Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 532 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts (12 jurors all agreeing) for noncapital felony cases committed before January 1, 2019, replacing the current standard that allowed 10 of 12 jurors to agree. This change would only apply to offenses committed prior to 2019, not future cases, and requires voter approval in the November 2026 election. The amendment must be approved by Louisiana voters to take effect.
Maddy summaryHB 684 creates a pre-arrest diversion program for Louisiana juveniles (under 18) charged with their first nonviolent misdemeanor offense. Instead of arresting them, police must offer a civil citation allowing access to mental health services, victim restitution, or family support programs within 90 days. The program prohibits fines, fees, or criminal records for participants and requires law enforcement to report annual data on juvenile stops, program completion, and recidivism. It applies only to non-dangerous situations without weapons or immediate threats. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with implementation rules due by December 2026.
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.
Maddy summarySB 232 updates Louisiana's motion picture production tax credit program by adding a requirement for film productions to include specific promotional elements to qualify for the credit. The bill defines a "Louisiana promotional graphic" as a short (up to 5 seconds), static or animated visual in end credits or broadcasts that promotes the state, plus an electronic press kit or customized video. This applies directly to film and television productions seeking the tax credit, requiring them to incorporate these approved promotional materials. The changes revise existing tax credit provisions to include these new branding requirements for eligible productions.
Maddy summarySB 121 requires written permission for school-based mental health screenings of students. It specifies that screenings cannot proceed without written consent from a parent or legal guardian, unless the student is 18 or older (age of majority) or legally emancipated, in which case the student may provide their own written consent. The bill directly affects students, schools, and parents/guardians by clarifying consent requirements for these screenings. The bill is currently under review in the Senate Committee on Education, with recent amendments focusing on consent language to align with student age and legal status.
Maddy summaryHB 588 is a procedural amendment to a transportation bill concerning the Regional Transit Authority. It corrects a reference number in the bill's text by inserting and deleting the numeral "(23)" at specific points in the legislative language. The bill itself does not create new policies, funding, or services; it only adjusts a numerical reference within the existing bill framework. This amendment was approved by the committee and passed to third reading on May 13, 2025. As a purely technical correction, it has no direct policy impact or effect on transit operations or stakeholders.
Maddy summaryHB 486 requires Louisiana public schools to offer mental health assessments to certain students. It defines which mental health professionals can conduct these assessments, including licensed mental health providers (like psychologists or counselors) and behavioral health service providers licensed by the state. Schools must use providers from these categories and can find current provider lists through licensing boards or the state Department of Health website. The bill focuses on creating clear pathways for schools to access qualified mental health professionals, directly affecting public schools and the students they serve.
Maddy summaryHB 540 clarifies the definition of "gross device revenue" for video poker machines under existing law. It specifies that this term means the total cash inserted into three video draw poker devices over a consecutive three-month period, explicitly stating this definition does not affect how "net device revenue" is calculated. The bill directly affects casinos and regulators who use these revenue metrics for compliance or taxation under Louisiana's gambling statutes (referencing R.S. 27:402). This is a definitional amendment to ensure consistent application of current regulations, not a new policy change. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Appropriations after recent committee amendments.
Maddy summarySB 14 delays the implementation date for certain nutrition-related public health provisions from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects state public health programs implementing these nutrition standards. This amendment, adopted by the Senate with unanimous support, adjusts the timeline for compliance without altering the underlying policy requirements. The full bill's specific nutrition provisions are not detailed in the provided text.