LA HB1223

Louisiana Economic Development shall administer a statewide framework to accelerate early-phase clinical trials (including first-in-human, gene therapy, and rare disease trials) to improve patient access to investigational therapies and attract private investment

Participation is mandatory for all entities conducting covered industry-sponsored clinical trials in Louisiana, requiring signed participation agreements with the department establishing benchmark categories and performance expectations

Research entities must meet specific response timelines: acknowledge feasibility inquiries within 2 business days, confirm submission completeness within 5 business days, provide initial contract and budget responses within 10 business days each

Research entities must rely on external institutional review boards when federally permitted, unless documenting a specific legal requirement or patient safety consideration requiring local review

The department shall submit annual reports to the legislature by January 1 summarizing active projects, median timelines, and implementation barriers; no new appropriations or positions are required for implementation