Rep. Jack McFarland

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives for the tragic deaths of eight young children in Shreveport. It formally acknowledges the loss of Mar'Kaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, Braylon Snow, Layla Pugh, Kayla Pugh, Shayla Elkins, and Jayla Elkins, who were all students at various local schools. The text describes each child briefly by name, age, and school, and concludes by offering comfort to their families and friends.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Paul Hollis, the director of the United States Mint, for his return visit to the Louisiana House of Representatives. The measure expresses gratitude for his past service as a state representative and his current role as the first Louisianian to lead the Mint. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of appreciation for his contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 294 allows houses of worship (like churches, mosques, and synagogues) to request that disruptive or trespassing individuals leave their premises. If such individuals refuse, authorized staff or security may use reasonable force to remove them, consistent with existing self-defense laws. The law protects these individuals and the religious organization from legal liability when using force that is necessary and proportional to the disruption. This directly affects places of worship and their staff by clarifying their legal authority to maintain order during services or religious activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as "Main Street Day" at the Louisiana State Capitol to honor the state's downtown revitalization program. It directly affects the thirty-eight communities currently participating in the Louisiana Main Street initiative, as well as those working toward designation. The resolution formally recognizes the program's economic impact, which includes job creation, new businesses, and significant private and public investments over the last 42 years. Additionally, the bill commends the program's leaders and volunteers for their efforts in strengthening local commercial districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exception to Louisiana's Public Records Law, allowing certain aerospace-related records to be kept confidential. It directly affects entities that maintain records for aerospace facilities or activities, such as companies or organizations involved in space or aviation operations. The law specifies that records like blueprints, technical data, and security information must be confidential if the entity handling them either follows federal arms export regulations or holds a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense or intelligence agencies. Additionally, the bill prohibits government officials from inspecting, copying, or reproducing these confidential records. The changes take effect once the governor signs the bill or if it becomes law without a signature.

Maddy summaryHB 346 renames a specific section of U.S. Highway 171 in Florien, Louisiana (from Louisiana Highway 118 to Sandra Lane) as the "Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway." The bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage for this redesignation, provided local or private funds cover the department's actual costs (up to $750 per sign). This is a procedural naming bill with no substantive policy changes affecting residents, programs, or funding. It solely honors Speaker Joe Salter through a highway designation.

Maddy summarySB 244 would establish a new recreational alligator hunting season in Louisiana, separate from existing commercial hunting. It requires hunters to obtain a special alligator hunting license and recreational harvest tags issued by the Louisiana Wildlife Commission, and prohibits hunting outside designated seasons, without proper licenses/tags, or using illegal methods. The bill allows the Commission to set specific seasons, harvest quotas, residency rules, and permitted hunting hours by geographic area. Violations would be classified as a class three violation, with penalties specified in the bill. This directly affects Louisiana residents and visitors seeking to hunt alligators recreationally under new rules.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally commends Dr. Paul Dean Coreil on his retirement as Chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria. The bill recognizes his decades of service in higher education, public service, and youth development, specifically highlighting his leadership in increasing university enrollment and expanding academic programs. Upon passage, the Legislature expresses its appreciation and transmits a copy of the resolution to Dr. Coreil.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana legislative resolution designates Monday, April 27, 2026, as Rural Mental Health Day at the state capitol. The measure aims to recognize the efforts of mental health rehabilitation providers and the Louisiana Rural Mental Health Alliance in supporting rural communities that face challenges accessing care. By officially naming this date, the bill highlights the importance of these services for individuals with serious mental illness and youth with emotional disturbances. The resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the ongoing work to improve behavioral health in underserved areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new protections for aerospace companies in Louisiana by limiting legal claims related to space flight activities. It prohibits lawsuits seeking damages for property interference, emotional distress, or property value loss that result from aerospace operations, and it prevents courts from issuing orders that would delay or stop these activities. The law also establishes that aerospace companies are presumed to be acting legally if they follow federal, state, and local permits, and it recognizes waivers of claims between parties involved in aerospace projects. These provisions directly affect aerospace flight entities, their employees and contractors, and property owners near aerospace facilities.