Maddy summaryHB 584 requires Louisiana's local social services districts to provide foster children aged 14-18 with durable, reusable luggage (such as backpacks, boxes, or suitcases) instead of garbage bags when they move between foster homes. This policy change directly affects youth in foster care by ensuring their belongings are transported safely and with dignity. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of garbage bags for this purpose and defines the responsibility of social services districts to provide the required luggage. It amends Louisiana law to guarantee this specific right for older foster youth during placement transitions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Shani Sonnier for her role as the 2025-2026 Delcambre Shrimp Festival Queen and recognizes her advocacy for Louisiana seafood and the shrimping industry. The document highlights her service to Vermilion Parish and the state of Louisiana, acknowledging the cultural and economic importance of the annual festival. It serves as an official expression of appreciation from the House of Representatives rather than enacting new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryHB 1253, known as the Gracey Claire Rushing Act, updates Louisiana laws to improve how coroners document and handle human remains and internal organs. The bill requires detailed autopsy reports that include specific personal information, medical findings, and a record of any retained organs, while keeping these reports private except for law enforcement or court orders. Family members and the decedent's physician are granted the right to receive a copy of the report upon request. The legislation is named in memory of a child whose death in 2009 prompted calls for better safeguards in the treatment of remains.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a task force to examine Louisiana's Minimum Foundation Program formula, which determines how state and local funds are distributed to public schools. The group will study ways to create a stable, permanent funding source for teacher and support staff pay raises, ensuring these increases are not dependent on temporary or one-time money. The bill directly affects school systems, educators, and taxpayers by aiming to replace uncertain, short-term funding with a predictable long-term solution. By analyzing the current complex funding structure, the task force will provide recommendations to improve clarity and sustainability for school budgets and employee compensation.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows electric cooperatives in Louisiana to adopt, amend, or repeal their internal bylaws through either their board of directors or their members. The key provision grants the board of directors the authority to manage routine bylaw changes, while reserving the exclusive right to members for major decisions like dissolving the cooperative or selling significant assets. The legislation also ensures that any board-approved bylaws must not conflict with existing state laws governing cooperatives. These changes provide more flexibility for cooperative leadership to update their governance rules without requiring a vote from all members for every adjustment.
Maddy summaryHB 637 adjusts oilfield site restoration fees for certain low-production wells in Louisiana. It sets reduced fees at 50% for oil from incapable wells, 25% for oil from stripper wells, 40% for gas from low-pressure wells, and 17.5% for gas from incapable gas wells - proportionally aligning with existing reduced severance tax rates. The bill directly affects oil and gas producers operating these specific well types, as defined under Louisiana law (R.S. 47:633). The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 555 defines financial exploitation of vulnerable adults (such as elderly individuals) as scams, fraud, impersonation of officials, or deceptive schemes that cause them to transfer money to strangers. It requires banks to delay suspicious transactions for up to 15 business days, extendable to 25 days if a covered agency requests an extension. This gives time to investigate potential scams before funds are transferred, directly affecting banks and vulnerable adults targeted by financial fraud.
Maddy summaryHB 595 transfers exclusive authority over natural resource development permits from local governments to the state department. It prohibits parishes, cities, and other local entities from requiring permits or enacting ordinances that could delay or block state-led development of resources like oil, gas, or minerals. The bill specifically states that no local government may impose permitting requirements related to natural resources, shifting all regulatory control to the state. This directly affects local governments and developers who previously navigated local permitting processes. The law aims to streamline state oversight for resource projects by eliminating overlapping local requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of devices used to program or emulate motor vehicle keys and relay attack devices, which intercept key fob signals to unlock or start cars. The law applies to individuals and businesses but includes exceptions for law enforcement, insurance investigators, licensed automotive professionals, locksmiths, and repossession agencies. Authorized users must report lost or stolen devices to law enforcement within 48 hours, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in prison. The legislation aims to prevent unauthorized access to vehicles while allowing legitimate professionals to continue their work.
Maddy summaryHB 354 renames the Magnolia Bridge (on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes) as the "Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, with costs covered by local or private funds not exceeding $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or services.