Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn

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 146 allows Sabine Parish residents to vote on whether to permit sports wagering within the parish through a local election. If a majority of voters approve the measure, sports wagering becomes legal in Sabine Parish under existing state regulations; if rejected, it remains prohibited. The bill requires the parish government to hold the election according to state election rules, notify the Louisiana Gaming Control Board of results, and bear the election costs. This is a one-time voter decision that directly affects Sabine Parish residents and local government operations regarding gambling.

Maddy summaryHB 327 prohibits carbon dioxide sequestration (storing CO2 underground) beneath private property without the property owner's written consent. It directly affects property owners and companies seeking to use underground storage for CO2. The bill requires storage operators to obtain consent from property owners, with an exception only if the owner cannot be located after a reasonable search and good-faith effort. This creates a clear property rights requirement for underground CO2 storage projects in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 500 addresses mineral rights for owners whose land contains carbon dioxide storage units. It requires operators of such storage projects to compensate nonconsenting mineral owners for the value of minerals they cannot access due to the unit, and to reimburse them for extra drilling costs if they drill through the unit to access minerals. The bill modifies Louisiana law to ensure mineral owners affected by carbon storage projects receive financial redress for lost access or increased expenses, directly impacting landowners with mineral interests beneath designated CO2 storage areas.

Maddy summaryHB 922 prevents Louisiana utilities from raising rates for residential customers due to new electricity demands from large data centers. It requires utilities to charge data centers directly for all associated costs (like new power plants or transmission lines) through separate contracts or rate classes, ensuring households do not bear these expenses. The Public Service Commission must create rules mandating 15-year contracts with data centers, prohibiting cross-subsidization, and requiring independent reviews of utility investments. The bill applies to new data center projects starting from its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 510 prohibits the importation of captured carbon dioxide (CO2) into Louisiana for underground storage. It requires that any CO2 stored in Louisiana must have been generated within the state itself. The bill mandates that Louisiana's Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources must verify this local generation requirement before approving storage permits or eminent domain actions for CO2 reservoirs. This directly affects companies or entities seeking to store CO2 in Louisiana, blocking the use of imported CO2 for sequestration projects.

Maddy summaryHB 485 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's Constitution that declares parental rights in a child's nurturing, education, care, custody, and control as fundamental. It would require courts to apply "strict scrutiny" to any government restriction on these rights, meaning restrictions would need strong justification to be upheld. The amendment must be approved by Louisiana voters in the November 2026 election, where the ballot will ask: "Do you support an amendment to provide that parents have the fundamental right to decide the nurturing, education, care, custody, and control of their children?" If passed, this would change how courts evaluate laws or policies affecting parental decision-making.

Maddy summaryHB 499 sets rules for compensating landowners whose property is part of a carbon dioxide storage project in Louisiana. It requires that non-consenting landowners (those who didn’t agree to the project) receive at least the average compensation paid to consenting owners in the same project, with a minimum payment per acre. The bill also gives courts the authority to review if compensation is "just" if challenged, limiting review to the specific owner’s case and allowing courts to request necessary information. This directly affects property owners in areas designated for geologic carbon storage, ensuring fairer payment terms for those who did not voluntarily participate.

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.