Rep. Bryan Fontenot

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives for the tragic deaths of eight young children in Shreveport. It formally acknowledges the loss of Mar'Kaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, Braylon Snow, Layla Pugh, Kayla Pugh, Shayla Elkins, and Jayla Elkins, who were all students at various local schools. The text describes each child briefly by name, age, and school, and concludes by offering comfort to their families and friends.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Paul Hollis, the director of the United States Mint, for his return visit to the Louisiana House of Representatives. The measure expresses gratitude for his past service as a state representative and his current role as the first Louisianian to lead the Mint. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of appreciation for his contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 521 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's property tax system, allowing local taxing authorities (like parishes or municipalities) to adjust property tax rates to the maximum authorized rate from a prior reassessment without requiring new voter approval. The key mechanism permits these authorities to increase rates to the previous year's maximum level using a two-thirds vote of the governing body, after holding a public hearing with proper notice. This change would take effect January 1, 2027, and applies to all property tax collections starting that date. The bill does not change current tax rates but modifies the process for adjusting them, requiring transparency through public hearings while removing the need for separate voter referendums for these adjustments.

Maddy summaryHB 175 creates a new instant lottery game in Louisiana, with all proceeds dedicated to veteran programs. It establishes the Veterans Game Board (comprising state agency leaders and veteran organization representatives) to manage the "Veterans Game Fund," which receives all revenue from this specific game. The board distributes one-time grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants like 501(c)(3) veteran service organizations, colleges, JROTC programs, or veterans courts that improve veterans' lives. Unused funds are returned to the state treasury annually. This bill directly affects Louisiana veterans by channeling new lottery revenue into targeted support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 68 adds a specific offense to Louisiana's disturbing the peace law, prohibiting the interruption of worship services or religious ceremonies at churches or other places of worship. The bill defines this conduct as disturbing the peace, with penalties including fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both, and requires at least 15 days of the sentence to be served without probation. This law directly affects individuals who disrupt religious gatherings, making such interruptions a criminal offense. The bill does not change existing penalties for other disturbing the peace violations but specifically targets disruptions at religious sites.

Maddy summaryHB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.

Maddy summaryHB 661 allows Louisiana school boards to hire immediate family members of board members or superintendents as paraprofessionals or custodians, provided the family member meets the standard job requirements for those roles. The bill requires school board members or superintendents with family members in these positions to recuse themselves from decisions about that employee’s promotion or assignment. It directly affects school boards, superintendents, and their immediate family members seeking these specific school support roles. The law modifies existing ethics rules to create this limited exception while maintaining oversight through recusal. This is a policy change to school hiring practices, not a broader legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the entire length of Interstate 49 in Louisiana (from its intersection with I-10 in Lafayette Parish northward) as the "Senator J. Bennett Johnston Jr. Memorial Highway." It requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation only if local or private funds cover the department's actual costs for materials and installation, up to $2,250 per sign. The bill directly affects the highway corridor and its signage, with no financial burden on the state. It is a procedural naming measure with no substantive policy changes beyond the highway designation and signage cost rules.

Maddy summaryHB 756 amends Louisiana's watercraft operation rules to clarify right-of-way procedures, collision reporting requirements, and enforcement protocols for all vessel operators. It specifies that motorboats must yield to sailboats, vessels approaching docks must give way, and operators must report collisions causing death, injury, or property damage exceeding $500 within five days. The bill also defines "boating incidents" and requires registered boat owners to report thefts to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries within five days. These changes directly affect all recreational and commercial vessel operators navigating Louisiana waterways.

Maddy summaryHB 346 renames a specific section of U.S. Highway 171 in Florien, Louisiana (from Louisiana Highway 118 to Sandra Lane) as the "Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway." The bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage for this redesignation, provided local or private funds cover the department's actual costs (up to $750 per sign). This is a procedural naming bill with no substantive policy changes affecting residents, programs, or funding. It solely honors Speaker Joe Salter through a highway designation.