Rep. Jack McFarland

Maddy summaryHB 354 renames the Magnolia Bridge (on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes) as the "Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, with costs covered by local or private funds not exceeding $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or services.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes Margaret "Mimi" Stoker for her induction into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame. It highlights her extensive career in agricultural extension, environmental education, and community service across Louisiana, including her thirty-two years with the LSU AgCenter and her work with the Natchitoches Lions Club. The resolution expresses appreciation for her decades of contributions to the state and offers well wishes for her future endeavors.

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 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 1250 creates a special legal process for lawsuits filed against aerospace companies and related entities in Louisiana. The bill allows these entities to file a motion to strike a lawsuit early in the process if they can show the plaintiff has not proven a high probability of success, without having to pay for expensive discovery costs first. If the court dismisses the case using this motion, the aerospace entity can be awarded attorney fees. This law applies to civil cases involving licensed aerospace activities but does not cover enforcement actions brought by state prosecutors.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes state energy programs by moving the Louisiana Geological Survey under the Louisiana State University Energy Institute. The change places geological survey responsibilities within the university's energy institute while maintaining cooperation with other state agencies like the Department of Conservation and Energy. The legislation updates legal codes to reflect this structural shift and clarifies how the institute will coordinate geological data storage and analysis with existing state departments.

Maddy summaryHB 636, the "Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," requires Louisiana public colleges and universities to prevent, report, and respond to hazing involving student organizations. It defines hazing broadly (including physical brutality, dangerous activities, or substance consumption) and mandates annual hazing education for all students starting fall 2027, plus specific orientation education for new students. The bill also requires student organizations to report hazing incidents to both law enforcement and their institution, and institutions must document all actions and share full details with law enforcement. These provisions directly affect public postsecondary institutions, their students, and all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs.

Maddy summaryHB 535 simplifies paternity acknowledgment for parents using hospital-based programs in Louisiana. It requires both parents to sign the form, which must be notarized (replacing the previous need for two witnesses), making the signed document legally valid for changing a child's paternity record with the state. This applies to parents aged 18 or older who choose to acknowledge paternity through hospitals. Minors under 18 are excluded and must follow other legal procedures to establish paternity. The bill changes the process to streamline legal recognition without altering parental rights or responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives regarding the tragic loss of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. It specifically names the eight victims and describes their personal qualities to honor their memories. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to offer comfort to the families and friends of the deceased.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the tragic death of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. It directly affects the families and loved ones of the deceased by offering official sympathy from the legislative body. The resolution lists the names of the children and briefly describes their positive qualities and school affiliations. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of mourning.