Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for the continued operations of the National Guard at Camp Beauregard in Pineville and commends the Youth Challenge Program. The resolution recognizes Camp Beauregard's long history of supporting military training and emergency operations, noting its role as a primary training platform for the Louisiana National Guard. It also highlights the Youth Challenge Program, which provides an alternative educational opportunity for youth aged sixteen to eighteen, offering residential and post-residential phases focused on life skills, academics, and personal development. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative appreciation for these military and youth programs.
Sponsored bills
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.
Maddy summaryHB 175 creates a new instant lottery game in Louisiana, with all proceeds dedicated to veteran programs. It establishes the Veterans Game Board (comprising state agency leaders and veteran organization representatives) to manage the "Veterans Game Fund," which receives all revenue from this specific game. The board distributes one-time grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants like 501(c)(3) veteran service organizations, colleges, JROTC programs, or veterans courts that improve veterans' lives. Unused funds are returned to the state treasury annually. This bill directly affects Louisiana veterans by channeling new lottery revenue into targeted support programs.
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 41 limits elected firefighter association representatives on the Firefighters' Retirement System board to three consecutive terms for terms beginning January 1, 2027. It clarifies that board members who leave firefighting jobs lose their seats immediately and specifies how vacancies are filled (e.g., by appointment for short-term vacancies). The bill affects the 13-member board governing the retirement system, directly impacting firefighter representatives elected by their association. This is a procedural change to board composition rules, not a direct benefit or funding measure.
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 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 851 prohibits intentional releases of 12 or more balloons at a single event, imposing fines similar to other littering violations. It specifically exempts balloon releases by people under 17, biodegradable balloons, indoor releases, scientific/weather balloons (by agencies/institutions), and balloons with tracking devices. The law applies to event organizers planning such releases but does not affect typical balloon use or accidental releases. This amendment to Louisiana's littering statute clarifies penalties for mass balloon releases while allowing for common exceptions.
Maddy summaryHB 285 allows Louisiana high school boards to partner with credit unions to operate on-site branches at high schools. The bill requires these branches to be integrated into the state-mandated financial literacy course (R.S. 17:270), giving students hands-on experience managing personal finances. School boards must establish rules for outside use of buildings, including fees, under this new partnership framework. The policy directly affects high school students, school boards, and credit unions by embedding practical financial education into existing coursework.