Rep. Mike Bayham

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commemorates the Sail 250 New Orleans event, which will take place from May 28 to June 1, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The bill recognizes the arrival of twelve tall ships and naval vessels from various countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Netherlands, Peru, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States, at the Port of New Orleans. It formally acknowledges the significance of these maritime arrivals and encourages citizens to participate in the festivities honoring American maritime history.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to expand the list of law enforcement officials who are prohibited from owning or having financial interests in companies that provide electronic monitoring services. The specific change adds "chief of police, constable, marshal" to the categories of individuals already restricted, which currently include sheriffs. By updating the text, the legislation ensures these additional officials are also barred from profiting from the industry they regulate. The measure was recently passed by the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 1253, known as the Gracey Claire Rushing Act, updates Louisiana laws to improve how coroners document and handle human remains and internal organs. The bill requires detailed autopsy reports that include specific personal information, medical findings, and a record of any retained organs, while keeping these reports private except for law enforcement or court orders. Family members and the decedent's physician are granted the right to receive a copy of the report upon request. The legislation is named in memory of a child whose death in 2009 prompted calls for better safeguards in the treatment of remains.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The bill recognizes Nelson's legacy as a pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon and a long-serving religious leader, highlighting his medical achievements and his thirty-four years of service in the church. Adopted on May 28, 2026, the measure formally acknowledges his contributions and offers comfort to his family and friends.

Maddy summarySB 495 amends the state Election Code to update how campaign finance disclosures are reported for political communications and leadership committees. The bill makes specific technical changes to the text, such as removing a reference to a specific legal definition and adjusting punctuation to clarify when reporting requirements apply. These adjustments affect candidates, political committees, and other entities that must file financial reports with election officials. The legislation does not introduce new reporting rules or change the amounts that must be disclosed, but rather refines the existing language to ensure clarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows jurors in Louisiana's Nineteenth Judicial District to voluntarily donate their jury duty pay to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, which supports children in the court system. The legislation creates a pilot program where jurors can choose to contribute their per diem compensation to CASA during jury orientation, with the court clerk managing the collection and distribution of funds. The bill also ensures that information about participating jurors remains confidential and is not part of public records. This change applies only to the Nineteenth Judicial District and is limited to a two-year trial period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes and regulates prekindergarten programs in Louisiana by setting child safety and welfare standards for both public and nonpublic schools. It requires all prekindergarten programs to maintain specific staff-to-child ratios and ensure at least two staff members are present when more than four children are in a facility. The legislation also mandates that nonpublic prekindergarten programs be licensed as early learning centers and requires parents to acknowledge that these programs are not subject to federal daycare regulations. Additionally, the bill directs local school boards to develop mixed provider delivery models for full-day, year-round prekindergarten instruction starting in the 2023-2024 school year.

Maddy summarySB 54 defines "esthetics" in Louisiana law to clarify which cosmetic services estheticians may perform. The bill specifies that esthetics includes practices like facial massages, eyebrow tinting, lash enhancements, waxing, and skin treatments using approved equipment, but explicitly excludes diagnosing or treating skin conditions and hair removal via electrolysis. This definition directly affects licensed estheticians by setting clear boundaries for their permitted services. The bill is a technical amendment to existing law, not a new policy requiring funding or enforcement changes. It does not alter current licensing requirements but provides a precise legal description of the profession's scope.

Maddy summarySB 152, if enacted, would prohibit the sale, manufacture, distribution, or advertising of cell-cultured food products (defined as animal tissue grown from cells outside the organism) for human consumption in Louisiana. It directly affects food businesses and manufacturers producing or selling these products within the state. The bill establishes civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, with enforcement handled by the commissioner through administrative hearings and potential court actions. This proposed legislation is currently pending referral to the Health and Welfare Committee and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 892 creates the West End Economic Development District in Jefferson and Orleans parishes, specifically covering three defined parcels: a parking lot area in New Orleans, adjacent state-owned land in Jefferson Parish, and related water bottom leases. The district, established as a local government entity, aims to boost economic development, tourism, and job creation through commercial projects and infrastructure. It will be governed by a five-member board appointed by Jefferson Parish's District 5 representative, New Orleans' District A representative, and two others. The bill outlines the district’s boundaries, purpose, governance structure, and funding mechanisms without proposing new taxes or regulations.