Rep. Mike Bayham

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Federal Emergency Management Agency to update how often it reviews flood maps in Louisiana. It specifically urges FEMA to consider the state's recent investments in levees and other flood protection measures when calculating flood risks under its new Risk Rating 2.0 system. The goal is to ensure that these improvements are recognized, which could lead to fairer flood insurance rates for residents and businesses in the area.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study the D.R.I.V.E. Initiative for improving Interstate 12 and its interchange with Interstate 55. The bill specifically requests an evaluation of shoulder improvements, merging lane safety, and the potential removal of ramp metering devices and surveillance cameras to reduce congestion. It directs the department to create a comprehensive, shovel-ready plan and submit quarterly updates to local legislators, with a final report due by August 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the U.S. Congress to provide $10 million in federal funding to Louisiana to remove four unsafe bridges on U.S. Highway 90 in St. Tammany Parish. The bridges were closed in 2022 due to structural problems, which cut off a vital route for commuters, businesses, and hurricane evacuations connecting New Orleans to Mississippi. The legislation specifically targets the 2027 federal budget for transportation to pay for the demolition of these structures, which is intended as the first step toward rebuilding the highway. It is a formal request from the state legislature to the federal government and does not guarantee that the funding will be approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a formal Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission to facilitate business and economic cooperation between the two nations. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of State, or their appointed representative, to lead this commission. By establishing this official body, the state aims to strengthen trade ties without altering existing laws or adding new funding requirements. The measure passed the House unanimously and is awaiting Senate action.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal request from the Louisiana legislature to the U.S. Congress and federal health agencies to speed up research and clinical trials for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It does not create new laws or change funding directly but instead asks federal officials to prioritize efforts to develop better treatments for this aggressive blood cancer. The resolution also names these proposed research efforts the "Jonas A. Feeley Act" to honor a recent victim of the disease. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture to advocate for increased federal attention on improving survival rates for patients with this condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study how the term "foreign" is used in state laws to describe businesses and organizations from outside Louisiana. The study will examine how this term applies to banking, pipeline operations, and other critical infrastructure, looking at potential inconsistencies in its meaning across different legal areas. The institute will investigate whether the definition needs clarification or modernization and will submit recommendations to the legislature before the 2027 session. This research aims to help lawmakers better understand the legal and economic impacts of current terminology on businesses operating in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 225 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's governor term limits, changing the current rule to a lifetime limit. Currently, a governor could serve multiple non-consecutive terms, but this bill would prohibit any person from serving more than one and one-half terms total in their lifetime. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, with the ballot asking "Do you support an amendment to provide that the limitation on gubernatorial terms is a lifetime limit?" If approved, it would directly affect future governors seeking re-election after serving 1.5 terms. The bill does not change current term limits but would prevent governors from serving beyond the 1.5-term cap across their entire career.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism to transfer specific historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks if they were removed from public display after August 1, 2006. It requires local governments to coordinate with state parks for the physical delivery of these items and mandates that the state office cannot place the statues back in the same parish where they were originally taken down. The legislation also clarifies that these new rules do not override existing state laws regarding the preservation of historical sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for committing arson against religious buildings in Louisiana. It directly affects individuals charged with setting fire to places of worship and law enforcement officials who prosecute such cases. The law establishes minimum prison sentences of two years without parole for simple arson, with a maximum of 30 years, and sets higher penalties of 12 to 30 years without parole if the fire causes injury or death. These provisions apply to anyone convicted of the crime under the amended state statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 378 makes it a crime to intentionally block first responders or law enforcement officers using a motor vehicle during their duties. Drivers who hinder first responders (e.g., during emergencies) face fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, while those obstructing officers during pursuits or arrests risk fines up to $1,000 or up to two years in jail. The law explicitly excludes legitimate safety barricades used in construction, maintenance, or by government authorities performing official duties. It directly affects drivers who use vehicles to block emergency or police operations, with penalties varying based on the officer's role and circumstances.