Rep. Mike Bayham

Maddy summaryHB 4 establishes a process for Louisiana parishes to hold local elections determining whether Class VI injection wells (used for carbon storage) can be permitted within the parish. Parishes may initiate an election by resolution or if 15% of voters petition for it, with results following standard state election procedures for questions. If a majority votes to allow the wells, they may be permitted; if not, no permits can be issued for these wells in that parish. The election results override any prior local resolution and cannot be changed for at least five years without a new election. This directly affects parish governments and residents in areas considering such wells.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title ("ELECTIONS/CANDIDATES: Provides for qualifying fees for certain elections in 2026") appears inconsistent with the actual bill text, which is titled the "Omnibus Bond Authorization Act of 2025." The bill does not address elections or qualifying fees. Instead, it repeals outdated general obligation bond authorizations for state capital projects and reauthorizes bonds for essential projects included in the 2025 Capital Outlay Act. It requires state agencies to dedicate specific revenues (like student fees) to repay debt service on new bonds, with funds deposited into a Bond Security and Redemption Fund. This bill directly affects state agencies managing capital projects and the state's fiscal management of bond debt.

Maddy summarySB 232 updates Louisiana's motion picture production tax credit program by adding a requirement for film productions to include specific promotional elements to qualify for the credit. The bill defines a "Louisiana promotional graphic" as a short (up to 5 seconds), static or animated visual in end credits or broadcasts that promotes the state, plus an electronic press kit or customized video. This applies directly to film and television productions seeking the tax credit, requiring them to incorporate these approved promotional materials. The changes revise existing tax credit provisions to include these new branding requirements for eligible productions.

Maddy summaryHB 32 clarifies penalty options for ordinance violations in St. Bernard Parish by modifying the language to allow fines **or** jail time, **or both**. This procedural bill directly affects local officials enforcing parish ordinances by making penalty structures clearer. It does not create new penalties but adjusts existing wording to eliminate ambiguity about combined fines and jail sentences. The bill passed committee unanimously (18-0) with these minor technical amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 342 modifies election rules for certain candidates by removing requirements for qualifying fees and nominating petitions. It directly affects candidates seeking office who would otherwise need to pay filing fees or gather petition signatures. The bill deletes specific provisions related to these requirements, streamlining the candidate qualification process for affected offices. (Note: This is a procedural election reform bill, not a substantive policy change.)

Maddy summaryHB 486 requires Louisiana public schools to offer mental health assessments to certain students. It defines which mental health professionals can conduct these assessments, including licensed mental health providers (like psychologists or counselors) and behavioral health service providers licensed by the state. Schools must use providers from these categories and can find current provider lists through licensing boards or the state Department of Health website. The bill focuses on creating clear pathways for schools to access qualified mental health professionals, directly affecting public schools and the students they serve.

Maddy summaryHB 570 references existing requirements in R.S. 51:1773 regarding minors' use of applications, directing that developers comply with those provisions. The bill's amendments (amending grammar and terminology) do not introduce new policy changes but adjust the bill's language to align with the referenced law. The bill directly affects app developers by requiring adherence to established regulations for minors' application use. No specific new mechanisms or policy changes are described in the provided context beyond referencing existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 356 creates the "Stated Value Homeowner's Policy Act," allowing insurers to offer a new type of homeowner's insurance policy. This policy would cover a home's actual value at the time of loss (rather than replacement cost), directly affecting homeowners who choose this option and insurers who provide it. The bill modifies existing language to clarify that any insurer offering this specific policy option must follow defined requirements. The key change is making the insurer's obligation to provide this option discretionary ("may" instead of "shall"), giving insurers flexibility in offering the policy.

Maddy summarySB 28 creates an income tax credit for homeowners who install fortified roofs meeting specific safety standards. Taxpayers directly affected are those paying for qualifying roof installations on their primary residence. The bill requires applicants to submit a certificate from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) verifying compliance with fortified roof building standards to claim the credit. This credit aims to incentivize safer roofing practices through a state tax benefit, with the IBHS serving as the designated certification body.

Maddy summarySB 14 delays the implementation date for certain nutrition-related public health provisions from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects state public health programs implementing these nutrition standards. This amendment, adopted by the Senate with unanimous support, adjusts the timeline for compliance without altering the underlying policy requirements. The full bill's specific nutrition provisions are not detailed in the provided text.