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.
Sponsored bills
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 185 clarifies the definition of an "independent contractor" under Louisiana's workers' compensation law. It states that independent contractors are generally excluded from workers' comp coverage unless "a substantial part" of their work involves manual labor. The bill specifically excludes trucking-related tasks (like driving, fueling, or connecting trailers) from counting as manual labor. Additionally, it expands coverage to include employees of independent contractors and other contractors working through them. This change directly affects workers and businesses classified as independent contractors in Louisiana.
Maddy summarySB 185 makes it illegal for agreements to prevent child sexual abuse victims from discussing or disclosing their abuse. The bill declares that any nondisclosure agreement involving such victims is unenforceable in court and against public policy. This directly affects victims in Louisiana by removing legal barriers to speaking about their experiences. The law ensures victims cannot be silenced through binding contracts, focusing solely on this specific policy change.
Maddy summarySB 275 requires Louisiana health insurers to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for identical services performed within a CRNA's scope of practice, regardless of billing codes. It also prohibits insurers from denying CRNAs network inclusion solely based on their provider type or licensure. The law applies to new insurance policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, and existing policies must comply by January 1, 2028. This directly affects insurers, CRNAs, and patients seeking anesthesia services covered under these plans.
Maddy summaryHB 294 allows houses of worship (like churches, mosques, and synagogues) to request that disruptive or trespassing individuals leave their premises. If such individuals refuse, authorized staff or security may use reasonable force to remove them, consistent with existing self-defense laws. The law protects these individuals and the religious organization from legal liability when using force that is necessary and proportional to the disruption. This directly affects places of worship and their staff by clarifying their legal authority to maintain order during services or religious activities.
Maddy summaryHB 613 requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections (Motor Vehicles office) to add an eagle symbol on driver's licenses and state ID cards for applicants whose U.S. citizenship has been verified. This applies only to verified citizens and does not change eligibility for licenses. The bill mandates that the eagle symbol be included on all new cards or during future system upgrades if current technology cannot accommodate it. It also requires the agency to create rules for the symbol's design and placement. The bill does not affect non-citizens or change citizenship verification processes.
Maddy summaryHB 315 prohibits employers from including noncompete clauses in contracts or agreements with interns (paid or unpaid) or apprentices. The bill directly affects these workers by preventing employers from restricting them from working in similar jobs after their internship or apprenticeship ends. Key provisions explicitly ban any contract term that restrains an intern or apprentice from engaging in business or employment comparable to their employer’s. This policy change ensures interns and apprentices retain freedom to pursue similar work opportunities without legal restrictions imposed during their training period. The bill aims to protect trainees from unfair limitations on future employment options.
Maddy summaryHB 360 designates a specific segment of Louisiana Highway 41 in Pearl River (from Lock 1 Road to LA 36) as the "Sgt. Michael J. Guillory Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation, provided local or private funds cover the costs (up to $750 per sign). This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting only the named highway segment and its signage. The bill focuses solely on honoring Sgt. Michael J. Guillory through a permanent road designation.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Louisiana Highway 526 as the "Hayden Lane Mangum Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation achieves this by officially adding the name "Hayden" to the existing title of the roadway in the state's legal records. It directly affects the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, which will use the new designation for official signage and mapping. The bill contains no changes to traffic laws, funding, or road construction requirements, serving solely as a commemorative measure.