Maddy summaryHB 728 regulates out-of-state towing operations and standardizes signage for private property towing in Louisiana. It requires out-of-state tow trucks to obtain a Louisiana towing license plate for intrastate towing (prohibiting unlicensed operation) and mandates interstate tow trucks to provide documentation proving interstate intent before entering the state. Property owners must display standardized, visible signage at entrances/exits of parking areas (including tow company details) and clearly mark spaces where vehicles may be towed, replacing inconsistent local practices. These changes directly affect out-of-state towing companies, private property owners (like shopping centers or apartment complexes), and tow operators, aiming to clarify rules and ensure transparency.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution asks the U.S. Congress to require the Department of Defense to provide exact population counts of military personnel, civilian employees, and their families directly to the Census Bureau for military bases in the contiguous United States. The bill aims to improve census accuracy by replacing door-to-door counts on secure installations with verified data already maintained by the military, which should reduce undercounts and allow census resources to focus elsewhere. By ensuring precise numbers are submitted during the decennial census, the measure seeks to support fair congressional apportionment and federal funding allocation for affected communities.
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 bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which would directly benefit Louisiana's commercial fishing and seafood processing industries. The proposed act would allow fishermen and processors to access USDA loans and grants currently reserved for farming, enabling them to buy vessels, upgrade facilities, and cover operating costs. It also expands USDA programs to include wild-caught fish and supports businesses that provide services to the fishing industry. As a memorial resolution, this document serves as a formal request from the Louisiana Legislature rather than enacting the policy changes itself.
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 655 authorizes Louisiana's Department of Transportation to contract with private companies for building, operating, and maintaining state ferry systems and related facilities. It allows the department to use cost-plus contracts (where costs are reimbursed plus a fee) without following standard procurement rules when the state determines it's beneficial. This change applies to all state-owned ferries and associated infrastructure across Louisiana. The bill aims to provide the department greater flexibility in managing ferry services efficiently.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Louisiana laws governing prekindergarten programs by removing the requirement that nonpublic prekindergarten programs be licensed as early learning centers, while applying child safety and welfare standards to all school-based prekindergarten programs. The legislation allows the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to approve nonpublic prekindergarten programs and authorizes the board to adopt emergency rules when necessary. Key provisions include revised child-to-staff ratios that vary by age group and a phased implementation schedule, with stricter ratios taking effect starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also clarifies definitions for "camp" and "early learning center" to distinguish between standalone programs and those attached to schools.
Maddy summarySB 32 establishes the Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative within Louisiana's Department of Health to improve support for families experiencing pregnancy loss or infant death. The bill requires hospitals providing maternity care to receive staff training on supporting grieving parents, access to bereavement resources (like counseling referrals), and perinatal bereavement devices. It prioritizes hospitals serving high-risk patients, delivering many babies, or lacking current bereavement resources. The initiative can fund these services using voluntary monies, including federal grants and donations, without imposing new taxes.
Maddy summarySB 84 requires all health insurance plans sold in Louisiana to cover prostate cancer screening for men aged 40-49 (as medically appropriate) and men over 50, following National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. It mandates that insurers cover these screenings without any out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, including deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. The law applies to new policies starting January 1, 2027, and existing policies must comply by January 1, 2028. This directly affects Louisiana health insurers and their policyholders by guaranteeing no-cost access to recommended prostate cancer screenings.
Maddy summarySB 34, "Bryan's Call," establishes clear rules for missing child alerts in Louisiana. It requires AMBER Alerts for children 17 or younger in immediate danger of serious harm or death, and Level II alerts for other missing children cases that don’t meet AMBER criteria. Local police must assess alert types, but state police make the final decision and provide required training for law enforcement on using these systems. The law also grants legal immunity to broadcasters, cable operators, and law enforcement for actions related to Level II alerts.