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.
Sponsored bills
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 851 prohibits intentional releases of 12 or more balloons at a single event, imposing fines similar to other littering violations. It specifically exempts balloon releases by people under 17, biodegradable balloons, indoor releases, scientific/weather balloons (by agencies/institutions), and balloons with tracking devices. The law applies to event organizers planning such releases but does not affect typical balloon use or accidental releases. This amendment to Louisiana's littering statute clarifies penalties for mass balloon releases while allowing for common exceptions.
Maddy summaryHB 801 creates a "Classic Black" specialty license plate for Louisiana motor vehicles, available to any Louisiana resident who applies for it. The plate features a black background with white numbers and "LOUISIANA" at the top, and requires a $25 annual fee (plus $3.50 handling) on top of standard license taxes. All fees collected will fund emergency vehicle operations training for local governments at the Donald J. Thibodeaux Training Center in Holden. The plate is restricted to passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and vans, but requires at least 1,000 applicants before issuance.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Louisiana Highway 526 as the "Hayden Lane Mangum Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation achieves this by officially adding the name "Hayden" to the existing title of the roadway in the state's legal records. It directly affects the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, which will use the new designation for official signage and mapping. The bill contains no changes to traffic laws, funding, or road construction requirements, serving solely as a commemorative measure.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish as the "Desert Shield-Desert Storm Memorial Highway" to honor military service. The designated section runs from the intersection of Highway 723 and Wyman Road to the intersection with Destination Pointe Lane. The Department of Transportation and Development must install and maintain appropriate signage for this designation, but only if local or private funding covers the costs, with a maximum of $750 per sign. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change affecting transportation rules or funding.
Maddy summarySB 104 designates a specific segment of Louisiana Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish (from the intersection with Highway 78 to the Pointe Coupee Parish line) as the "Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway" to honor the renowned author. The bill requires the state transportation department to install signage only if local or private funds cover the costs (capped at $750 per sign for materials and installation). This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting the designated highway corridor and its signage. The bill is currently in the prefiling stage and has not yet been voted on.
Maddy summaryHB 891 creates three new special license plates in Louisiana: "Louisiana Quail Forever," "Ducks Unlimited," and "Conserve Louisiana." Vehicle owners who purchase these plates pay additional fees ($26 for Quail, $50 for Ducks, $50 for Conserve Louisiana) beyond standard registration costs. The base fees fund the state's Conservation Fund for specific wildlife habitats (quail or waterfowl), while annual royalty fees ($50 each) go directly to the respective conservation organizations (Quail Forever or Ducks Unlimited) to support their habitat work. The "Conserve Louisiana" plate requires 1,000 applicants before issuance and directs all fees to the Conservation Fund for general wildlife conservation efforts.
Maddy summaryHB 841 establishes new rules for property takings (expropriation) in Louisiana, primarily affecting landowners and pipeline companies with expropriation authority. It requires pipeline operators to provide detailed written notices to landowners before seeking property, conduct appraisals by disinterested third parties, and engage in at least five in-person negotiation meetings. The bill mandates a 30-day response period for landowners to review offers and contest takings on grounds like lack of good-faith negotiation or procedural violations. It also shifts court costs to the expropriating authority (not landowners) and empowers the Department of Conservation and Energy to revoke certificates for noncompliance.
Maddy summaryHB 13 modifies how the Louisiana State Police Retirement System manages pension costs by changing amortization periods for past and future underpayments. It shortens the timeframe for spreading out payments from 30 years to 20 or 15 years under certain conditions (e.g., when the system reaches 70% funding or for specific valuation years). The bill also establishes a new "AFC rate" starting at 0% for benefit increases, with potential increases up to 2.5% if employer contributions decrease, and sets a minimum employer contribution rate starting in 2027-2028. These changes directly affect the state’s budget for the State Police Retirement System and the future retirement benefits of state police officers.