Maddy summaryHB 60 amends Louisiana law to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to operate and maintain healthcare facilities specifically for war veterans with psychiatric or geriatric conditions, as well as other veterans and nonveterans meeting federal eligibility under Title 38 of the U.S. Code. It defines "war veterans" as those honorably discharged after serving during U.S. wartime periods (including Korean Conflict, Vietnam era, and post-January 1955 service). The bill also expands access to include National Guard or reservists not activated under federal duty (Title 10). This legislation directly affects Louisiana war veterans and eligible nonveterans seeking specialized healthcare services through state-operated facilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 73 amends the payment rate for members of the East Feliciana Parish gas utility district board of commissioners, changing the description from "dollars" to "dollars per day" in the existing law. This technical correction directly affects the commissioners of that specific utility district by clarifying their daily compensation rate. The bill does not alter the actual payment amount or introduce new policy provisions. It is a procedural adjustment to ensure precise language in the statute.
Maddy summaryHCR 37 establishes the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force within the state's higher education system. The task force will develop strategies to prevent hazing at colleges and universities, directly affecting public and private higher education institutions. The resolution names the task force after Caleb Wilson, honoring his memory, though the bill does not detail specific prevention methods or funding mechanisms. This is a procedural resolution creating a new body, not a law imposing new requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 223 increases pay for Louisiana election workers, including polling place commissioners and parish board commissioners who serve during elections. It sets new daily rates: $300 for a polling place supervisor (commissioner-in-charge), $400 for supervisors in multiple precincts, $150 for some certified workers, $250 for others, and $85 for untrained staff. Parish board commissioners will receive $150 for high-turnout elections (with secretary of state approval), $100 for regular elections, and an additional $100 during declared emergencies. The bill also allows for an extra $150 per day for election commissioners during emergencies.
Maddy summarySB 52 exempts grants from Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program from state individual income tax starting January 1, 2025. It directly affects Louisiana homeowners who receive these grants, which are designed to help strengthen homes against storms. The bill adds a specific exclusion to the state's tax code, ensuring these grant amounts are not counted as taxable income when calculating state income tax. This change applies only to grants received on or after the effective date, with no other policy changes described in the bill text.
Maddy summarySB 9 expands restrictions on drone use by adding federal and state military installations and facilities to the list of locations where unmanned aircraft systems (drones) are prohibited. This directly affects drone operators, including hobbyists and commercial users, who would now be barred from flying drones near military bases and related facilities. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these sites in the prohibited zones, updating the legal definition without changing penalty terms. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate and is now moving to the House for further consideration.
Maddy summarySB 22 creates a new criminal offense for stealing critical infrastructure, such as power lines, water systems, or communication networks. It defines this theft as taking or illegally possessing infrastructure valued at $25,000 or more (with harsher penalties for higher value), or where human life is likely threatened. Offenders face fines up to $50,000 or 20 years in prison, plus mandatory restitution to victims. The bill directly affects individuals who steal such infrastructure and the entities (like utility companies) that own it, building on existing theft laws (R.S. 14:69(A)) without changing general theft definitions.
Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of William "Bill" Johnson, a retired Zachary Police Department captain and Vietnam War veteran. It honors his service as the city's first African American police officer, his community involvement, and his role as a church deacon. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to acknowledge his life and legacy. The House formally adopted it on June 2, 2025, extending condolences to his family and community.
Maddy summaryHB 17 modifies the deferred retirement option plan for municipal police employees in Louisiana's retirement system. It requires participants to specify their new retirement date by August 1, 2025, or their originally chosen final participation date - whichever comes first. This change affects current municipal police retirees using the deferred retirement option, clarifying the deadline for updating their retirement plans under the existing system. The bill does not create new benefits or costs but adjusts administrative requirements for the plan.