Three recent congressional hearings offer a preview of where AI regulation is headed and what it could mean for real estate professionals. A U.S. House Homeland Security hearing examined AI’s impact on cybersecurity, with growing bipartisan interest in safety testing for advanced AI systems, which is important given how often real estate professionals are targeted by cybercrime and fraud.

Separately, the U.S. House Science Committee advanced 10 bipartisan AI bills focused on voluntary standards, which could get folded into larger must-pass legislation this year.

Finally, at a House Small Business Committee hearing, witnesses testified that AI is helping small businesses—including real estate brokerages—to compete with larger companies, while also raising concerns about a patchwork of state laws, data privacy and cost. 

NAR continues to educate policymakers on how AI is used in real estate and advocate for policies that support innovation and small businesses while protecting consumers.

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Candidate qualifying for Louisiana’s November 3 election began August 5, and concludes today, August 7, establishing the candidate fields for all six U.S. House districts along with judicial, parish and municipal races across the state. This election cycle includes significant changes following the adoption of a new congressional map and a revised election calendar. The November U.S. House contests will use an open primary format, with candidates winning more than 50% of the vote elected outright and the top two vote-getters advancing to a December 12 runoff, if necessary.

With qualifying underway, several congressional and judicial races are taking shape, while local elections will determine officials who influence issues such as land use, permitting, infrastructure, taxation and housing policy. Read the full update for an overview of the key races and what to expect as Louisiana heads toward the November election.

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On July 15, 2026, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing on the bipartisan Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act (H.R. 4669). NAR supports the legislation, which would speed disaster assistance, prioritize cost-effective home repairs, strengthen mitigation efforts, create a single application for federal disaster aid programs, and help communities rebuild to more resilient standards that reduce future losses and support insurance availability.

Key Themes

1. Broad support for the FEMA Act. Committee leaders and witnesses representing local governments, insurers, and the business community agreed that FEMA's current disaster assistance programs are often too slow and bureaucratic, leaving survivors and communities waiting years for recovery funding. Several witnesses highlighted provisions that would replace the current reimbursement-based process with an estimate-based system, allowing aid to flow more quickly and predictably.
2. Housing was a major focus. Witnesses strongly supported provisions that would provide permanent authority to repair damaged homes rather than relying primarily on temporary housing assistance. One witness testified that repairing homes is often less expensive than funding long-term hotel stays or FEMA trailers and helps preserve workforce housing that is frequently lost after disasters. Witnesses also emphasized the importance of helping families return home more quickly after disasters.
3. FEMA can repair homes and reduce risk. Witnesses noted that FEMA was designed to complement, not replace, private insurance. Several argued that while FEMA cannot solve insurance affordability challenges, permanent authority to repair damaged homes would help homeowners recover more quickly, particularly in areas where insurance coverage is increasingly difficult to obtain. Witnesses also contended that accelerating mitigation and home-hardening projects could reduce disaster losses, improve insurability, and help moderate insurance costs over time.

Why This Matters

For real estate professionals, the hearing highlighted that Congress increasingly views disaster recovery, housing affordability, and insurance availability as interconnected challenges. NAR will continue advocating for policies that strengthen disaster resilience, support housing recovery, and improve insurance availability, including advancement of the FEMA Act.

Watch the Congressional Hearing and Read the Witness Testimony >>

Read the NAR Supports FEMA Disaster Aid Reform Act >>

A new Louisiana law governing residential real estate wholesaling took effect on August 1, 2026, bringing greater transparency, stronger consumer protections and a clear legal framework for wholesale transactions. The legislation establishes disclosure requirements, defines prohibited practices and gives the Louisiana Real Estate Commission authority to enforce the new standards.

Whether you're a REALTOR®, broker or simply want to better understand how these changes may affect residential transactions, it's important to know what the law requires and how it could impact your business. Read the full blog for a breakdown of the new requirements, key definitions and practical guidance to help you stay informed and compliant.

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Join REALTOR® leaders and industry professionals September 29–October 1 at Harrah's Hotel Tower at Caesars for three days of governance meetings, professional development, networking and celebration.

Meet This Year's Speakers

This year's lineup is packed with reasons to attend:

Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of REALTORS®
Dr. Yun will deliver a live economic update covering the trends shaping our market. He oversees NAR's research and forecasting, including Existing Home Sales, the Affordability Index and the Home Buyers and Sellers Profile, and in 2025 The Wall Street Journal recognized him for one of the most accurate economic forecasts of 2024. If you want a read on where the market is headed, this session is not to be missed.

