Rep. Bryan Fontenot

Maddy summaryThis bill allows courts to order restitution payments to the minor children of victims in vehicular homicide cases, ensuring financial support until the child turns eighteen. It establishes that restitution amounts should be calculated based on the deceased parent's lost income using existing state guidelines. The law also outlines how payments will be enforced, including provisions for defendants released from prison or placed in work release programs to begin payments within one year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that any civil judgment against the offender can include these restitution deductions and permits indigent defendants to enter payment plans.

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 560 amends Louisiana law to update the stated purpose of hospital service districts. It adds a specific objective requiring these districts and their governing boards to cooperate with other public and private healthcare facilities serving district residents. This change clarifies that district boards must work with hospitals and health agencies to provide services. The bill directly affects hospital service districts and their governing bodies across Louisiana. The amendment is procedural and does not create new funding or mandates.

Maddy summaryHB 522 expands arrest and firearm authority for fire investigators in Louisiana. It grants the state fire marshal, deputies, certified local arson investigators, and municipal arson investigators the power to arrest individuals suspected of violating specific fire-related crimes (like arson, insurance fraud, or false fire alarms) while on duty. The bill requires local investigators to obtain P.O.S.T. certification for firearm carry and arrest powers, with fire department chiefs covering training costs. It also establishes a multi-jurisdictional arson task force under the fire marshal’s authority. This directly affects state and local fire investigation personnel who investigate fire-related offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 928 clarifies enforcement of Louisiana's commercial building codes, primarily affecting commercial property owners, developers, and local governments. It requires the state fire marshal to review building plans within 14 days for structures excluding single-family homes, enforces fire safety and accessibility standards, and mandates that municipalities use certified code enforcement officers or third-party providers. The bill allows the fire marshal to consider economic hardship when enforcing codes and permits alternative construction methods if they meet International Building Code standards. It also repeals outdated provisions and clarifies that fire marshals - not local authorities - handle fire protection, egress, and accessibility rules for commercial properties.

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 summaryThis resolution commends Patricia Lowrey-Dufour upon her retirement as the senior legislative analyst for the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs with House Legislative Services. It formally recognizes her nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Louisiana Legislature, acknowledging her expertise and significant contributions to the institution.

Maddy summaryHB 476 adjusts the annual maximum fee for motor vehicle dealers in Louisiana based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). Starting January 1, 2026, the base fee of $425 will automatically increase each year using the cumulative CPI-U change from 2024, but will not decrease if the CPI falls. The Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission calculates and publishes the adjusted fee by February 1 each year, rounding fees up at 50 cents or more. This bill directly affects licensed motor vehicle dealers by tying their annual fee to inflation.