Rep. Tehmi Chassion

Maddy summaryHB 317 prohibits Louisiana schools from assigning prekindergarten or kindergarten students to alternative schools for any disciplinary reason except when a student is suspended or expelled for serious misconduct involving drugs, weapons, assault, or battery. This directly affects young children in early education, preventing their placement in alternative schools for minor behavioral issues like disruptions or minor conflicts. The bill changes existing discipline practices by restricting alternative school assignments for these grades to only the most severe infractions defined in state law. It aims to limit early exclusion of very young students from mainstream learning environments.

Maddy summaryHB 404 establishes a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for incarcerated individuals in Louisiana state and local correctional facilities who have substance abuse disorders. The bill requires facilities to provide FDA-approved medications (like methadone or buprenorphine), individual treatment plans, counseling, and reentry support - including Medicaid enrollment assistance, housing/employment resources, and a one-week medication supply upon release. It mandates annual reporting on program effectiveness, including recidivism and health outcomes, and prohibits denying program access based on drug screenings or past disciplinary issues. The program directly affects all incarcerated people in Louisiana facilities with substance use disorders, aiming to improve treatment continuity and reduce relapse post-release.

Maddy summaryHB 694 amends Louisiana law to adjust penalties for late or inaccurate filings under ethics and campaign finance laws. It sets daily fines ranging from $20 to $150 per day (capped at $250-$1,500), depending on the filer type (e.g., candidates for major office, lobbyists, or campaign committees). The bill also adds additional penalties for reports filed more than 6 or 11 days late, with maximum fines of $5,000 for certain violations. These changes apply to filings required under the Code of Governmental Ethics, Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, and lobbying disclosure laws. The bill does not create new reporting requirements but modifies existing penalty structures for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 318 amends Louisiana's Civil Code to extend the period for presuming a husband is the father of a child born during marriage or within 390 days after the marriage ends (currently 300 days). This change directly affects children born during or shortly after a marriage termination, and their mothers' spouses. The bill modifies the legal presumption of paternity by lengthening the timeframe for establishing the husband's parental rights. It does not alter other parentage rules or create new obligations. The measure is a procedural update to the Civil Code, not a substantive policy change affecting broader public programs.

Maddy summaryHB 365 changes who has authority over school bus operators' employment during their probationary period. It transfers the power from school boards to superintendents to discipline, dismiss, or discharge operators after a written recommendation and with written reasons provided to the operator. The bill also requires superintendents to immediately dismiss operators convicted of or pleading guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, regardless of whether the offense occurred during work duties. This directly affects school bus operators and school district superintendents in Louisiana, altering their employment oversight process. The key change is shifting disciplinary authority from school boards to superintendents for probationary employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Patricia Lowrey-Dufour upon her retirement as the senior legislative analyst for the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs with House Legislative Services. It formally recognizes her nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Louisiana Legislature, acknowledging her expertise and significant contributions to the institution.

Maddy summarySB 232 updates Louisiana's motion picture production tax credit program by adding a requirement for film productions to include specific promotional elements to qualify for the credit. The bill defines a "Louisiana promotional graphic" as a short (up to 5 seconds), static or animated visual in end credits or broadcasts that promotes the state, plus an electronic press kit or customized video. This applies directly to film and television productions seeking the tax credit, requiring them to incorporate these approved promotional materials. The changes revise existing tax credit provisions to include these new branding requirements for eligible productions.