Rep. Jeremy LaCombe

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana law to establish a specific permit requirement and fee for in-state manufacturers of alcoholic beverages that produce less than one hundred gallons. Under the new provision, these smaller distillers must obtain a permit from the state commissioner and pay a fee of one hundred dollars annually to legally operate. The legislation applies only to businesses engaged in manufacturing, supplying, or dealing in alcoholic beverages within the state, excluding larger operations covered by other fee schedules. By clarifying the financial and regulatory obligations for small-scale producers, the bill aims to streamline compliance for this specific segment of the industry.

Maddy summaryHB 1253, known as the Gracey Claire Rushing Act, updates Louisiana laws to improve how coroners document and handle human remains and internal organs. The bill requires detailed autopsy reports that include specific personal information, medical findings, and a record of any retained organs, while keeping these reports private except for law enforcement or court orders. Family members and the decedent's physician are granted the right to receive a copy of the report upon request. The legislation is named in memory of a child whose death in 2009 prompted calls for better safeguards in the treatment of remains.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Peggy Martin Rose as the official state rose of Louisiana. It directly affects the state's floral symbol by formally recognizing a specific rose variety known for surviving Hurricane Katrina. The key provision is a legislative declaration that honors the plant's resilience and its connection to Plaquemines Parish history. This change updates the state's official flower list to include a variety that represents endurance and recovery.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to require the board to maintain contact information, including business email addresses and phone numbers, for all medical licensees under its jurisdiction. The changes update specific sections of the state's medical practice laws to include this new data collection requirement alongside existing reporting obligations. Directly affecting the state board and licensed medical professionals, the legislation ensures the board has current contact details for all regulated practitioners.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows jurors in Louisiana's Nineteenth Judicial District to voluntarily donate their jury duty pay to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, which supports children in the court system. The legislation creates a pilot program where jurors can choose to contribute their per diem compensation to CASA during jury orientation, with the court clerk managing the collection and distribution of funds. The bill also ensures that information about participating jurors remains confidential and is not part of public records. This change applies only to the Nineteenth Judicial District and is limited to a two-year trial period.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the financial audit requirements for local government entities in Louisiana by establishing specific revenue thresholds that determine when an annual audit is mandatory. Local auditees receiving between $200,000 and $500,000 in annual revenues must have their financial statements reviewed with an attestation report, while those receiving $500,000 or more must undergo a full annual audit. The legislation also introduces an automatic adjustment mechanism that will increase the $500,000 threshold each year starting in 2027 based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. These changes directly affect local governments, school boards, and other public entities that fall within these revenue ranges and require them to comply with updated audit standards.

Maddy summarySB 143 requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety to provide bulletproof vests to all "peace officers" (full-time state, municipal, sheriff, or public agency employees whose duties include enforcing laws and making arrests) upon request. It creates a dedicated "Special Protective Equipment Fund" to finance the vests, funded annually by $8.5 million from the state general fund starting July 2026, plus donations or grants. The bill mandates vests meet U.S. Department of Justice standards and must be wholly manufactured in countries part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This law directly affects all eligible law enforcement personnel by ensuring access to standardized protective gear through state-funded provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 448 expands existing scholarship programs to allow firefighters injured in the line of duty (or their spouses if the firefighter was killed or seriously injured resulting in inability to work) to use their benefits for master's degree programs, not just bachelor's degrees. The bill maintains full tuition and fee waivers (including room and board) and a $250-per-semester book stipend for qualifying individuals who maintain a "C" average. Eligibility requires meeting college entrance requirements and academic standards as full-time students. The policy change, funded by Louisiana's general state fund, applies to both injured firefighters and their spouses directly affected by on-duty injuries or fatalities.

Maddy summaryHB 451 amends Louisiana law to standardize notice requirements for alcohol permit hearings held by the Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) commissioner. It specifies that notices must be delivered 10-30 calendar days in advance, include the reasons for potential permit denial/suspension, and accompany any opposing petitions. Notices must be sent via in-person delivery, electronic means (to a designated address), or certified mail (presumed received upon mailing). The bill directly affects alcohol permit applicants and permittees in Louisiana. It is procedural, focusing solely on the process for issuing hearing notices.

Maddy summaryHB 937 revises Louisiana's Amusement Rides Safety Law to strengthen safety protocols for amusement attractions, particularly inflatable devices. The bill requires operators to register rides, obtain third-party inspection certificates verifying compliance with safety standards, and secure set-up inspections by licensed fire marshals before operation. It clarifies definitions (like "operator," "set-up inspection," and "third-party inspector"), mandates licensing for inspectors and operators, and repeals outdated provisions related to inflatable devices. This directly affects amusement park operators, ride inspectors, and event organizers managing inflatable attractions or permanent rides in Louisiana. The changes aim to standardize safety verification processes and enforcement under the State Fire Marshal's office.