Rep. Les Farnum

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences and honors the life of Dr. Richard Edward Landry, a physician and veteran who passed away in August 2025. The document outlines his personal history, including his military service in Vietnam, his career as a family medicine doctor in Lake Charles, and his extensive community and church involvement. It formally commends his character and contributions while extending sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the family as a gesture of respect.

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 820 requires companies transporting carbon dioxide (CO₂) via pipeline to track the gas from its source through injection sites using a standardized manifest system. This affects pipeline operators and facilities receiving CO₂, mandating they record details like the generator location, transporter, destination, and volume of CO₂ moved. The manifests must be kept for 10 years and shared with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality upon request, with penalties for failure to maintain them or for mismatched end-use purposes. The bill aims to improve oversight of CO₂ pipeline operations without altering emissions standards or creating new environmental requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 589 (Energy/Pipelines: Requires a five hundred foot setback for carbon dioxide pipelines) would require carbon dioxide transport pipelines in Louisiana to maintain a minimum 500-foot buffer zone from inhabited dwellings, schools, and healthcare facilities. This policy directly affects pipeline companies planning to construct CO2 transportation infrastructure within the state. The bill amends Louisiana law to add this setback requirement as a specific siting condition for CO2 pipelines, mirroring existing rules for Class VI injection wells. The provision aims to establish a standardized safety distance between pipeline infrastructure and sensitive locations.

Maddy summaryHB 840 requires the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy to hold public hearings and provide notice to affected parishes before issuing permits or certificates for carbon dioxide sequestration projects. Specifically, it mandates that the department notify parish governing authorities (via email) and conduct public hearings in every parish where CO2 pipelines or storage facilities are planned. The law also requires the department to give "substantial consideration" to local government comments during decision-making. This applies to all permits, certificates of public convenience, and injection operations related to CO2 storage or transport, ensuring community input precedes regulatory approvals. The bill does not change project standards but adds procedural requirements for transparency.

Maddy summaryHB 696 is a procedural bill that gives Louisiana's secretary of state authority to establish rules for implementing early voting procedures. It does not change voting access or hours but authorizes the secretary to create specific policies for how early voting is administered, including duties for voter registration officials. This affects election administrators and the state's election infrastructure, not voters directly. The bill focuses solely on setting implementation guidelines, with no substantive changes to early voting eligibility or operations. (Procedural bill; summary limited to key mechanism.)

Maddy summaryHB 356 creates the "Stated Value Homeowner's Policy Act," allowing insurers to offer a new type of homeowner's insurance policy. This policy would cover a home's actual value at the time of loss (rather than replacement cost), directly affecting homeowners who choose this option and insurers who provide it. The bill modifies existing language to clarify that any insurer offering this specific policy option must follow defined requirements. The key change is making the insurer's obligation to provide this option discretionary ("may" instead of "shall"), giving insurers flexibility in offering the policy.

Maddy summaryHB 640 creates the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction within the state Department of Transportation. The bill grants this new office authority to use emergency procurement procedures for highway projects until January 1, 2026, mirroring existing rules for the broader transportation department. This directly affects state transportation operations by establishing a dedicated unit with specific buying powers for highway construction needs. The bill focuses on administrative structure and procurement processes, not on changing road standards or funding levels.