Maddy summaryHB 521 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's property tax system, allowing local taxing authorities (like parishes or municipalities) to adjust property tax rates to the maximum authorized rate from a prior reassessment without requiring new voter approval. The key mechanism permits these authorities to increase rates to the previous year's maximum level using a two-thirds vote of the governing body, after holding a public hearing with proper notice. This change would take effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all property tax collections starting that date. The bill does not change current tax rates but modifies the process for adjusting them, requiring transparency through public hearings while removing the need for separate voter referendums for these adjustments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 5 gives Louisiana parishes the authority to decide whether carbon dioxide storage wells, carbon dioxide sequestration projects, and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide may operate within their borders. Parishes can either pass a local resolution banning these activities or hold a parish-wide election (triggered by a 15% voter petition) where a majority vote determines approval or prohibition. The bill requires the state Department of Conservation and Energy to comply with these local decisions, overriding any existing state permits or approvals. This directly affects parish governments and residents, shifting permitting authority from the state to local communities for these specific energy infrastructure projects.
Maddy summaryHB 68 adds a specific offense to Louisiana's disturbing the peace law, prohibiting the interruption of worship services or religious ceremonies at churches or other places of worship. The bill defines this conduct as disturbing the peace, with penalties including fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both, and requires at least 15 days of the sentence to be served without probation. This law directly affects individuals who disrupt religious gatherings, making such interruptions a criminal offense. The bill does not change existing penalties for other disturbing the peace violations but specifically targets disruptions at religious sites.
Maddy summaryHB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.
Maddy summarySB 275 requires Louisiana health insurers to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for identical services performed within a CRNA's scope of practice, regardless of billing codes. It also prohibits insurers from denying CRNAs network inclusion solely based on their provider type or licensure. The law applies to new insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, and existing policies must comply by January 1, 2028. This directly affects insurers, CRNAs, and patients seeking anesthesia services covered under these plans.
Maddy summaryHB 320 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for inmates who expose their intimate body parts (genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples) to correctional staff with the intent of sexual gratification or harassment. It applies specifically to individuals incarcerated in jails, prisons, or detention facilities, targeting conduct directed at employees of those facilities. Violations carry penalties of up to three years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The bill also amends existing law to include this new offense under the definition of "sex offense" for registration and notification purposes.
Maddy summaryHB 294 allows houses of worship (like churches, mosques, and synagogues) to request that disruptive or trespassing individuals leave their premises. If such individuals refuse, authorized staff or security may use reasonable force to remove them, consistent with existing self-defense laws. The law protects these individuals and the religious organization from legal liability when using force that is necessary and proportional to the disruption. This directly affects places of worship and their staff by clarifying their legal authority to maintain order during services or religious activities.
Maddy summaryHB 613 requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections (Motor Vehicles office) to add an eagle symbol on driver's licenses and state ID cards for applicants whose U.S. citizenship has been verified. This applies only to verified citizens and does not change eligibility for licenses. The bill mandates that the eagle symbol be included on all new cards or during future system upgrades if current technology cannot accommodate it. It also requires the agency to create rules for the symbol's design and placement. The bill does not affect non-citizens or change citizenship verification processes.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Louisiana Highway 526 as the "Hayden Lane Mangum Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation achieves this by officially adding the name "Hayden" to the existing title of the roadway in the state's legal records. It directly affects the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, which will use the new designation for official signage and mapping. The bill contains no changes to traffic laws, funding, or road construction requirements, serving solely as a commemorative measure.
Maddy summaryThis bill restructures how the Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention Center Authority selects its seven commissioners, requiring each of the seven parishes in the authority's territory to have one commissioner. The key change is that commissioners will now be jointly appointed by local judges, district attorneys, and sheriffs within their respective parishes, replacing the previous system where different officials appointed commissioners separately. Each commissioner must live in their parish and serve a four-year term, with appointments beginning on August 1, 2026. The law applies to the seven parishes of Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Vernon, and Winn, which make up the authority's jurisdiction.