Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.
Sponsored bills
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 summarySB 202 (as described in its title) proposes transferring the University of New Orleans to the Louisiana State University System. However, the provided bill text only shows a technical amendment correcting a reference within existing law (changing "Subsection (C)(2)" to "R.S. 17:3230.1(C)(2)"), not the substantive transfer itself. This appears to be a procedural amendment related to the transfer process, not a new policy. The bill is currently in committee (Education) after recent amendments and is awaiting further legislative action.
Maddy summaryHB 264 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and drug manufacturers to increase transparency around drug pricing and compensation practices. It prohibits PBMs from charging pharmacies fees for claims (Amendment 7) and mandates drug manufacturers to notify the state commissioner of significant price increases (over 15% for brand drugs or "specialty" drugs) with explanations (Amendment 16). The bill also creates a fund for enforcement (Amendment 3) and requires PBMs to notify pharmacies of payment errors and allow claim corrections (Amendment 10). These provisions directly affect pharmacies, PBMs, and drug manufacturers by altering how drug costs and rebates are disclosed and managed.
Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution urges the EPA to fast-track testing and approval of a feral hog toxicant developed by LSU AgCenter. It specifically requests the EPA use an existing exemption (Limited Replicated Field Trials) to bypass the typical 10-year review process, directly affecting Louisiana agriculture which faces over $90 million in annual damages from feral hogs. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks federal agencies to expedite safety testing for a sodium nitrite-based solution to address the invasive species threat.
Maddy summaryHB 234 clarifies and strengthens Louisiana's definition of "criminal blighting of property," targeting property owners who intentionally or recklessly allow buildings to deteriorate into hazardous conditions. The bill amends statutes to define "blighted property" as vacant, uninhabitable, and dangerous structures (including those declared public nuisances by courts or administrative officers) and specifies that criminal blighting occurs when owners fail to address such conditions after official designation. It directly affects property owners of commercial or residential buildings that become public safety hazards, imposing criminal liability for neglecting repairs. The key mechanism establishes clear legal standards for prosecutors to charge owners who permit hazardous properties to remain unaddressed, aligning definitions across relevant laws.
Maddy summaryHCR 32 is a procedural resolution that continues the Judicial Security Task Force, originally created in 2024, and extends its deadline for submitting a report on courthouse safety requirements to January 1, 2027. The task force studies minimum safety standards to protect judicial officers and their families in courthouses. This resolution does not create new laws but ensures the task force has additional time to complete its research. It directly affects Louisiana’s judicial system by enabling ongoing safety planning for courts. The resolution requires the task force to submit its final report to legislative committees and relevant judicial organizations.
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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson, a Duck Commander founder and "Duck Dynasty" star who was a prominent figure in northeast Louisiana. The resolution honors his life, family values, faith, and economic impact through his business, highlighting his 60-year marriage to Kay and his role as a community leader. It has no effect on laws or regulations, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of respect.
Maddy summaryHB 24 amends Louisiana's Teachers' Retirement System to change the optional retirement plan's contribution rules. It requires teachers enrolled in the optional plan to pay the full annual actuarial cost of participation, rather than a portion. Additionally, the bill establishes that if a teacher elects to switch from the optional plan to the regular retirement plan, their contributions to the optional plan stop after the election month, and they immediately transition to the regular plan with employer contributions resuming. This directly affects current participants in the optional retirement plan who choose to switch or remain in the plan.