Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for the continued operations of the National Guard at Camp Beauregard in Pineville and commends the Youth Challenge Program. The resolution recognizes Camp Beauregard's long history of supporting military training and emergency operations, noting its role as a primary training platform for the Louisiana National Guard. It also highlights the Youth Challenge Program, which provides an alternative educational opportunity for youth aged sixteen to eighteen, offering residential and post-residential phases focused on life skills, academics, and personal development. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative appreciation for these military and youth programs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 521 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's property tax system, allowing local taxing authorities (like parishes or municipalities) to adjust property tax rates to the maximum authorized rate from a prior reassessment without requiring new voter approval. The key mechanism permits these authorities to increase rates to the previous year's maximum level using a two-thirds vote of the governing body, after holding a public hearing with proper notice. This change would take effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all property tax collections starting that date. The bill does not change current tax rates but modifies the process for adjusting them, requiring transparency through public hearings while removing the need for separate voter referendums for these adjustments.
Maddy summaryHB 582 reduces fees and extends grace periods for drivers who let their auto insurance lapse in Louisiana. It lowers reinstatement fees (from up to $540 to $175-$250 depending on lapse duration), extends the grace period before fees apply from 10-15 days to 30 days for certain cases, and caps total fees at $850 for under-65 drivers. Drivers who provide proof of insurance within 60 days of notice avoid fees, and seniors (65+) face a maximum $250 fee. This bill directly affects Louisiana drivers with lapses in vehicle liability insurance coverage.
Maddy summaryHB 255 adds a mandatory two-year prison sentence for individuals convicted of specific violent or property crimes while wearing a mask, hood, or facial disguise to conceal their identity. It directly affects people convicted of offenses like aggravated assault on police, arson, vandalism, looting, or rioting when masked during the crime. The bill targets 40 listed offenses under Louisiana law, including crimes against officers, critical infrastructure, and public safety. It does not ban mask-wearing generally but increases penalties for masked perpetrators of these specific crimes. The law applies only when the mask-wearing was intentional to hide the offender's identity during the commission of the listed offense.
Maddy summaryHB 660 increases the state-paid annual salary for assistant district attorneys in Louisiana to $50,500 starting July 1, 2026. It directly affects all assistant district attorneys whose salaries are funded by the state (not local parishes), including those in Orleans Parish. The bill specifies exact salary amounts on set dates (e.g., $50,000 effective 2021, $50,500 effective 2026) and requires separate state appropriations to fund these increases. This is a concrete salary adjustment with no new program or policy beyond the specified pay rates.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how victims of sex offenses can access their personal information in public records by requiring them to submit supporting documentation when making a request. Specifically, it mandates that victims include a police report, protective order, or final judgment proving their status as a victim or alleged victim of a sex offense along with their access request. The legislative changes renumber certain subsections within the public records law to accommodate this new documentation requirement. This measure directly affects victims of sex offenses seeking to control the public availability of their identifying information. The bill passed the House with unanimous approval and was sent to the Senate for further consideration.
Maddy summaryHB 68 adds a specific offense to Louisiana's disturbing the peace law, prohibiting the interruption of worship services or religious ceremonies at churches or other places of worship. The bill defines this conduct as disturbing the peace, with penalties including fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both, and requires at least 15 days of the sentence to be served without probation. This law directly affects individuals who disrupt religious gatherings, making such interruptions a criminal offense. The bill does not change existing penalties for other disturbing the peace violations but specifically targets disruptions at religious sites.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety to establish a formal reciprocity agreement with Ireland for recognizing driver's licenses. It directly affects Louisiana residents holding valid Irish driver's licenses (such as expats or students) and Irish visitors driving in Louisiana. The key provision mandates the state to enter this agreement, allowing Irish license holders to drive in Louisiana without needing a new Louisiana license. The bill does not change current licensing requirements for new applicants but creates a legal framework for mutual recognition. It is a procedural measure awaiting committee review before potential enactment.
Maddy summaryHB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.
Maddy summaryHB 121 expands the authority of Louisiana's commissioner of agriculture and forestry to address imported seafood violating state law. The bill specifically grants the commissioner the power to seize, hold, or destroy seafood products that breach state regulations. This directly affects businesses importing seafood into Louisiana, requiring compliance with state standards. The law takes effect upon the governor's signature or after the legislative session's deadline, as outlined in the bill's provisions.