Rep. Beth Billings

Maddy summaryHCR 17 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Louisiana Housing Corporation to study how its resources are allocated for financing housing development in rural Louisiana. The study must examine current funding distribution, identify challenges like substandard housing and higher costs in rural areas, and report findings to the legislature by March 15, 2026. This procedural bill does not change funding rules but seeks data to inform future decisions on rural housing needs. It directly affects the Louisiana Housing Corporation, which must conduct and submit the study.

Maddy summaryHR 279 is a non-binding resolution condemning the June 1, 2025, antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado. It formally expresses legislative disapproval of the incident and the use of improvised incendiary weapons during the attack, as clarified by an amendment correcting the bill’s description of the weapon. The resolution directly addresses the public and lawmakers, emphasizing unity against antisemitism. It does not create new laws or affect specific individuals or groups. This is a procedural statement, not a policy change, with no financial or regulatory impact.

Maddy summarySCR 62 creates a statewide task force to study and recommend solutions for property blight, defined as dilapidated buildings and overgrown lots. The task force, including mayors, local government leaders, and agency representatives, must develop a strategic plan using data-driven approaches and propose specific legislation by March 2026. It will review past efforts like the Urban Land-Banking Law and focus on place-based revitalization to address blight across Louisiana. The task force’s recommendations will inform future local and state efforts to improve affected neighborhoods.

Maddy summaryHB 268 amends outdated legal terminology in Louisiana law regarding pornography involving juveniles, specifically correcting references from "Articles" to "Sections" in two code sections (R.S. 14:81.1 and 14:648(B)(3)(i)). The bill does not change legal definitions, penalties, or protections; it only updates how these provisions are cited in legal documents. This technical correction directly affects court records, legal filings, and law enforcement documentation referencing these specific statutes. The changes streamline legal references without altering the underlying criminal law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Louisiana State University School of Health Sciences to study connections between environmental risks (like pollution or chemical exposures) and maternal health outcomes. It directs LSU to identify high-risk areas, health disparities, and monitoring gaps, with findings due to legislative committees by July 1, 2026. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to fill knowledge gaps in Louisiana’s limited research on environmental impacts on pregnancy and infant health.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a ceremonial resolution commending Danielle Baker, executive director of the Acadiana Delegation in the Louisiana Legislature, for receiving the 2025 Legislative Staff Achievement Award from the Leadership Staff Professional Association (LSPA) of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution recognizes her 15+ years of service, professional contributions to legislative staff organizations, and peer-selected award for outstanding public service. It expresses the Louisiana Legislature's gratitude for her "steadfast commitment to excellence" and "strong work ethic." As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to formally honor Ms. Baker's professional achievements.

Maddy summaryThis is a Louisiana state resolution (not a federal bill), memorializing Congress to take specific actions regarding flood insurance. It requests Congress pass three proposed bills: the Flood Insurance Affordability Act (capping annual premium increases at 9%), the Risk Rating 2.0 Transparency Act (requiring FEMA to publish pricing data), and the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act (providing a 33% tax credit for low/middle-income households). The resolution aims to end FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, which homeowners in Louisiana coastal parishes and across the U.S. claim has caused significant premium hikes despite mitigation efforts. It directly affects homeowners facing unaffordable flood insurance costs under the current system.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 31) requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to avoid scheduling games during Easter weekend (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday). It directly addresses the LHSAA, asking them to pause athletic events to allow student athletes and families time for religious observance of the Lenten season's end. The resolution cites that families in Louisiana often observe these days and that athletes deserve uninterrupted family time without choosing between sports and religious traditions. It is a non-binding request, not a law, and does not require the LHSAA to comply.

Maddy summaryHB 695 would require Louisiana businesses to accept gold or silver coins, bullion, or a gold-backed debit card (which converts stored gold into cash) as legal tender for transactions. This directly affects residents and businesses in Louisiana by expanding the forms of payment they must accept, beyond traditional currency. The bill’s key mechanism explicitly lists government-issued gold/silver coins and bullion as valid tender, while introducing a new "gold-backed debit instrument" for converting stored gold into fiat currency. The bill passed the Louisiana House on May 22, 2025, and is now pending in the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires online platforms to exercise a duty of care when entering binding contracts with minors. This means platforms must take reasonable steps to protect minors during these agreements, such as ensuring terms are understandable and avoiding exploitative practices. The bill directly affects companies offering digital services, apps, or content that contract with users under 18. It recently passed a committee with amendments (11-0) and now has an effective date set for June 1, 2026, after a deadline change from March 1, 2026.