Rep. Delisha Boyd

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board calculates and presents water bills for all customers, removing the distinction between residential and commercial clients in certain billing contexts. It establishes a new arbitration system with two appointed arbiters per team to handle billing disputes, requiring these teams to hold regular public meetings in each city district to review customer cases. Additionally, the law mandates that existing residential customers receive their fixed rate bills within 120 days of the act's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 553 modifies the rules for handling criminal records of seventeen-year-old offenders in Louisiana. The bill primarily adjusts specific section numbers within existing laws to ensure consistency across different legal titles. Additionally, it updates a service list on the document to include the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. These changes refine how certain records are disposed of for this specific age group without altering the core legal framework.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges the Louisiana Legislature to continue funding and expanding the "Greaux the Good" program, which supports farmers markets and direct-to-consumer sales. The bill aims to help low-income residents enrolled in SNAP or WIC buy fresh fruits and vegetables by providing dollar-for-dollar matches at participating local markets. By increasing the number of vendors and shoppers, the program seeks to boost the state's agricultural economy while addressing food insecurity and improving nutrition in vulnerable communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new section in Louisiana law that allows local governments to regulate booking agents, which are defined as websites or platforms that profit from connecting owners with short-term rental guests. Under the proposed rules, cities and parishes can require these platforms to display local rental license numbers on listings and must remove any listings within ten days if the local authority notifies them that a rental is unlicensed or prohibited. If a booking agent fails to comply with these local regulations, the municipality or parish can impose a civil penalty of up to $1,500 for each violation. The legislation clarifies that the term "owner's agent" does not include a booking agent to ensure the rules apply specifically to digital platforms rather than property managers.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Louisiana Squatter Prevention Act, addresses simple burglary by establishing specific rules regarding unauthorized entry into property. It directly affects property owners and law enforcement by clarifying how individuals who enter land or buildings without permission are treated under the law. The legislation does not change existing criminal penalties but instead provides a formal legal framework to prevent and prosecute squatting incidents. By citing these provisions under a new name, the bill aims to streamline legal references related to this type of property crime.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires adult detention facilities in Louisiana to offer both a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) training program and at least one vocational training program as options for inmates. The law also states that participation in specific pilot or reentry programs satisfies this requirement only if those programs include both a GED and a vocational component. By mandating these educational opportunities, the legislation aims to ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to basic academic and job skills training while in custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to include alternative imaging methods as options alongside standard mammograms. The law applies to all health coverage plans and ensures these non-mammography screening choices are available to policyholders. By mandating the inclusion of these alternatives, the legislation aims to expand the range of diagnostic tools accessible through insurance coverage. The measure was passed by the Senate and is awaiting further action in the House.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of April as Native Plant Month in Louisiana to highlight the importance of the state's diverse native flora. It formally recognizes that Louisiana hosts nearly 2,500 native plant species that support local ecosystems, wildlife, and the economy. The legislation aims to encourage public awareness about the benefits of these plants for pollinators and environmental sustainability. By adding this designation to state law, the bill provides a structured opportunity for education and appreciation of native plants without mandating specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the language in a previous law to clarify that jurors can donate their daily jury duty pay to the Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) organization. The changes correct minor wording errors by replacing "the" with "their" and updating a section reference from "Paragraph (A)" to "Subsection A." These adjustments ensure the existing rule allowing jurors to give their compensation to CASA is clearly written without altering the policy itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes computer science a mandatory subject for high school graduation in states that require two units of foreign language study. It achieves this by amending existing graduation requirements to list computer science as an option alongside specific foreign language courses like Spanish. Additionally, the legislation mandates that teacher preparation programs include training on how to teach computer science. These changes directly impact high school students, their graduation plans, and the professional development of future educators.