Rep. Joe Orgeron

Maddy summaryHB 855 requires commercial fishing vessels using purse seines in Louisiana's saltwater areas to operate only in waters with a minimum depth of 22 feet. This rule directly affects commercial fishermen who use purse seines for catching fish like menhaden or tuna in coastal waters. The key provision amends Louisiana law to prohibit purse seine use in shallower waters, aiming to protect marine habitats or species in shallow zones. The bill does not specify enforcement details or exemptions beyond the depth requirement.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Sophia Patout and Layla Porter for winning a national Future Farmers of America award for their Coastal Restoration Heroes program. The two students from St. Amant High School led an initiative that planted over 6,000 native plants to stabilize shorelines and protect approximately 18 acres of salt marsh on West Grand Terre Island. The document recognizes their work in mobilizing student volunteers and partnering with restoration organizations to combat coastal land loss in Louisiana. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law that changes policy or creates new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Leroy Cavalier, a longtime Capitol Security Specialist who passed away on December 19, 2025. The resolution acknowledges Cavalier's service as a security specialist at the northeast bollards station and his contributions to the Capitol Security Office before his passing. It formally offers appreciation for his dedicated service and extends wishes for comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses condolences for the death of Joe R. Salter, a former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and officially recognizes his contributions to the state. It acknowledges his long public service career, including his role as Speaker during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and his subsequent work in various state government positions. The document records his notable accomplishments for posterity and extends appreciation to his family and the Louisiana community he served.

Maddy summaryHB 770 reduces the maximum term for oyster leases on Louisiana state waters from 15 years to a shorter duration. It applies only to new leases and renewals executed after the law's effective date, not to existing leases. Leaseholders would need to renew their leases more frequently under this change. The bill maintains renewal rights but shortens each lease period, with resurvey requirements for lease configuration changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 520 creates special license plates for antique motor vehicles (defined as 35 years or older) and modifies related rules. It requires owners to submit a notarized affidavit confirming the vehicle has not been materially altered and limits use to special occasions like exhibitions or parades - excluding regular daily driving. The bill increases the fee for these special plates while establishing new requirements for issuance through local licensing bureaus. It directly affects owners of qualifying antique vehicles seeking these specialized plates. The law does not change sales tax on vehicles but adjusts fees and usage rules for antique plate holders.

Maddy summarySB 28 creates an income tax credit for homeowners who install fortified roofs meeting specific safety standards. Taxpayers directly affected are those paying for qualifying roof installations on their primary residence. The bill requires applicants to submit a certificate from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) verifying compliance with fortified roof building standards to claim the credit. This credit aims to incentivize safer roofing practices through a state tax benefit, with the IBHS serving as the designated certification body.

Maddy summaryHB 319 amends Louisiana law to rename the "Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area" as the "Atchafalaya Trace National Heritage Area" and expands its geographic scope to include Lafourche Parish. The bill increases the Atchafalaya Trace Commission's membership from 14 to 15 members, requiring each covered parish to appoint one member. It mandates the commission to develop a management plan - including a feasibility study, resource inventory, and interpretation strategy - to seek federal recognition as a National Heritage Area and coordinate preservation efforts across 15 parishes. This directly affects local governments, tourism agencies, and communities within the expanded heritage area by establishing a formal framework for managing cultural, historic, and natural resources.