Rep. Brett Geymann

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 785 establishes a formal Animal Rehabilitation Program within Louisiana's Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The bill requires the department to oversee housing, treatment, and care of injured or orphaned native Louisiana wildlife with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild. It mandates the commissioner to collaborate with the state veterinarian to develop program rules and procedures. This bill, which is pending constitutional amendment approval, would directly affect wildlife rehabilitation facilities and native animal care operations across the state. The program cannot take effect until a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters.

Maddy summaryHB 449 amends Louisiana's expropriation law (R.S. 19:12) to clarify court cost responsibilities. It states that if a government entity (the expropriating authority) offers an amount equal to or higher than the final court award before filing a lawsuit, the court *may* order the property owner (defendant) to pay some or all costs of the proceeding. However, all court costs incurred due to the expropriation must still be paid by the government entity. This bill directly affects property owners facing eminent domain actions and government agencies conducting such takings, focusing on shifting cost burdens based on pre-litigation offers.

Maddy summaryHB 724 amends Louisiana law to allow non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations to use photographs or videos of animals in promotional materials for fundraising. This change specifically permits these groups to solicit donations, gifts, or grants through advertisements featuring rehabilitated wildlife, which was previously prohibited under the law. The bill directly affects organizations dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation by expanding their allowable promotional activities while maintaining restrictions on commercial exploitation or pet trade use of wildlife.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HB 711) proposes adding an exception to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission's authority over state wildlife. Specifically, it would remove the "Animal Rehabilitation Program" from the Commission's control and supervision, granting it a separate status under the state constitution. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, the amendment would change Article IX, Section 7(A) to explicitly exempt this program from the Commission's oversight. The change directly affects the Animal Rehabilitation Program's regulatory structure, not other wildlife management.

Maddy summaryHB 518 updates Louisiana's severance tax rules for oil, gas, and natural resources. It requires independent certified public accountants (CPAs) to verify well completion costs for tax exemptions, mandating specific reporting standards and independence from oil/gas operators. The bill also clarifies how severance tax revenue is allocated: parishes receive 1/3 of sulfur tax (max $100,000), 1/3 of lignite tax, 1/5 of other resource taxes (max $500,000), and 3/4 of timber tax, as defined by the state constitution. These changes directly affect oil/gas companies paying the tax, CPAs performing audits, and local parishes receiving allocated funds.

Maddy summaryHB 378 lowers the required ACT score for students completing approved home study programs to qualify for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award. It directly affects students in home study programs who previously needed a higher ACT score for initial TOPS eligibility. The bill amends the program's eligibility criteria by reducing the minimum ACT score threshold for this specific group. The change adjusts the policy without altering the program's core structure or funding amounts.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a ceremonial resolution commending Danielle Baker, executive director of the Acadiana Delegation in the Louisiana Legislature, for receiving the 2025 Legislative Staff Achievement Award from the Leadership Staff Professional Association (LSPA) of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution recognizes her 15+ years of service, professional contributions to legislative staff organizations, and peer-selected award for outstanding public service. It expresses the Louisiana Legislature's gratitude for her "steadfast commitment to excellence" and "strong work ethic." As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to formally honor Ms. Baker's professional achievements.