Maddy summaryHB 579 in Louisiana establishes specific rights for sexual assault survivors by amending the state's Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights. It requires that unreported sexual assault evidence collection kits be preserved without cost for at least 20 years (or longer per state policy), ensures survivors are notified of all their rights under the law, and confirms survivors retain any additional rights granted by other Louisiana laws. The bill directly affects individuals who have experienced sexual assault in Louisiana, focusing on preserving evidence and ensuring awareness of legal protections. These provisions aim to strengthen support systems for survivors through concrete policy changes in evidence handling and rights communication.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 590 creates two new programs to improve communication during traffic stops for drivers with specific conditions. The Green Envelope Program provides specially designed green envelopes (for drivers with mental health conditions or their guardians) and the Blue Envelope Program provides blue envelopes (for drivers with autism spectrum disorder or their guardians). Each envelope includes exterior communication guidelines for law enforcement and can hold essential documents like licenses, registrations, and medical information, with no medical documentation required to request either envelope. The programs aim to help officers interact more effectively during stops, directly affecting drivers with these conditions and their families.
Maddy summaryHB 807 establishes a special fund within Louisiana's state treasury to support the Community and Technical College System's workforce training programs. It directly affects community colleges and private-sector employers in high-demand industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology by providing funding to hire more instructors and expand training capacity. Key provisions include using the fund for rapid-response instructor deployment, recruitment incentives, temporary instructors, and salary supplements - while prohibiting these funds from replacing existing state higher education funding. The program requires annual reporting to legislative committees on fund usage, supported industries, and credentials awarded.
Maddy summaryHB 719 mandates minimum staffing levels for assistant district attorneys (ADAs) across all 42 judicial districts in Louisiana, including Orleans Parish (New Orleans). The bill specifies exact minimum numbers - such as 35 ADAs for the First Judicial District and 83 for Orleans Parish - requiring district attorneys to appoint at least these numbers in each district. It also requires approval from the Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys before implementation, with the changes taking effect on January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects district attorneys’ offices by setting enforceable staffing requirements, without altering legal procedures or creating new programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill urges the U.S. Congress and the United States Forest Service to permit the use of dogs for hunting within the Kisatchie National Forest. It also requests that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries collaborate with the Forest Service to ensure this hunting practice is conducted safely and sustainably. The legislation does not create new laws but serves as a formal recommendation to federal and state agencies regarding hunting regulations in the specified forest area.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the United States Congress to collaborate on finding a cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting children. The resolution calls for legislative action and support rather than establishing new funding or regulatory requirements. It was recently passed by the House of Representatives with unanimous support. The primary effect is a formal statement of intent to address this specific medical condition.
Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution asks the Department of Transportation and Development to form a team that studies safety risks from increased train traffic at the Alabo Street Wharf. The request focuses on potential dangers like grain dust explosions and train collisions with vehicles in nearby neighborhoods, citing recent accidents as a reason for the review. If the study finds issues, the department must create a plan to improve safety and share its findings with the legislature by January 1, 2027. The measure does not change laws or fund projects directly but serves as a formal request for an official safety assessment.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to oppose any efforts to transfer, privatize, or remove parts of the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish, Louisiana, from federal ownership. The bill highlights the forest's cultural, economic, and recreational value to the community while urging increased investment in outdoor activities and conservation. It does not change federal law but serves as a formal expression of local support for keeping the land under federal management.
Maddy summaryHB 1235 requires health insurance plans to cover prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and services based on medical necessity, as determined by the insured's doctors and specialists. The bill mandates that coverage levels must at least match federal standards for the elderly and disabled, while also prohibiting blanket exclusions for items used in physical activities or daily hygiene. Additionally, the legislation establishes specific appeal processes for denied claims and outlines detailed factors insurers must consider when evaluating medical necessity, such as the patient's current condition and functional needs.
Maddy summaryHB 492 creates the Governor's Task Force on Impaired Driving to coordinate state efforts against drunk and drugged driving. The task force, operating within the governor's office, will include 21 members from state agencies (like law enforcement and health departments), community organizations (such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and at least one victim or family member of an impaired driving incident. Its key duties include analyzing data on impaired driving arrests and crashes, identifying evidence-based solutions like ignition interlock devices, and coordinating strategies across state and local agencies. The task force must meet at least four times yearly, with decisions requiring majority approval, and will be chaired by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission director.