Maddy summaryHB 86 creates a statewide registry for individuals convicted of two or more domestic abuse offenses in Louisiana, directly affecting repeat offenders convicted under specific laws (such as battery, aggravated assault, stalking, or violating protective orders). The bill requires these individuals to register with local law enforcement upon release or as a probation/parole condition, providing detailed personal information including addresses, employment, vehicles, and physical descriptions. Offenders must pay a $250 annual fee ($100 of which funds domestic abuse programs), and failure to register or provide false information is punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The registry, maintained by the state bureau, will be publicly accessible to enhance community safety awareness.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Patricia Lowrey-Dufour upon her retirement as the senior legislative analyst for the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs with House Legislative Services. It formally recognizes her nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Louisiana Legislature, acknowledging her expertise and significant contributions to the institution.
Maddy summaryHB 486 requires Louisiana public schools to offer mental health assessments to certain students. It defines which mental health professionals can conduct these assessments, including licensed mental health providers (like psychologists or counselors) and behavioral health service providers licensed by the state. Schools must use providers from these categories and can find current provider lists through licensing boards or the state Department of Health website. The bill focuses on creating clear pathways for schools to access qualified mental health professionals, directly affecting public schools and the students they serve.
Maddy summaryHB 570 references existing requirements in R.S. 51:1773 regarding minors' use of applications, directing that developers comply with those provisions. The bill's amendments (amending grammar and terminology) do not introduce new policy changes but adjust the bill's language to align with the referenced law. The bill directly affects app developers by requiring adherence to established regulations for minors' application use. No specific new mechanisms or policy changes are described in the provided context beyond referencing existing law.
Maddy summarySB 123 creates an income tax credit for Louisiana taxpayers who donate to public schools rated "D" or "F" in the previous year's accountability system. The credit covers 95% of the donation amount, which schools must use for specific educational needs like classroom materials, tutoring programs, child care, or health clinics. Schools must provide a receipt showing the donation amount and their grade, and the total credit value cannot exceed $10 million annually, issued on a first-come, first-served basis. This policy applies to donations made for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, starting January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 67 modifies the legal definition of certain sex offenses involving minors. It specifically applies when the victim is 13 to 16 years old and the offender is at least four years older. The bill states that an offender cannot claim they did not know the victim's age as a defense. This change directly affects cases where the age gap between a minor victim (13-16) and an adult offender meets this four-year threshold. The amendment clarifies the legal standard for prosecuting such offenses.
Maddy summaryHB 479 requires the state to create a new victim and witness notification system that integrates with the existing criminal justice information system. It directly affects victims of violent crime by guaranteeing their right to receive a free copy of their initial police report under state law. Key provisions include building this system in coordination with the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board and ensuring all components meet specific legal standards. The bill also explicitly adds the free police report access as a standard right for violent crime victims. This focuses on improving access to case information for affected individuals.
Maddy summaryHB 408, known as "The Gillian Guiffreda Act," mandates that health insurance plans cover treatments for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and related conditions. This directly affects children diagnosed with PANS - a severe neurological condition causing sudden behavioral and cognitive changes - and their families, who previously faced barriers to insurance coverage for specialized care. The bill requires insurers to provide coverage for medically necessary treatments related to these conditions, without imposing additional out-of-pocket costs on patients. It focuses on ensuring access to established medical care rather than creating new treatments or programs.