Rep. Troy Hebert

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the installation and use of newborn safety devices at designated infant relinquishment sites under the state's Safe Haven Law. It directly affects hospitals and other facilities that serve as safe drop-off locations for parents wishing to surrender their newborns anonymously. The legislation allows these sites to use specific safety devices to facilitate the safe transfer of infants to medical professionals. This change aims to provide a secure and standardized method for handling newborn surrenders at these locations.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution commends Kim Boudreaux, the chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Acadiana, for receiving the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from Pope Francis. The measure formally recognizes her distinguished service to the Catholic Church and her leadership in organizing charitable efforts that assist vulnerable community members with services such as food distribution, emergency shelter, and financial aid. By passing this concurrent resolution, the Louisiana Legislature records the honor and extends congratulations to Boudreaux and the staff of the organization, with a copy of the document to be sent to them as a gesture of gratitude.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Louisiana Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative, a state program designed to support pregnant women and newborns. It requires the relevant state department to create specific rules that ensure the program is clinically effective, financially stable, and held to high performance standards. The legislation also mandates that the department report its annual progress to the legislature, including details on oversight and penalties for failing to meet program goals.

Maddy summarySB 227 establishes minimum training requirements for part-time and reserve peace officers in Louisiana who begin employment on or after January 1, 2022. These officers must complete a certified training program and pass a comprehensive examination within three years of starting their job, though they may continue performing administrative duties if they fail to meet this timeline. The bill includes specific exceptions for officers in small villages with fewer than 1,000 residents, granting them a two-year compliance period, and states that lack of training cannot be used to suppress evidence in court. Additionally, the legislation ensures that officers are not barred from continuing their duties if their agency cannot provide the required training due to a shortage of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally expresses the condolences of the Louisiana Legislature on the death of James David Cain, a former state representative and senator. The document honors Cain's life and career by detailing his background as a basketball coach, his military service, and his decades of public service in both the House and Senate. It serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the state and extends sympathy to his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges the Louisiana Legislature to continue funding and expanding the "Greaux the Good" program, which supports farmers markets and direct-to-consumer sales. The bill aims to help low-income residents enrolled in SNAP or WIC buy fresh fruits and vegetables by providing dollar-for-dollar matches at participating local markets. By increasing the number of vendors and shoppers, the program seeks to boost the state's agricultural economy while addressing food insecurity and improving nutrition in vulnerable communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of April as Native Plant Month in Louisiana to highlight the importance of the state's diverse native flora. It formally recognizes that Louisiana hosts nearly 2,500 native plant species that support local ecosystems, wildlife, and the economy. The legislation aims to encourage public awareness about the benefits of these plants for pollinators and environmental sustainability. By adding this designation to state law, the bill provides a structured opportunity for education and appreciation of native plants without mandating specific actions.

Maddy summaryHB 311 amends state insurance laws to update references to specific handbooks used by insurance regulators. The bill changes the text to ensure it correctly cites the "Examiners' Handbook and the Market Regulation Handbook" adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This adjustment directly affects the legal framework governing how insurance companies are examined and regulated. By updating these handbook references, the legislation ensures that regulatory standards align with current industry guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the requirements for real estate brokers and salespeople in Louisiana to clarify how they can regain their licenses after expiration or inactivity. It allows individuals who let their licenses lapse to reapply within a specific window without having to complete the full initial education hours again. Specifically, brokers and salespeople who renew their application by the end of the year following their expiration date can skip the standard 150-hour broker course or 90-hour salesperson course. Additionally, the law states that inactive licensees do not need to complete annual continuing education while their license is inactive, though they must finish required training before returning to active status.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Legislature urges President Biden's administration to end the temporary pause on approving pending liquefied natural gas export permits. The bill highlights the state's significant economic reliance on the oil and gas industry, which contributes billions in tax revenue and supports thousands of jobs. It argues that halting these approvals could disrupt global supply chains, increase energy costs, and harm national security. The measure does not change any laws but serves as a formal request to the federal government to resume its review of LNG export projects.