Maddy summaryHB 940 authorizes the state to issue bonds to fund deferred maintenance projects for colleges and universities under an existing capital improvement program. The bill allows the Office of Facility Planning and Control to retain up to one percent of project costs for administrative expenses and permits university boards to approve smaller projects under one million dollars if they determine it is cost-efficient. It also updates the maximum funding limit for these projects from one hundred eighty-one million dollars to two billion dollars and clarifies the timeline for legislative approval. These changes directly affect state higher education institutions by providing a financial mechanism to address necessary repairs and upgrades.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the age eligibility requirements for the M.J. Foster Promise Program, a Louisiana initiative that provides tuition assistance to low-income students. Instead of requiring applicants to be at least 21 years old, the legislation introduces a gradual phase-in process that lowers the minimum age over four years. Starting with the 2024-2025 academic year, the age requirement will drop to 20 and continue decreasing annually until it reaches 17 for all subsequent years. These changes directly affect high school graduates and current students seeking to enroll in the program under new, more accessible age criteria.
Maddy summaryHB 700 is a procedural amendment that modifies the text of a separate broadband infrastructure bill by adding the word "Investment" to its title. It does not create new laws or change policy but instead updates the official name of the legislation to reflect a specific focus on investment. This change was made during the legislative process to ensure the bill's title accurately describes its content before it moves forward for final approval.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of imported seafood in food served at schools. It directly affects school food programs by restricting the types of seafood that can be purchased and served to students. The key provision requires that any seafood served in schools must be sourced from within Louisiana rather than from other countries. This change aims to support local fisheries and ensure that school meals rely on domestic seafood products.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specialty license plate for vehicles in Jefferson Parish to commemorate the area's bicentennial. The plate will be available to any vehicle owner in the parish who wishes to display it on their car. The legislation authorizes the state's governing authority to design and issue these plates, while removing a specific reference to the government in the text. This change is administrative and does not alter existing laws regarding vehicle registration or traffic.
Maddy summaryHB 608 proposes the Women's Safety and Protection Act, a legislative measure designed to enhance safety protections for women in Louisiana. The bill includes several amendments that refine legal definitions and procedures, such as clarifying references to correctional facilities and adjusting administrative process terminology. By making these specific textual changes, the legislation aims to update existing civil law frameworks to better address women's safety concerns.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for strengthening the state's partnership with Taiwan and expanding Taiwan's participation in international organizations. The bill specifically endorses efforts to deepen trade ties, encourages collaboration through the National Guard's State Partnership Program, and celebrates the anniversaries of the Taiwan Relations Act and the sister-state relationship between Louisiana and Taiwan. As a non-binding statement of intent, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies but serves to formally acknowledge the value of these diplomatic and economic connections.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specialty license plate in Louisiana featuring the text "LSU Baseball National Champions." The legislation directs the Department of Public Safety to design and sell these plates, which will be available to any vehicle owner in the state. By adding this new option to the list of approved specialty plates, the bill allows drivers to display their support for the LSU baseball team on their vehicles. The text of the law is updated to include this specific plate design within the existing regulations governing vehicle license plates.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules for hiring police officers in Morgan City, Louisiana, by changing how candidates are selected for open positions. Instead of automatically choosing the top three candidates on the promotional list, the appointing official must now select someone from the top three based on their years of seniority within the department. This change directly affects the city's police department and the individuals on the certified list of eligible candidates. The legislation ensures that experience within the department is a primary factor when filling vacancies that cannot be filled by reinstatement or reemployment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public and approved nonpublic secondary school in Louisiana to print the number "988" on the back of all student identification cards. The measure also mandates that schools post the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number on their websites to ensure easy access to help. Effective July 1, 2024, the law aims to make suicide prevention resources more visible to students and staff.