Leigh Brown, Broker/Owner, One Community Real Estate
A 26-year veteran broker and nationally recognized speaker, Leigh Brown is known for reconnecting agents to the heart of the business. Her sessions will bring practical, real-world insight drawn from decades of experience across multiple market cycles, along with the energy and purpose she's built through her grassroots disaster relief work with Patriot Relief.

Robert Siciliano, CEO, Safr.me
A nationally recognized cybersecurity expert with more than 20 years of experience as a security analyst and private investigator, Robert Siciliano will break down today's cyber threats in practical terms. Expect real-world strategies to protect your privacy, reduce cyber risk and navigate the digital world more securely.

More Than Meetings

Add in a second line celebration for the 2027 Louisiana REALTORS® Officer Installation, and you've got an event you won't want to miss. Whether you're attending governance meetings or networking events, the Fall Governance Meetings are your opportunity to stay informed, engaged and connected with the future of our association.

Review the tentative schedule and secure your spot today — Early Bird pricing ends September 1.

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Reserve your hotel room >>

Register >>

Louisiana REALTORS® members SAVE $75 with code LAREAL75 at NXT!

The application period for the Louisiana REALTORS®  At-Large Directors to serve a 2-year term for the 2027 and 2028 Board of Directors is now open! There are six (6) positions available, and the election will take place during the next Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2026. 

All applications are due by September 9, 2026.

You can access more information and apply for the At-Large Directors position at the link below.   

View criteria and apply >>

Representing Buyers with Confidence Webinar

Thursday, August 13, 2026 • 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Join nationally recognized instructor Lynn Madison for a timely webinar that will help Louisiana REALTORS® confidently represent buyers in today's evolving real estate market. Learn current best practices for buyer representation, written buyer agreements, compensation conversations, risk management and compliance, while gaining practical guidance on using the latest Louisiana REALTORS® forms and broker resources to better serve clients and protect your business.

Register for this webinar >>

Ask the Appraiser LIVE Webinar

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Join appraiser Joseph Mier, RAA, for an interactive webinar that breaks down the appraisal process and prepares Louisiana REALTORS® for the mandatory transition to UAD 3.6 on November 2, 2026. Learn how the new appraisal reporting standards will impact listings, MLS data and transactions, discover best practices for working with appraisers, understand how comparables and adjustments are evaluated and get your toughest appraisal questions answered during a live Q&A. Attendees will also receive exclusive appraisal preparation checklists and resources to help keep transactions on track.

Register for this webinar >>

The Louisiana Department of Insurance is recognizing fire districts that have improved their fire protection ratings during the first half of 2026. Because stronger fire protection can lead to lower fire insurance premiums, these improvements may provide savings for property owners in affected areas while also contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

Read the full blog post for a look at the districts receiving improved ratings and what the changes could mean for property insurance premiums.

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Back-to-school shopping doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're stocking up for a student, classroom, home office or workplace, ODP Business Solutions makes it easy to find what you need in one convenient place.

Shop recommended supplies by grade level and browse a wide selection of school supplies, office products, furniture and everyday essentials. As a member, you can save up to 50% off on thousands of ODP Business Solutions stocked items.

Planning to shop in person? Find a Store Near You. Use your Store Purchasing Card (SPC) at Office Depot® and OfficeMax® locations to access your member pricing on eligible purchases. Plus, enjoy additional benefits like free delivery on qualifying orders, convenient print and copy services and subscription savings on everyday essentials.

Get ready for a successful school year while making the most of your membership.

Text LARSPC to (833) 344-0228 to receive exclusive limited time offers.

Shop now >>

In other news...

• Catch up on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with Member Guide
• Listen to the Advocacy Scoop Podcast - The Road to ROAD and No Recess for the Weary
• NAR's August Broker Power Hour - Wednesday, August 26 at 12 p.m.
• Check out NAR’s Q2 Strategic Plan progress update
• Read how International Buyers Pull Back on U.S. Home Purchases
• REALTORS® Relief Foundation gives $500,000 for Spokane wildfires. Contribute to the cause.
• Set sail for education and adventure on the House Call 2026 CE Cruise

Louisiana REALTORS®

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(225) 923-2210