Rep. Bryan Fontenot

Maddy summaryHB 53 adds seven specific gambling-related crimes to Louisiana’s list of offenses that can serve as the basis for racketeering charges. It includes violations like operating illegal gambling games (R.S. 14:90), gambling in public (R.S. 14:90.2), computer gambling (R.S. 14:90.3), and bribery of sports participants (R.S. 14:118.1). Prosecutors can now use these gambling crimes as "predicate offenses" to build racketeering cases under Louisiana’s racketeering statute. The bill does not change the gambling laws themselves but expands how gambling violations can be prosecuted under broader organized crime statutes.

Maddy summarySB 244 would establish a new recreational alligator hunting season in Louisiana, separate from existing commercial hunting. It requires hunters to obtain a special alligator hunting license and recreational harvest tags issued by the Louisiana Wildlife Commission, and prohibits hunting outside designated seasons, without proper licenses/tags, or using illegal methods. The bill allows the Commission to set specific seasons, harvest quotas, residency rules, and permitted hunting hours by geographic area. Violations would be classified as a class three violation, with penalties specified in the bill. This directly affects Louisiana residents and visitors seeking to hunt alligators recreationally under new rules.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 4) suspends Louisiana’s rules restricting supplemental feeding and baiting for deer hunting in chronic wasting disease (CWD) control areas for 18 months. It directly affects hunters, landowners, and local businesses in CWD zones by temporarily lifting bans on baiting and feeding practices that were previously prohibited in "Enhanced Mitigation Zones" and restricted in "Buffer Zones." The suspension aims to support traditional hunting methods and reduce economic impacts on rural communities while allowing further study of CWD management. The resolution requires the state register to publish a summary of this change in the Louisiana Register.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as Louisiana Automobile Dealer Day at the state capitol. It formally acknowledges the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association and its members for their economic impact and service to the state. The measure does not alter existing laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic recognition of the industry's contributions to employment and tax revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal request from the Louisiana House of Representatives asking the U.S. Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to show identification at federal election polling places. The resolution argues that voter ID laws help prevent fraud and increase public trust in elections, noting that 36 states already have similar requirements. It does not directly change any laws or affect voters immediately, but rather serves as a non-binding recommendation to federal lawmakers. The bill is a procedural measure expressing support for election integrity rather than implementing specific policy changes itself.

Maddy summaryHB 400 requires all bond and tax elections (where voters decide on local funding proposals) to be held only on specific fall election dates established by Louisiana law, rather than on other available dates. This directly affects local governments and school districts that hold such elections, as they must now schedule them exclusively on the designated fall dates. The bill modifies existing law to eliminate flexibility for holding these elections outside the standard fall schedule, with a narrow exception for parcel fee elections in certain security districts within large municipalities. It will take effect on January 1, 2028, contingent on approval of a related constitutional amendment in a statewide vote.

Maddy summaryHB 393 proposes a constitutional amendment to change when local Louisiana governments can hold bond and tax elections. It would require such elections to occur only during statewide congressional or gubernatorial elections (or during a calendar year with no such election, using New Orleans' scheduled election instead). This directly affects all parishes and municipalities needing voter approval for local debt or taxes, preventing separate "special" elections. The amendment must be approved by voters in November 2026 and take effect January 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Allyce Trapp Alexander, a governmental affairs professional who passed away on September 27, 2025. The resolution acknowledges her life as a native of Houma, her education at Louisiana State University, her career as a governmental affairs coordinator, and her personal qualities that endeared her to colleagues and friends. It formally extends wishes for comfort to her surviving family, including her husband Wilson Alexander, parents, brother, and extended relatives. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official statement of respect and remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 873 adds a $2 supplemental fee to certain Louisiana driver's license applications and renewals (including Class D, E, and commercial licenses) to create the "Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund." The funds will provide grants to law enforcement agencies for pursuit intervention technology - such as GPS projectiles, tire deflation devices, and vehicle-tethering systems - and for training on their safe use. This affects all drivers obtaining or renewing eligible licenses statewide, with the fee appearing on standard license transactions. The bill does not change existing license costs but directs specific portions of fees toward this new safety fund.

Maddy summaryHB 235 allows property owners to install and operate their own individual sewage treatment systems on their land without being required to connect to a municipal sewer system, unless the municipal system is owned by a city, parish, or local government. This directly affects homeowners and property owners in areas without accessible municipal sewer service, particularly in rural or unincorporated regions. The bill defines an "individual sewerage system" as one treating sewage on the property where it originates, contrasting with a "community system" serving multiple properties. It removes the obligation to connect to public infrastructure when individual systems are feasible, providing more local control over wastewater management. The law takes effect upon the governor’s signature or after the legislative session if not vetoed.