Rep. Neil Riser

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 summaryHB 767 would create a lottery system for Louisiana residents seeking recreational alligator hunting permits. It requires a $50 nonrefundable entry fee for the lottery, with successful applicants receiving harvest tags at no additional cost (the fee may apply toward a $25 annual resident license). All revenue from lottery fees and auctions would be directed to the state Conservation Fund. This bill specifically affects Louisiana residents who wish to hunt alligators recreationally under a new permit system, pending legislative approval.

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 summaryHB 254 would restrict who can receive donated motor vehicles in Louisiana. It limits such donations to only family members (ascendants, descendants, or collaterals) or charitable organizations, changing the existing rule that allowed broader donations. This bill does not affect other types of property donations, which would still be made by simple delivery. The bill is currently pending in the Louisiana legislature (prefiled in 2026) and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens the Louisiana State Plumbing Board's ability to enforce regulations by introducing administrative fines and expanding the grounds for license discipline. Under the new provisions, the board can impose fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 for each violation without requiring a consumer complaint, provided the licensee receives notice and a chance to be heard. Additionally, the bill clarifies specific behaviors that can lead to license revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew, such as felony convictions, falsifying applications, performing work below safety standards, or allowing unlicensed individuals to perform plumbing tasks. These measures apply to all licensed plumbers, gas fitters, and related professionals, ensuring that violations of state and local codes result in concrete penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes W.H. Ward Properties, Inc. for being named Tree Farmer of the Year by the Louisiana Forestry Association. It directly affects the company and its family by offering legislative appreciation for their century-long stewardship of a 618-acre tree farm in LaSalle Parish. The resolution highlights the company's contributions to the state's forestry industry, including community support through scholarships and donations to the local Choctaw Indian band. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to honor the business's achievements and its positive impact on Louisiana's forestry sector.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana law to clarify where used car dealers can conduct certain business activities without violating licensing rules. It allows dealers to deliver vehicles, test drives, and necessary documents to customers at locations other than their registered place of business. The change applies to licensed used motor vehicle dealers and licensed facilities, removing previous restrictions on where these transactions must occur. The bill focuses on operational flexibility while maintaining that the sale is still considered to happen at the dealer's licensed facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a fee system for carbon dioxide storage facilities in Louisiana to fund safety and protection programs. It requires operators to pay fees based on the amount of carbon dioxide injected, with the money going into a special trust fund and a community safety account. Once a facility contributes five million dollars or an operator contributes ten million dollars total, fee collection pauses until funds are actually spent on safety projects. The bill creates specific rules for how the money is collected, invested, and used, while also defining terms like "excess fee" for amounts collected beyond the required trust fund deposit.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies the purpose of Louisiana's tobacco tax laws by explicitly stating that the state intends to levy excise taxes on all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic vaping products. It requires dealers to collect taxes from the first seller or distributor of these products within the state and mandates that free samples given for advertising be taxed the same as sold products. The legislation also introduces a provision to tax products in a risk-proportionate manner based on FDA determinations about modified risk and prohibits the distribution of free cigarette samples while allowing smokeless tobacco samples only under federal regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires nongovernmental partners working with Louisiana Economic Development to spend at least 35% of their funding on goods made within the state. It applies to new cooperative agreements formed after August 1, 2026, while excluding older programs established before that date. Partners must keep records proving compliance and provide them to the department when asked. The law does not affect existing economic development programs created before August 15, 2010.