Rep. Gabe Firment

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses condolences for the death of Joe R. Salter, a former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and officially recognizes his contributions to the state. It acknowledges his long public service career, including his role as Speaker during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and his subsequent work in various state government positions. The document records his notable accomplishments for posterity and extends appreciation to his family and the Louisiana community he served.

Maddy summaryHB 831 prohibits contractors and insurers from charging different prices for similar property repair work based solely on whether an insurer will cover the cost. It bans price discrimination where higher fees are set because insurers pay part of the bill, while allowing exceptions for pre-negotiated preferred vendor programs. Insurers must consistently apply pricing databases for claims, avoiding selective use of lower rates without documented justification. Violations can lead to fines, license suspension, or revocation for contractors and insurers under Louisiana insurance law. The bill applies only to property damage claims, excluding auto and health insurance.

Maddy summaryHB 424 modifies Louisiana's rules for issuing certain alcohol permits. It requires a local vote (local option election) before new off-premises alcohol permits (Class B or C) can be granted in areas that were previously prohibition zones but have been annexed into municipalities that allow alcohol sales. The law does not affect permits already issued before the bill's effective date. It specifically applies only to Class B and C retail permits for off-premises alcohol sales in these annexed areas.

Maddy summaryHB 881 modifies Louisiana homeowners insurance rules to require insurers to include general contractor overhead and profit in claims payments when a contractor's services are reasonably foreseeable. This applies to both replacement cost and actual cash value policies for fire and extended coverage claims. The bill also clarifies that insurance commissioners may verify statistical data in rate filings and cannot approve rates before required notification periods expire. These changes directly affect homeowners filing claims and insurers handling those claims in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 914 expands Louisiana's certified appraiser qualifications to include building consultants, who provide specialized advice on building design, construction, condition, and repair. This bill directly affects professionals who offer building consultation services, requiring them to pass a board-administered exam, pay fees, and comply with oversight starting January 1, 2026. Key provisions define "building consultant" as a subclassification of residential construction, mandate board oversight for compliance, and set new advertising and service requirements for those offering building-related advice. The bill does not change insurance policies but establishes new qualification standards for individuals who may perform appraisal-related work in the construction sector.

Maddy summaryHB 419 limits civil liability for oil and gas companies regarding greenhouse gas emissions that comply with state and federal laws. It directly affects covered entities like oil producers, refiners, and pipeline operators by blocking lawsuits alleging contributions to climate change ("climate change claims"). Key provisions state these entities cannot be held liable for such claims if emissions follow applicable regulations, while preserving liability for personal injury, property damage, environmental violations, or gross negligence. The bill does not apply to carbon capture projects and explicitly aims to prevent courts from establishing climate policy instead of legislative or regulatory processes.

Maddy summaryHB 495 gives Grant Parish's governing authority (the Police Jury) the power to prohibit carbon dioxide sequestration projects and pipelines transporting carbon dioxide within the parish. If the parish adopts a resolution or ordinance blocking these projects, it overrides any conflicting state permits or approvals. The bill requires the parish to notify the state Department of Conservation and Energy of its decision, and any such prohibition becomes effective immediately upon adoption. This directly affects Grant Parish residents, landowners, and potential project developers by placing local control over these specific energy infrastructure decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Patricia Lowrey-Dufour upon her retirement as the senior legislative analyst for the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs with House Legislative Services. It formally recognizes her nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Louisiana Legislature, acknowledging her expertise and significant contributions to the institution.