Maddy summaryThis Louisiana legislative resolution asks the U.S. government to reclassify crawfish processing work as agricultural labor so that workers can be hired under the H-2A visa program instead of the more limited H-2B program. The bill also urges federal officials to create a special designation for long-term, compliant crawfish employers and to speed up visa processing times to help businesses meet their seasonal staffing needs. By making these changes, the measure aims to ensure a reliable workforce for the crawfish and landscaping industries during their peak harvest and maintenance periods. The resolution does not become law itself but serves as a formal request to federal agencies and lawmakers to take specific actions to address labor shortages in the state.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution honoring Treone Williams-Larvadain upon her retirement from the Louisiana State Police after a thirty-year career. It recognizes her achievements, including becoming the first African-American female captain in State Police history and the first mother-daughter pair to serve simultaneously in the department. The resolution expresses gratitude for her service and wishes her well in her future endeavors, but does not create any new laws or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Paul Hollis, the director of the United States Mint, for his return visit to the Louisiana House of Representatives. The measure expresses gratitude for his past service as a state representative and his current role as the first Louisianian to lead the Mint. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of appreciation for his contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for the continued operations of the National Guard at Camp Beauregard in Pineville and commends the Youth Challenge Program. The resolution recognizes Camp Beauregard's long history of supporting military training and emergency operations, noting its role as a primary training platform for the Louisiana National Guard. It also highlights the Youth Challenge Program, which provides an alternative educational opportunity for youth aged sixteen to eighteen, offering residential and post-residential phases focused on life skills, academics, and personal development. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative appreciation for these military and youth programs.
Maddy summaryHB 660 increases the state-paid annual salary for assistant district attorneys in Louisiana to $50,500 starting July 1, 2026. It directly affects all assistant district attorneys whose salaries are funded by the state (not local parishes), including those in Orleans Parish. The bill specifies exact salary amounts on set dates (e.g., $50,000 effective 2021, $50,500 effective 2026) and requires separate state appropriations to fund these increases. This is a concrete salary adjustment with no new program or policy beyond the specified pay rates.
Maddy summaryHB 175 creates a new instant lottery game in Louisiana, with all proceeds dedicated to veteran programs. It establishes the Veterans Game Board (comprising state agency leaders and veteran organization representatives) to manage the "Veterans Game Fund," which receives all revenue from this specific game. The board distributes one-time grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants like 501(c)(3) veteran service organizations, colleges, JROTC programs, or veterans courts that improve veterans' lives. Unused funds are returned to the state treasury annually. This bill directly affects Louisiana veterans by channeling new lottery revenue into targeted support programs.
Maddy summaryHB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.
Maddy summaryHB 130 redesignates a specific stretch of Interstate 220 in Shreveport (from South Lakeshore Drive to Hilry Huckaby III Avenue in Caddo Parish) as "American Legion Post No. 14." It requires the Department of Transportation to install signage for this designation if local funds cover costs up to $2,250 per sign. This is a ceremonial renaming with no substantive policy changes, solely honoring the American Legion Post.
Maddy summarySB 235 modifies Louisiana's rules for payments between public entities (like cities or state agencies) and contractors. It prevents public entities from withholding payments to contractors for disputed pre-agreed penalties (liquidated damages), while still allowing the public entity to pursue those penalties separately. The bill requires timely payments for work completed, with penalties like court-ordered payment (mandamus), attorney fees, and interest if payments are delayed without good reason. It also clarifies that declaring a public works contract invalid doesn't cancel payments already owed for work performed, including overhead and profit. This directly affects contractors working on public projects by strengthening their right to receive timely payments under the contract terms.
Maddy summaryHB 285 allows Louisiana high school boards to partner with credit unions to operate on-site branches at high schools. The bill requires these branches to be integrated into the state-mandated financial literacy course (R.S. 17:270), giving students hands-on experience managing personal finances. School boards must establish rules for outside use of buildings, including fees, under this new partnership framework. The policy directly affects high school students, school boards, and credit unions by embedding practical financial education into existing coursework.