Rep. Steven Jackson

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau to collect a tax on hotel rooms, motel rooms, and overnight camping facilities within its jurisdiction. The legislation sets specific percentage limits on the amount of rent or fees that can be taxed for these accommodations. By enabling this revenue collection, the bill aims to provide funding for the bureau's operations and activities related to tourism and conventions.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to end the current pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports that was started by the Biden Administration. The bill directly affects the state of Louisiana by seeking to allow its LNG facilities to resume shipping fuel to international markets. It argues that lifting this restriction is necessary to maintain global energy supplies and protect the local economy from potential job losses. The document does not change any laws itself but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers to reverse the existing export restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates specialty license plates in New Orleans dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The plates will generate revenue, with the funds specifically designated to provide grants to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and centers through the NOLA Wildlife Center. The legislation also adjusts the number of plates available and clarifies the name of the organization receiving the money.

Maddy summaryHB 541 is a minor technical amendment that changes the word "person's" to "individual's" in the state law regarding the nonconsensual sharing of private images. This specific wording adjustment does not alter the legal requirements or penalties for the crime but updates the terminology within the statute. The bill directly affects the text of the law itself rather than introducing new rules or changing how the offense is prosecuted. By passing through committee and being ordered for a final reading, the bill moves closer to becoming part of the official criminal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the criminal penalties for individuals who unlawfully disrupt the operation of a school. It directly affects people charged with interfering with school activities by raising the maximum jail time to six months and increasing the maximum fine to $1,000 for lesser offenses. For more serious disruptions, the bill mandates a prison sentence of at least one year and up to five years, which may include hard labor, in addition to potential fines. These changes apply to anyone convicted of violating the existing laws against school disruption.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a committee to study how certain property taxes are distributed across Louisiana. The committee would include three senators and four representatives appointed by their respective leaders, with a requirement to ensure geographic and population diversity. Additionally, a member would be appointed by the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association to represent law enforcement interests. The study aims to examine the current allocation of ad valorem taxes, though the bill currently states it has no direct impact on tax amounts or rates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Health to create a rule that allows certain licensed behavioral health providers to offer new services in their existing areas without going through a facility need review. The request specifically targets providers of psychosocial rehabilitation and community psychiatric support who are already fully licensed, have no current violations, and are not under provisional status. The bill cites concerns about mental health access in rural areas and aims to reduce administrative barriers that might limit service expansion. If adopted, the department must report back to the House committee by November 1, 2024, on whether these new rules are being developed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs a specific subcommittee within Louisiana's Children's Cabinet Advisory Board to study the needs of the state's child welfare system. The study will examine challenges faced by children and families receiving services from the Department of Children and Family Services and aim to provide recommendations for improving outcomes and protecting children. The subcommittee is required to submit a written report with its findings and suggestions by February 1, 2025, to the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the state's legislative research library.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana laws to allow licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to receive supervision through virtual video conferencing. It requires the state board to create specific rules for this remote supervision, ensuring it meets the same standards as in-person training through secure technology. The legislation also modifies experience requirements for licensure, permitting candidates to count up to three thousand hours of supervised practice that includes this virtual format.

Maddy summaryHB 565 amends the state's historic preservation laws to clarify how public historic buildings should be renovated. The bill expands the definition of protected properties to include individual landmarks and contributing elements of historic districts, while explicitly exempting interior work, routine maintenance, and emergency repairs from strict review requirements. It also mandates that state agencies and local governments consult with the state historic preservation office before starting significant exterior projects on listed buildings. Additionally, the legislation requires these entities to consider expert recommendations from local historic commissions and preservation specialists when planning renovations.