Rep. Tehmi Chassion

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that urges Louisiana public school authorities and employees to comply with existing state bullying laws. It directly affects school administrators, teachers, staff, and volunteers by reminding them of their legal responsibilities to prevent and address bullying. The resolution does not create new laws but asks schools to follow current requirements that mandate anti-bullying policies, reporting procedures, and disciplinary measures. It requests that the state superintendent distribute copies of the resolution to local school systems to reinforce these obligations. The bill is non-binding and serves as a reminder of existing legal duties rather than establishing new policy.

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 262 removes a requirement for Louisiana high school students to pass state-administered end-of-course tests (like the LEAP assessments) to earn a diploma. It states that students who successfully complete all required coursework (Carnegie units) for graduation will automatically receive a high school diploma, regardless of their test scores. The bill directly affects all Louisiana public high school students by eliminating a barrier to graduation tied to standardized testing. This policy change shifts graduation eligibility solely to course completion, not test performance, for the first time under Louisiana's current framework.

Maddy summaryHB 435 creates an expedited process for clearing certain arrest records in Louisiana at no cost to the individual. It applies directly to people arrested as 17-year-olds for offenses under Louisiana law, or those whose cases were dismissed, dismissed after a pretrial diversion, or ended in acquittal. The bill modifies court procedures to automatically qualify these individuals for expungement without requiring additional court hearings. This policy change simplifies access to record clearance for eligible residents who have no conviction record.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana bill modifies student discipline procedures for suspensions and expulsions. It gives parents 5 days to request a school board review of expulsion recommendations and up to 10 school days to appeal to district court if the school board upholds the expulsion. The bill also repeals mandatory expulsion requirements for certain offenses. These changes directly affect parents and students in Louisiana public schools facing disciplinary action.

Maddy summaryHB 585, the Discount Retailer Workforce Safety and Retention Act, requires Louisiana small box discount retailers (stores with 5,000-10,000 sq ft selling discounted goods to consumers) employing 15+ workers to create written safety plans addressing workplace violence risks. The law mandates risk assessments for factors like late shifts, cash handling, and uncontrolled access, and requires specific safety measures such as improved lighting, drop safes, and panic buttons after two violent incidents at a location within a year. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report violence or contact law enforcement during incidents. Employees can seek civil remedies, including attorney fees, for violations within one year of the incident. The bill directly affects retail employers meeting the size and type criteria, focusing on concrete safety protocols rather than broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 556 updates Louisiana's campaign finance reporting rules to clarify penalties and notifications for late or inaccurate filings. It requires the Board of Ethics and Supervisory Committee to notify filers (candidates, committee treasurers, or others) within four days of a missed deadline, giving them seven business days to correct errors before penalties apply. The bill prohibits conditional fee waivers (e.g., "waiver if you fix it later") and mandates that all waivers be permanent and unconditional. These changes directly affect individuals and committees responsible for submitting campaign finance reports, ensuring clearer accountability for timely and accurate disclosures.

Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.