Rep. Tammy Phelps

Maddy summaryHB 733 increases reinstatement fees for Louisiana drivers whose licenses were suspended due to DUI convictions. It sets tiered fees: $150 for one prior conviction, $250 for two, and $350 for each additional conviction beyond the second. The bill also requires the Office of Motor Vehicles to annually adjust these fees starting July 1, 2028, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) increase from the previous year. This directly affects individuals seeking to reinstate driving privileges after DUI-related license suspensions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Leroy Cavalier, a longtime Capitol Security Specialist who passed away on December 19, 2025. The resolution acknowledges Cavalier's service as a security specialist at the northeast bollards station and his contributions to the Capitol Security Office before his passing. It formally offers appreciation for his dedicated service and extends wishes for comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

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 113 requires Louisiana public and charter schools to recalculate the grades of students who were in ninth grade during the 2023-2024 school year, if those grades weren't originally calculated using the uniform 10-point grading scale. Schools must use the original percentage values assigned by teachers to convert those grades to the new 10-point scale. The resulting letter grades will then be used for all purposes, including updating students' cumulative grade point averages. This applies retroactively to the specified school year and affects all students enrolled in ninth grade during that time.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 714 requires railroad companies operating in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, to remove or fix blighted or abandoned railroad crossings and associated structures within one year of the law's effective date or after a local authority declares them blighted. It also mandates that owners maintain underpasses by regularly painting and removing rust to prevent deterioration. The bill specifically targets railroad infrastructure in Caddo Parish, applying to both existing abandoned crossings and any that are later deemed blighted by local officials. It does not apply statewide or to other types of rail infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 353 would establish a new state minimum wage in Louisiana, starting at $12 per hour on January 1, 2027, increasing to $15 per hour on January 1, 2029, and then adjusting annually based on the regional Consumer Price Index after 2031. It requires all Louisiana employers (excluding state and university student employees) to pay at least the established rate for all hours worked. If the federal minimum wage rises above the state rate, Louisiana's rate would automatically match it. The bill also includes penalties for violations, such as fines of $500-$1,000 per employee and back pay, enforced by Louisiana Works.

Maddy summaryHB 674 requires local governments (parishes or municipalities) to share negotiation records with Louisiana Economic Development when discussing economic development projects that meet specific job or investment thresholds. It directly affects local governments negotiating with businesses for projects involving at least 15 permanent jobs (manufacturing/distribution) or 25 jobs (digital/media/tech), or $5 million in capital improvements. The bill mandates that legislators whose districts overlap with the negotiation area be given the opportunity to participate. It defines "active negotiation" as ongoing talks not yet concluded, ending when a project is abandoned or a proposal is submitted to a public meeting. The law does not apply to hazardous waste permits or related records.

Maddy summaryHB 426 amends Louisiana law to define "criminal blighting of property" as intentionally or negligently allowing property deterioration that has been officially declared blighted or a public nuisance by a hearing officer. It directly affects property owners, their agents, or anyone in control of the property. The key provision links criminal liability to formal administrative findings under existing laws (R.S. 13:2575-2576), requiring an official declaration before the offense applies. This changes the legal standard by adding "criminally negligent" permitting to the definition, making it clearer when property owners may face criminal charges for neglect. The bill is currently in early committee review with no votes taken yet.