Walt has received widespread recognition for his commitment to the people of Louisiana, including:
- 2016 Outstanding Achievement in State, The Tax Foundation
- 2015 Outstanding Legislator, LSU Health Sciences Center Foundation
- 2015 LSU Greek Excellence Award
- 2015 Aspen Institute Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership
- 2015 Legislative Allies Award, Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA)
- 2015 Champion for Healthcare Award, Louisiana Hospital Association
- 2015 Legislative Champion Award, United Way of Southeast Louisiana
- 2015 Honor Roll on the Higher Education Report Card with a 100% score, StudentGovernment of Louisiana State University
- 2015 Education Choice Champion, Louisiana Federation for Children
- 2015 Whole Child Champion, Childhood & Family Learning Foundation
- 2015, 2014 Best Member of the Louisiana Legislature, Gambit Weekly
- 2015, 2014 Champion for Children Award, Childcare Association of Louisiana
- 2015, 2013 Champion of Small Business Award, National Coalition for Capital
- 2015, 2014, 2013 Legislative Champion, Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association
- 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 Business Champion Award, Chamber of Southwest Louisiana
- 2014 Legislative Leadership Award, Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans
- 2014 Legislative Champion Award, Louisiana Primary Care Association
- 2014 Vocational Rehabilitation Champion Award, Louisiana Rehabilitation Council
- 2014 Preservation Partner, Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation
- 2014 Leadership Award, Port Association of Louisiana
- 2014 Mondale-Brooke Award for Fair Housing Leadership and Civic Participation, Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center
- 2014 Appointed Co-Chair of Health & Human Services Committee, National Conference ofState Legislatures
- 2014 Transit Champion of the Year Award, Ride New Orleans
- 2014 Champion of the Coast Award, Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation
- 2013 Champion of Small Business by National Coalition for Capital
- 2013 Libby Milton Champion for Children Award, Kingsley House—New Orleans
- 2013 State Legislator of the Year, Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits Community Development Awards
- 2013 Inaugural Film and Entertainment Advocacy Award, Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association
- 2012 Louey Award for Legislative Leadership, Louisiana Tourism Industry and the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association
- 2012 Outstanding Legislator Award, Victims & Citizens Against Crime, Inc.
- 2012 Elected as Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission
- 2012 Advocate of the Year, Louisiana Restaurant Association
- 2011 Legislator of the Year, Alliance for Good Government of New Orleans
- 2011 Crimestoppers Champion Award
- 2010 Legislative Champion Award, Louisiana Council of YMCAs
- 2010 National Award for Leadership in Juvenile Justice Reform, National Juvenile Justice Network
- 2010 Nurse-Family Partnership Champions Award
- 2009 Legislator of the Year Award, Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families