Rep. Joe Orgeron

Maddy summaryHB 782 regulates vapor products and alternative nicotine products in Louisiana by establishing new definitions, increasing permit fees, and adding enforcement mechanisms. It requires retail businesses selling these products to obtain permits (increasing annual fees from $25 to $100 for retailers), mandates wholesale dealers to verify retailers have valid permits, and prohibits remote sales. Violations can result in fines up to $4,000 for repeat offenses, and unpermitted products may be seized and forfeited. The bill directly affects retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers operating in this market within Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 688 adds Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) to Louisiana's official definition of saltwater game fish under state law. This technical amendment updates the list of species classified as "game fish" for regulatory purposes, directly affecting Louisiana's fisheries management and enforcement under R.S. 56:8(70)(b). The bill does not create new fishing rules or restrictions but clarifies which species are included in existing game fish regulations. It affects how Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries administers saltwater fishing laws, ensuring Atlantic tarpon is formally recognized alongside species like red drum and marlin. The change takes effect upon the governor's signature or legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes geothermal energy as a strategic opportunity for Louisiana, leveraging the state's existing oil and gas expertise to develop this resource. It highlights how the state's workforce, deep well inventory, and infrastructure can support geothermal projects for electricity, industrial heat, and cooling while enhancing energy security. The bill urges state agencies to address current legal and regulatory barriers to make geothermal projects easier to permit, finance, and replicate. While it does not change specific laws immediately, it establishes a policy commitment to create the enabling framework needed for future geothermal development.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow special permits for certain fishing tournaments to catch red drum over the standard 27-inch size limit. It requires tournaments to have been held for at least five years, include a "bull red" category historically, and last no more than four days annually. The permits would apply only to registered participants in qualifying events, not general recreational fishing. This change directly affects tournament organizers and participants, while maintaining existing size limits for all other fishing activities. The policy modifies current regulations to preserve established tournaments without altering overall stock recovery goals.

Maddy summaryHB 886 requires commercial menhaden fishing operations to submit harvest data to Louisiana's legislature. It removes confidentiality for these reports when received by a legislative committee, overriding existing privacy rules. This means committee members and the public can access the data, which tracks commercial fishing activity. The bill directly affects commercial menhaden fishermen and legislative committees handling the data. It changes how fishing data is shared with lawmakers but does not alter fishing practices or quotas.

Maddy summaryHB 503 authorizes utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to operate on the shoulders of public roads and streets in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, specifically on roads with a 30 mph speed limit or lower (excluding Louisiana Highway 3235). The bill requires Golden Meadow’s town officials to adopt an ordinance permitting UTVs on shoulders, with conditions they may impose, and mandates UTV owners to be properly licensed, carry insurance, and register their vehicles with the town. Registration fees collected will go to the municipal general fund, and the law explicitly excludes golf carts and vehicles for disabled persons from this UTV definition. This bill directly affects UTV owners and operators within Golden Meadow’s municipal boundaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Federal Emergency Management Agency to update how often it reviews flood maps in Louisiana. It specifically urges FEMA to consider the state's recent investments in levees and other flood protection measures when calculating flood risks under its new Risk Rating 2.0 system. The goal is to ensure that these improvements are recognized, which could lead to fairer flood insurance rates for residents and businesses in the area.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the U.S. Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which would directly benefit Louisiana's commercial fishing and seafood processing industries. The proposed act would allow fishermen and processors to access USDA loans and grants currently reserved for farming, enabling them to buy vessels, upgrade facilities, and cover operating costs. It also expands USDA programs to include wild-caught fish and supports businesses that provide services to the fishing industry. As a memorial resolution, this document serves as a formal request from the Louisiana Legislature rather than enacting the policy changes itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal request from the Louisiana legislature to the U.S. Congress and federal health agencies to speed up research and clinical trials for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It does not create new laws or change funding directly but instead asks federal officials to prioritize efforts to develop better treatments for this aggressive blood cancer. The resolution also names these proposed research efforts the "Jonas A. Feeley Act" to honor a recent victim of the disease. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture to advocate for increased federal attention on improving survival rates for patients with this condition.

Maddy summaryHB 74 proposes creating a "Spectrum Alert" system in Louisiana to assist law enforcement in locating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who go missing. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to develop a public notification system that verifies a child’s missing status, issues community alerts via text/email/flyers, and coordinates with private entities. It also mandates specialized training for officers on ASD responses and de-escalation tactics, while granting legal immunity to participating law enforcement, broadcasters, and others. The bill directly affects children with ASD, their families, and law enforcement agencies across Louisiana.