Rep. Jerome Zeringue

Maddy summaryHB 238 creates new tax deductions for Louisiana taxpayers covering education expenses: full tuition deductions for private school (up to $6,000 per child), 50% deductions for home-schooling costs (up to $6,000 per child), and 50% deductions for certain public school expenses (up to $6,000 per child). It directly affects parents who claim children as dependents on federal tax returns and pay for qualifying education. The bill also requires child welfare agencies to annually report adoption details and foster care organization information to the tax department. All deductions are capped at $6,000 per child and tied to federal dependency claims.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 280) requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study whether digital products (like apps or software) should be covered under Louisiana’s Products Liability Act, which currently applies to physical products. It asks the Institute to recommend to the legislature by February 2026 whether digital product designers and manufacturers should face the same safety standards as makers of physical products. The study aims to address legal gaps highlighted by recent court cases involving digital platforms and clarify liability for digital products in Louisiana. This resolution does not change existing law but seeks to inform future policy decisions. It directly affects digital product companies operating in Louisiana by potentially subjecting them to new liability standards.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges Louisiana to strengthen its participation in the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan, which aims to reduce low-oxygen zones (hypoxia) in the Gulf of Mexico. It specifically recommends that the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities lead state representation on the national task force, the Office of Soil and Water Conservation co-chair the state nutrient reduction team, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries join as a full partner. The resolution also requires annual reports to legislative committees and public meetings about Louisiana’s progress toward the plan’s 2035 goals.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution urges the EPA to fast-track testing and approval of a feral hog toxicant developed by LSU AgCenter. It specifically requests the EPA use an existing exemption (Limited Replicated Field Trials) to bypass the typical 10-year review process, directly affecting Louisiana agriculture which faces over $90 million in annual damages from feral hogs. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks federal agencies to expedite safety testing for a sodium nitrite-based solution to address the invasive species threat.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a ceremonial resolution commending Danielle Baker, executive director of the Acadiana Delegation in the Louisiana Legislature, for receiving the 2025 Legislative Staff Achievement Award from the Leadership Staff Professional Association (LSPA) of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution recognizes her 15+ years of service, professional contributions to legislative staff organizations, and peer-selected award for outstanding public service. It expresses the Louisiana Legislature's gratitude for her "steadfast commitment to excellence" and "strong work ethic." As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to formally honor Ms. Baker's professional achievements.

Maddy summaryThis is a Louisiana state resolution (not a federal bill), memorializing Congress to take specific actions regarding flood insurance. It requests Congress pass three proposed bills: the Flood Insurance Affordability Act (capping annual premium increases at 9%), the Risk Rating 2.0 Transparency Act (requiring FEMA to publish pricing data), and the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act (providing a 33% tax credit for low/middle-income households). The resolution aims to end FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, which homeowners in Louisiana coastal parishes and across the U.S. claim has caused significant premium hikes despite mitigation efforts. It directly affects homeowners facing unaffordable flood insurance costs under the current system.

Maddy summaryHCR 13 is a resolution requesting the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule Louisiana State University (LSU) football games after 6:00 p.m. during September. It aims to address health and safety concerns related to extreme heat, citing heat index levels above 100°F and documented heat-related incidents at a September 2024 day game. The bill directly affects LSU football scheduling and seeks to protect players, coaches, staff, and fans by moving games to cooler evening hours. The resolution urges the SEC to implement this change but does not create a legal requirement. It is a non-binding request, not a law.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires online platforms to exercise a duty of care when entering binding contracts with minors. This means platforms must take reasonable steps to protect minors during these agreements, such as ensuring terms are understandable and avoiding exploitative practices. The bill directly affects companies offering digital services, apps, or content that contract with users under 18. It recently passed a committee with amendments (11-0) and now has an effective date set for June 1, 2026, after a deadline change from March 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 247 is a resolution directing Louisiana's Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs to study two existing programs supporting veterans in the criminal justice system: the Veterans Court Program Treatment Act and the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program. The committee must evaluate these programs to recommend potential revisions that better assist veterans with co-occurring mental health, substance use, and criminal justice challenges. The resolution requires the committee to submit a report to the House Judiciary Committee by March 9, 2026. This is a procedural step focused on program review, not new legislation.

Maddy summaryHR 296 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Louisiana's House of Representatives to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. It formally recognizes Louisiana's historical Irish cultural ties, including the 1806 St. Patrick's Day celebration in New Orleans and Irish immigrants' role in building the New Basin Canal (1832-1838). The resolution also acknowledges the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, which fosters U.S.-Ireland relations. As a non-binding commemoration, it does not create new policies or affect any specific group legally.