Maddy summaryThis bill protects faculty members at Louisiana's public colleges and universities from retaliation when they report concerns about misconduct, abuse, or other improprieties, or when they exercise their academic freedom or free speech rights. It defines retaliation to include actions like firing, demotion, suspension, or negative evaluations, and explicitly states that faculty do not need to give prior notice before reporting issues or speaking out. The law imposes civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, allows faculty to sue for damages including lost wages and emotional harm, and requires institutions to adopt uniform reporting and investigation policies. Additionally, the bill mandates that colleges submit annual reports to the legislature on any complaints received regarding retaliation and removes sovereign immunity protections for institutions that violate these provisions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally commends Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church and School for its seventy-fifth annual Tomato Festival. The measure recognizes the event's long history since 1951 and its role in supporting the parish's Catholic school through fundraising. The resolution highlights festival features such as Creole tomato dishes, pageants, and carnival rides scheduled for April 2026. It also encourages citizens to support local festivals that celebrate community culture and heritage.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 14, 2026, as Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day in Louisiana. It encourages all residents to honor the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust and acknowledge the acts of heroism and resistance from that period. The resolution also highlights the 2026 theme, which focuses on the renewal of family ties among survivors and the Jewish people.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new rules prohibiting the solicitation of campaign contributions through fraudulent, coercive, or deceptive practices in Louisiana. It directly affects anyone attempting to gather donations for political candidates or government officials by banning the use of fraud, duress, intimidation, impersonation, or other manipulative tactics. The legislation defines key terms like "contribution" and "candidate" according to existing state law and sets criminal penalties for violations. By adding these specific prohibitions to the state's election offenses code, the bill aims to prevent unethical fundraising methods during election cycles.
Maddy summaryHB 943 requires Louisiana insurers to verify if recipients of certain insurance payments owe child support before disbursing funds. Insurers must conduct data matches within five days of issuing qualifying payments exceeding $500 (such as workers' compensation, injury claims, or disability benefits) and withhold the owed amount if confirmed by child support authorities. The withheld funds must be remitted to the Department of Children and Family Services within 20 days. This applies to all insurers in Louisiana, including health, life, and auto insurers, directly affecting recipients with child support arrears and insurers handling eligible payments.
Maddy summaryHB 803 changes the composition of the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners by increasing the number of St. Bernard Parish representatives from one to two members. This adjusts the total board size from seven to eight members, with specific geographic representation: four from Orleans Parish, two from Jefferson Parish, and two from St. Bernard Parish. The bill modifies existing statutes (R.S. 34:1) to formalize these changes in board membership structure. As a procedural adjustment to governance, it directly affects how the Port Board is constituted and represents local parishes.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Allyce Trapp Alexander, a governmental affairs professional who passed away on September 27, 2025. The resolution acknowledges her life as a native of Houma, her education at Louisiana State University, her career as a governmental affairs coordinator, and her personal qualities that endeared her to colleagues and friends. It formally extends wishes for comfort to her surviving family, including her husband Wilson Alexander, parents, brother, and extended relatives. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official statement of respect and remembrance.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution from the Louisiana House of Representatives expressing condolences for the death of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. It acknowledges her public service career, including her roles as a state legislator and Minnesota House Speaker from 2019 to January 2025. The resolution formally extends appreciation for her contributions to Minnesota and offers wishes of comfort to her family and colleagues.
Maddy summaryHB 875 modifies Louisiana's fees for drivers who let auto insurance lapse. It reduces reinstatement fees based on lapse duration (e.g., $150 for 1-30 days, $250 for 31-90 days, $450 for over 90 days) and increases the grace period before fees apply to 30 days for first-time lapses. The bill exempts fees if insurance lapses were ≤30 days and the license plate is surrendered within 30 days, or for first-time lapses with 10-day advance notice. It also caps total fees at $850 for drivers under 65 and $250 for seniors aged 65+, with fees becoming final debt after 60 days. This directly affects Louisiana drivers who experience insurance coverage gaps.
Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $375,000 from the state general fund to pay a consent judgment against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in a lawsuit brought by Angela Melerine and Eric Melerine, Jr. The funds are specifically allocated to cover the state's portion of the judgment, with $337,500 designated for Angela Melerine and $37,500 for Eric Melerine, Jr. The legislation authorizes payment of the judgment principal, court costs, and expert witness fees once the judgment is finalized, with interest ceasing to accrue on the effective date of the law.