Rep. Joe Orgeron

Maddy summaryHB 604 would establish a voluntary tag program allowing recreational anglers to purchase a $25 tag (in addition to regular fishing fees) to legally harvest red drum (a type of fish) exceeding 27 inches in length. The program would be managed by Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, with tag availability and fees adjusted based on fish population health in specific areas. Proceeds from the $25 tag fee would cover program administration and fund the Marine Finfish Stock Enhancement Fund, which supports fish population conservation. The bill is currently pending review by the Natural Resources and Environment Committee and has not yet been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school boards to hire chaplains as paid employees or accept their services as volunteers within school settings. The legislation directly impacts school districts by giving them the authority to bring religious leaders onto campus to serve the community. It does not mandate the presence of chaplains but rather establishes the legal framework for schools to choose whether to utilize this support. The measure focuses on administrative permission rather than changing curriculum or student activities.

Maddy summaryHB 467 is a procedural bill that amends the state code to update references regarding the sale of raw milk and commercial animal feeds. The legislation modifies existing sections to include new requirements for monthly salmonella testing, record-keeping, and labeling standards for raw milk producers. It also grants the commissioner of agriculture the authority to temporarily suspend the sale of raw milk if it poses an immediate health threat, while allowing legislative committees to review and override such suspensions. Because the bill text indicates no impact on current laws and primarily serves to align statutory references, it functions as a technical update rather than introducing new substantive policy.

Maddy summaryHB 847 establishes the Marine Finfish Stock Enhancement Fund to support the restoration and growth of marine fish populations. The bill authorizes the use of money within this specific account for projects aimed at improving finfish stocks, directly affecting state fisheries management and conservation efforts. A minor amendment clarifies that the funds must be drawn from "this account" rather than any general pool of funds, ensuring the money is used strictly for its designated purpose. This legislation creates a dedicated financial mechanism for marine conservation without altering existing fishing regulations or rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law regarding carbon dioxide sequestration on state lands and water bottoms in Louisiana. Its primary function is to add the word "Louisiana" to several sections of the original text to ensure the legislation applies specifically to that state. The bill does not introduce new policies or funding mechanisms but rather clarifies the geographic scope of current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a licensing requirement for wholesale and retail seafood dealers in the state. It creates an exemption from this license for restaurants and retail grocers that only buy seafood from licensed dealers and sell it fully prepared for immediate consumption. The legislation sets the annual license fee at three hundred dollars and mandates that all licensed dealers maintain specific records.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a previous resolution regarding the use of funds generated from alternative energy production in Louisiana's coastal zone. The specific change directs that $300 be allocated from these funds, replacing a previously blank amount. This adjustment affects the financial management of coastal energy projects by specifying a fixed sum for distribution. The measure does not create new programs but rather clarifies the exact dollar amount available for disposition under the existing framework.

Maddy summaryHB 525 amends the rules for billing by the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to allow customers to opt out of a fixed billing program. Under this change, customers will not be automatically placed on a fixed plan unless they specifically choose to enroll in one. The bill gives residents more control over how their water and sewerage charges are calculated, ensuring they are not forced into a set payment schedule without their consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Sexual Assault Survivor's Bill of Rights for licensed hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana, ensuring that survivors can choose whether to report an assault to law enforcement without losing access to medical care or evidence collection. It mandates that all survivors receive timely, private examinations and treatment by qualified providers, with the option to have an advocate present during forensic exams. The legislation also outlines specific procedures for collecting and preserving evidence, including a requirement that unreported evidence be stored securely for at least one year and transferred to law enforcement within seventy-two hours if the facility can maintain proper chain of custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws regarding financial transactions at firearms and ammunition retailers by clarifying that payment card networks are not considered financial institutions under current regulations. It also updates enforcement procedures to allow district attorneys to act alongside the attorney general in investigating violations and handling related fees and costs. Additionally, the legislation specifies that notices sent to retailers must be written and delivered within thirty business days to ensure clear communication. These changes aim to refine how financial rules apply to gun stores and how authorities enforce compliance with state laws.