Rep. Steven Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 584 requires Louisiana's local social services districts to provide foster children aged 14-18 with durable, reusable luggage (such as backpacks, boxes, or suitcases) instead of garbage bags when they move between foster homes. This policy change directly affects youth in foster care by ensuring their belongings are transported safely and with dignity. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of garbage bags for this purpose and defines the responsibility of social services districts to provide the required luggage. It amends Louisiana law to guarantee this specific right for older foster youth during placement transitions.

Maddy summarySB 4 changes Louisiana's water fluoridation policy by ending the state mandate for fluoridation in public water systems. Instead, it requires local voter approval via election for any system to fluoridate, with exceptions for systems already meeting natural fluoride levels. This directly affects public water systems serving over 5,000 connections that currently fluoridate or need to adjust fluoride levels. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, replacing the previous requirement with a local decision process.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends surviving spouse benefits to reserve and auxiliary law enforcement officers in Louisiana who die while on duty. It modifies existing law to include these officers under the same eligibility rules as commissioned officers, specifically when they die while: (1) traveling to or from a public safety emergency, or (2) commuting between their residence and work area in a law enforcement vehicle provided by their agency. The policy change directly affects the spouses of reserve and auxiliary officers who qualify under these two scenarios. It expands access to financial security payments previously limited to commissioned officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a resolution regarding Medicaid managed care by removing specific lines from the text. The change eliminates a section related to a Managed Care Incentive Payment transparency report. As a procedural amendment, it does not create new policies or affect any individuals or organizations directly. The bill was passed by the House and sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution directs the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to apply careful scrutiny when reviewing proposed acquisitions of gaming operations. The bill specifically encourages the board to prioritize deals that promote economic development, create jobs, and provide benefits to local communities. By amending the board's existing guidelines, the measure aims to ensure that future ownership changes in the gaming sector align with broader regional economic goals.

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 resolution expresses the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Julie Boston Lester and honors her life and contributions. It recognizes her decades of service as a music educator in Caddo Parish Public Schools and her founding of the New Dimensions Youth Chorale to promote cultural traditions. The bill formally acknowledges her legacy in arts, education, and community service while extending sympathy to her family and friends.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are created during the legislative session. The review will compare the state's current process with similar systems used in other states to identify potential improvements. It also requires the auditor to examine the data and information used in these fiscal notes. The changes aim to enhance the evaluation of the legislative fiscal office's work without altering the underlying budgeting laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Louisiana's fuel pricing laws to allow retailers to offer unlimited discounts and rewards points in loyalty programs. It specifically removes restrictions that previously capped the value of points earned or the total discount a customer could receive when using those points to buy fuel. By clarifying that these rewards do not violate existing price regulations, the legislation enables gas stations to run more generous fuel reward schemes without legal penalty. The change directly affects gas station owners and customers participating in fuel discount programs across the state.

Maddy summarySB 495 amends the state Election Code to update how campaign finance disclosures are reported for political communications and leadership committees. The bill makes specific technical changes to the text, such as removing a reference to a specific legal definition and adjusting punctuation to clarify when reporting requirements apply. These adjustments affect candidates, political committees, and other entities that must file financial reports with election officials. The legislation does not introduce new reporting rules or change the amounts that must be disclosed, but rather refines the existing language to ensure clarity.