Lauren Ventrella
Lauren Ventrella | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 65th district | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Barry Ivey |
| Personal details | |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Louisiana State University (BA) Southern University (MPA, JD) |
| Occupation | Attorney |
Lauren Ventrella is an American politician serving as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 65th district. A member of the Republican Party, Ventrella represents parts of East Baton Rouge Parish and has been in office since January 8, 2024.[1][2][3][4]
Tenure
In 2024, Ventrella voted in favor of advancing House Bill 545 from the Administration of Criminal Justice committee.[5] The bill, filed by Republican Beryl Amedee, would remove legal protections for obscenity from teachers and librarians in all Louisiana public schools.[6]
Also in 2024, Ventrella cosponsored House Bill 71, which mandates that a poster of the Ten Commandments be displayed in every Louisiana classroom at schools that receive state funding, from kindergarten through the university level.[7]
In 2025, Ventrella sponsored House Bill 575, titled the “Justice for Victims of Abortion Drug Dealers Act.”[8] The legislation extended the time period for filing lawsuits related to abortion procedures from three years to five years and allowed civil suits against out-of-state doctors and activists who facilitated abortions. It drew support from Attorney General Liz Murrill, who was pursuing a case against a New York physician accused of providing abortion-inducing medication to a minor in West Baton Rouge Parish.[9] The proposal was narrowed during the legislative process after bipartisan concerns about privacy and enforcement; early drafts had allowed a wider group of plaintiffs and included provisions for lawsuits against manufacturers of abortion medication.[9] The bill passed both chambers and is expected to become law with the support of Governor Jeff Landry.[9]
References
- ^ Brown, Daniel (November 19, 2023). "Five Republicans and incumbent Democrat win area State Rep. seats". Retrieved February 17, 2024.
- ^ "Legislative Race Results - October 14, 2023". Louisiana Secretary of State.
- ^ "Legislative Race Results - November 18, 2023". Louisiana Secretary of State.
- ^ "ELECTION 2023: Oct. 14 election results". October 15, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
- ^ "Roll Call and Record Vote" (PDF). Louisiana House of Representatives. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "House Bill 545". Louisiana House of Representatives. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "CNN anchor spars with GOP lawmaker on Louisiana Ten Commandments bill: 'Answer the question' | CNN Politics". CNN. June 20, 2024.
- ^ Westwood, Rosemary (May 14, 2025). "Louisiana House weighs bill allowing families to sue over suspected abortions". WWNO. Retrieved October 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c Hutchinson, Piper (June 10, 2025). "Louisiana Legislature targets out-of-state doctors who provide abortion pills". Louisiana Illuminator. Retrieved October 1, 2025.