Maddy summaryHB 7, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, prohibits private entities from using eminent domain (taking private property without consent) for carbon dioxide pipelines or underground storage projects. It directly affects landowners whose property might be sought for such infrastructure and private companies seeking to build CO2 pipelines or storage facilities. The bill removes existing expropriation authority for these purposes, defines "private entities" broadly to include corporations and partnerships, and eliminates the secretary of the Department of Energy and Conservation’s power to issue related certificates of public convenience. This replaces prior provisions allowing forced takings for CO2 projects with a clear ban on such actions without owner consent.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 221 proposes naming a new Mississippi River bridge connecting Louisiana Highways 1 and 30 as the "President Donald J. Trump Expressway." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage once construction is complete, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $750 per sign. It does not change transportation laws, funding, or affect any policies beyond the bridge's official designation. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not been enacted.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes Colonel Joseph Musacchia, Jr. for his retirement from the U.S. Air Force. It formally acknowledges his 30 years of service, including command roles and deployments to Iraq, Oman, the UAE, and Turkey, as well as his extensive education and numerous military decorations. The resolution expresses appreciation for his dedication to national defense and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
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 219 allows defendants convicted of felonies by non-unanimous juries in Louisiana to seek resentencing if they received the maximum sentence under the law. It creates a process for filing a motion by August 1, 2027, triggering a hearing where courts must review whether the original sentence was excessive. If granted, courts must impose a new sentence within 20-40 years for certain cases, with a presumption that the new sentence should not exceed the maximum for the most serious lesser included offense - unless the district attorney provides clear evidence justifying a longer sentence. The bill excludes individuals who have already completed their sentences and prohibits using the new sentence to enhance prior convictions.
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 671 prohibits private companies from requesting or using eminent domain (property takings) for geologic carbon dioxide storage projects. It directly affects landowners whose property might be targeted for such storage, as it restricts expropriation to government entities only. The bill requires Louisiana's Department of Conservation to appoint a neutral acquisition agent (not a private company) to manage all property acquisition processes for CO2 storage, with the expropriating authority reimbursing the department for related costs. This proposed bill, currently pending in committee, would change how property takings for carbon storage are handled in Louisiana but does not yet affect current operations.