The 2015 Louisiana legislative session is over, so let’s check on the four-pack of bills discussed here and the proposed tax increase we discussed here.

HB132 would have required individuals consuming alcoholic beverages at commercial establishments to have a designated driver with them while doing so. The bill’s author acknowledged many issues with this proposed law, and it was withdrawn before being voted upon. Status: Withdrawn.

HB232 provided a more streamlined process for hosting a tasting room at the manufacturing premises. This bill creates a streamlined permitting process for tasting rooms, and was supported by the industry and the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Status: Passed and Signed by the Governor.

HB233 creates a new microdistillery permit that allows distilleries to function link brewpubs, with the restriction that the products may only be sold at the premises (and not placed into distribution). This bill was also supported by the industry and the ATC, and is currently pending signature by governor. Status: Passed and Pending Governor Signature.

HB331 transfers control over alcoholic beverage labeling to the ATC instead of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. This bill was passed and is currently pending signature by governor. Status: Passed and Pending Governor Signature.

HB382/HB794 would have more than doubled the state excise tax on liquor, increasing the tax from $0.61 per liter to $1.45 per liter. The bills would also have more than doubled the excise tax on sparkling wines and still wines. Despite the budget crunch, these bills did not make it out of committee. Status: Died in committee.