Rep. Mike Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 379 requires property insurance disputes to go through mandatory binding arbitration instead of court. It directly affects policyholders and insurers by changing who pays arbitration costs - specifically adding language that policyholders may be responsible for "payment of the costs of arbitration, or a portion thereof." The key provision amends existing language to clarify cost allocation in the arbitration process. This bill focuses on procedural changes to dispute resolution within property insurance claims.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 261 amends criminal code provisions related to the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones). It makes technical changes to section references (updating "(F)" to "(G)") and clarifies that certain prohibitions apply beyond limited circumstances by removing the word "only" from one provision. The bill directly affects individuals who operate drones in ways that violate these amended criminal code sections. These changes are procedural updates to existing law, not new policy. The bill passed committee and advanced to third reading in the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summarySB 99 defines "mobile speed camera" in Louisiana law to include handheld, unmanned, or portable devices that capture speeding violations via photos or video showing a vehicle's license plate. It requires that citations issued by these devices be sent by mail and prohibits imposing criminal fines or fees for such violations. The bill also explicitly states that failure to pay these citations will not be reported to credit bureaus. This law directly affects drivers cited for speeding by mobile cameras and the agencies operating them.

Maddy summaryHB 72 modifies Louisiana's statute of limitations for certain debts owed to educational or charitable entities. It sets a 30-year limit for lawsuits over debts like student loans, stipends, or benefits due to charitable institutions or funds (excluding federal student loans), and a 10-year limit for non-student-loan debts owed to public universities. All claims must be documented in writing to be enforceable. The bill applies retroactively to existing debts but does not revive claims already resolved before its effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 468 amends Louisiana Revised Statute 36:784 by adding a new subsection (A) related to the Civilian Honor Medal Program for veterans. This is a procedural bill that modifies an existing code section without introducing new benefits, eligibility criteria, or funding. The bill does not directly affect veterans or programs beyond a technical reference update. It has advanced through committee and is now at third reading in the legislature. (Note: The context does not specify the exact nature of the amendment to subsection (A).)

Maddy summaryHB 387 allows Louisiana's Department of Veterans Affairs to charge reasonable rates for maintenance and care at state veterans facilities to nonveteran residents who are financially capable of paying. It requires the department to establish a payment system considering the income and estate of nonveteran residents, similar to how veterans' payment capability is assessed. This bill directly affects nonveteran residents of state-run veterans facilities who meet the financial criteria for payment. The policy change modifies existing rules to explicitly include nonveterans in the facility care charging structure.

Maddy summaryHB 33 amends Alexandria's civil service law to exclude certain city IT employees from the merit-based hiring and promotion system. Specifically, it removes employees working on municipal computer operations, electronic security systems, and information technology from classified civil service requirements. This means these IT staff - responsible for protecting city systems and sensitive data - will no longer be subject to competitive exams for hiring, promotion, or dismissal. The bill directly affects Alexandria city employees in technology roles handling critical infrastructure security. The change modifies existing civil service rules without altering broader employment policies for other city workers.

Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 17 modifies the deferred retirement option plan for municipal police employees in Louisiana's retirement system. It requires participants to specify their new retirement date by August 1, 2025, or their originally chosen final participation date - whichever comes first. This change affects current municipal police retirees using the deferred retirement option, clarifying the deadline for updating their retirement plans under the existing system. The bill does not create new benefits or costs but adjusts administrative requirements for the plan.