is decriminalized for small amounts (<14g) but not legal recreationally; medical program available. Louisiana requires 180-day (no kids) or 365-day (with kids) separation before no-fault divorce — one of the longer separation requirements. Louisiana is right-to-work.
What makes Louisiana law distinctive
- Civil law state — only US state based on Napoleonic Code, not English common law.
- Parishes not counties — 64 parishes; unique administrative structure.
- Community property state — 50/50 division of marital assets.
- 180/365-day divorce separation — longest separation requirement in the US.
- Right-to-work state.
- Cannabis decriminalized — <14g civil citation; medical program available.
- Forced heirship — unique civil-law inheritance rules protect children's shares.
All 100 Louisiana law topics
Filter as you type. Published pages open the full Louisiana guide with sources, key facts, agency contact, and FAQ.
Housing & Real Estate
15 topicsBusiness & Employment
20 topicsVehicles & Driving
15 topicsFamily & Personal
12 topicsCannabis & Substances
7 topicsFirearms & Self-Defense
7 topicsConsumer Protection
10 topicsPets & Animals
4 topicsRecreation & Outdoors
8 topicsOther
2 topicsRecent Louisiana law changes
We monitor Louisiana legislation, agency guidance, and court decisions weekly and publish updates as things change.
State Law Weekly — Louisiana Roundup
Top Louisiana law changes this week: statutory amendments, agency guidance updates, and notable court decisions. Digest edition.
Read the update →Q3 2026 Louisiana Law Roundup
Comprehensive summary of major Louisiana law changes in Q3 across housing, employment, business, consumer, and family law.
Read the update →Louisiana 2026 Legislative Session — What Passed
The bills that became Louisiana law this session, organized by topic. What changed, when it takes effect, and who's affected.
Read the update →Notable Louisiana Court Decisions — Q2 2026
Recent appellate and supreme court rulings from Louisiana that change how existing laws are interpreted or applied.
Read the update →Louisiana State Agency Guidance Updates — May 2026
Regulatory guidance updates from Louisiana state agencies covering business, professional licensing, and consumer matters.
Read the update →State Law Weekly — Week of May 5
Top Louisiana law changes this week: pending legislation, effective-date reminders, and enforcement updates.
Read the update →Compared to neighboring states
See how Louisiana compares to its neighbors on the topics that matter for movers and multi-state operations.
West border · Community property · No state income tax · Homestead unlimited
East border · Weakest consumer protection · No sales tax cap
North border · Criminal nonpayment of rent (unique) · Right-to-work
Regional peer · Business Privilege Tax · Longest constitution
Comparing US laws to other countries?
See the United States country profile on our companion site for international legal comparisons and cross-border considerations.