Maddy summaryThis bill amends a law regarding the protection of agricultural land from foreign adversaries by adding a specific legal definition for "land." The change requires that the term "land" in the statute be interpreted according to the definition found in R.S. 3:3602. This clarification directly affects how agricultural properties are identified and protected under the existing legislation. The bill is currently under consideration by the Committee on Appropriations after being referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution asks the state Department of Transportation and Development to request a special exception from federal rules to allow a "Crawfish Expressway" sign in Breaux Bridge. Normally, such interstate gateway signs are only permitted in cities with at least 10,000 residents, but Breaux Bridge has a population of about 7,500. The bill argues that the town's status as the "Crawfish Capital of the World" and its famous annual festival justify an exception to this population requirement. If approved, the state agency would formally petition the Federal Highway Administration to authorize the sign despite the city's smaller size.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes sanctuary policies in California, which limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The law directly affects police officers, jails, and other local agencies by prohibiting them from inquiring about a person's immigration status or detaining individuals solely based on immigration violations. Key provisions include restrictions on sharing information with federal immigration officials and barring local jails from holding people without a valid court order. The text also includes minor grammatical corrections to ensure consistent language throughout the statute.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Louisiana Highway 171 in Leesville as the "Claude 'Buddy' Leach Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation and Development to install official signs marking this name, but only if local or private funds cover the full cost of materials and installation. Each sign must not exceed a cost of $550, and the state will not pay for the signage itself. The change is limited to the road segment between Boone Street and East Louisiana Street within the city limits.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally expresses the condolences of the Louisiana Legislature on the death of James David Cain, a former state representative and senator. The document honors Cain's life and career by detailing his background as a basketball coach, his military service, and his decades of public service in both the House and Senate. It serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the state and extends sympathy to his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks two agricultural research centers, LSU AgCenter and Southern University Ag Center, to work together on studying new ways to use sugarcane bagasse, which is the leftover plant material after sugar is extracted. The study will focus on finding economic benefits for sugarcane farmers by exploring uses like animal feed, biofuels, soil improvements, and industrial materials, relying on private sector investment. The research centers are required to submit a written report of their findings to state legislative committees and related organizations by February 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to ensure that children in its custody have valid birth certificates and state identification cards, either by obtaining them within thirty days of commitment or by having them ready upon release. The law also mandates that the department create a detailed transitional plan at least six months before a child is released, covering needs such as education, health, housing, and employment, and share this plan with the court and legal representatives. Additionally, the bill prohibits courts from dividing legal and physical custody when assigning a child to the department, ensuring the child remains under the care of a single entity. These measures aim to streamline the release process and better prepare minors for reintegration into society.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Louisiana Squatter Prevention Act, addresses simple burglary by establishing specific rules regarding unauthorized entry into property. It directly affects property owners and law enforcement by clarifying how individuals who enter land or buildings without permission are treated under the law. The legislation does not change existing criminal penalties but instead provides a formal legal framework to prevent and prosecute squatting incidents. By citing these provisions under a new name, the bill aims to streamline legal references related to this type of property crime.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the retail sale of nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used in whipped cream dispensers but also used recreationally. It directly affects businesses that sell consumer goods, requiring them to stop selling the gas at retail locations. The law establishes enforcement mechanisms through the office of alcohol and tobacco control to ensure compliance. By banning retail sales, the legislation aims to reduce the availability of the substance in stores without addressing other potential sources of supply.
Maddy summaryHB 134 expands the scope of fuel regulations to include fishery equipment in addition to agricultural machinery. The bill defines fishery equipment as any gear used in fisheries operations, such as fish processing machines for marine, freshwater, and aquaculture species. By amending existing statutes, it ensures that fuel used in these fishing tools is subject to the same regulatory oversight as fuel used in farming equipment. This change directly affects operators of both agricultural and fishing machinery who rely on regulated fuels for their operations.