Rep. Ed Larvadain

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of devices used to program or emulate motor vehicle keys and relay attack devices, which intercept key fob signals to unlock or start cars. The law applies to individuals and businesses but includes exceptions for law enforcement, insurance investigators, licensed automotive professionals, locksmiths, and repossession agencies. Authorized users must report lost or stolen devices to law enforcement within 48 hours, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in prison. The legislation aims to prevent unauthorized access to vehicles while allowing legitimate professionals to continue their work.

Maddy summarySB 322 creates a new "Louisiana Youth Apprentice" category for workers under 24 in apprenticeship programs. It requires youth apprentices to complete at least 375 hours of employment combined with an approved training program leading to both a high school diploma or equivalent and an industry credential (like a certificate or technical certification). This defines a separate pathway from standard apprenticeships, which require 2,000+ hours, and applies specifically to young workers seeking job training and credentials. The bill amends existing Louisiana law to establish these youth-specific eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 478 requires Louisiana water, gas, and electric utility companies to reimburse customers for overcharges by the next billing cycle. If a customer has disconnected service, the utility must send the reimbursement within 30 days to their recorded address. The bill mandates that all reimbursements be clearly labeled as "overcharge reimbursement." This applies directly to residential and business customers who were overcharged by regulated utilities under the Public Service Commission. The law aims to simplify and speed up the refund process for affected consumers.

Maddy summaryHB 609 prohibits healthcare providers and facilities in Louisiana from charging fees for medical records when veterans request them specifically to apply for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. It applies only once per veteran for the purpose of a disability claim, requiring providers to verify veteran status and the claim's purpose before waiving fees. The law exempts costs for preparing, reproducing, handling, or transmitting records under this specific circumstance. This directly affects veterans seeking disability benefits and healthcare entities handling such record requests.

Maddy summaryHB 392 requires all Louisiana public and nonpublic secondary schools to post suicide prevention hotline information on their websites and print it on student ID cards. Specifically, schools must display the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number "988" (with instructions to call or text) and, if available, local and state suicide prevention hotline numbers. This bill updates existing requirements by broadening the scope to all secondary schools and standardizing the required information. The policy directly affects schools and students by ensuring immediate access to crisis resources through everyday school materials.

Maddy summaryHB 354 renames the Magnolia Bridge (on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes) as the "Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, with costs covered by local or private funds not exceeding $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or services.

Maddy summaryHB 738 proposes changes to disciplinary procedures at Louisiana public colleges and universities for student misconduct. It requires institutions to provide detailed written notices of charges - including specific policy violations and evidence - to students facing suspension (10+ days) or expulsion, and grants accused students and alleged victims the right to be represented by an attorney or advocate at their own expense. The bill sets evidence standards (clear and convincing evidence for most cases, preponderance of evidence only for serious injury/death cases with documented proof), mandates access to disciplinary files 7+ business days before hearings, and requires written appeal decisions. Sanctions cannot take effect until all appeals are resolved, with a 14-day window to file an appeal after a decision. The bill applies to all students and student organizations at public postsecondary institutions in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 575 establishes a priority for youth in Louisiana's extended foster care program to purchase surplus state vehicles. It directly affects young adults aged 18-21 who are eligible for and participating in the extended foster care program under state law (R.S. 46:288.1 et seq.). The bill amends state property law to give these foster youth first preference over other buyers when the state disposes of surplus vehicles, ensuring they have priority access to vehicles that would otherwise be sold publicly. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 283, the "Teacher's Shield Act," requires immediate suspension of students accused of assaulting or battering school employees (including teachers, substitutes, bus operators, or volunteers) on or off school property. If found guilty by a court or school hearing, students face mandatory expulsion for at least two full school semesters, with placement in an alternative school and required anger management, and cannot return to the school where the incident occurred. The bill also expands sick leave for school employees to cover medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatment following such incidents. These changes aim to protect school staff and establish clear disciplinary consequences for student violence against employees.

Maddy summaryHB 339 amends Louisiana's public records law to define "protected individual" as including current law enforcement officers. It restricts public access to these officers' personal information, such as home addresses or phone numbers, which is currently available under general public records rules. The bill adds this specific category to existing protections, ensuring law enforcement officers' personal details are not routinely disclosed. This is a procedural change to the law's definitions, not a new policy requiring enforcement mechanisms. The bill is currently in early stages (prefiled, pending committee referral).