Rep. Lauren Ventrella

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Louisiana state government to pay a court judgment totaling approximately $1.6 million from the state general fund. The funds are designated to settle a lawsuit filed by Dawn Marie DePedro and her family against the Department of Transportation and Development. The money will be distributed among the plaintiffs to cover the judgment amount, court costs, and expert witness fees as determined by the court. The bill also establishes that interest will be paid according to legal requirements and that payment will only occur after the state treasurer receives the necessary documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 534 would require all local bond and tax elections (where voters approve funding for projects or taxes) to be held only during primary election dates, as specified in Louisiana's Constitution. This directly affects parishes and municipalities that hold such elections, shifting them from standalone voting days to coincide with primary elections. The bill includes a limited exception for security districts in parishes with cities over 300,000 population, allowing parcel fee elections in those areas to proceed separately. The law would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters in a statewide election.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of Guaranty Corporation, a Louisiana-based company founded in 1926 by George A. Foster Sr. The resolution highlights the company's history, its founder's legacy, and its contributions to Louisiana through various business sectors including media, healthcare, and real estate. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official legislative acknowledgment of the company's century-long presence and impact on the state. The measure was passed by the House and Senate without opposition and was signed into effect by the Speaker of the House.

Maddy summaryThis bill commemorates St. Joseph's Day on March 19, 2026, and establishes the Italian American Legislative Caucus in the Louisiana House of Representatives. The resolution recognizes the cultural and historical connections between Italy and Louisiana, particularly highlighting Italian contributions to the state's agriculture, commerce, culinary traditions, and the development of jazz music. By creating the caucus, the bill provides a formal structure for Italian American citizens to represent their community interests within the legislature. The measure focuses on preserving and promoting Italian heritage traditions within Louisiana's legislative body.

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 863 requires Louisiana wildlife enforcement agents to obtain a search warrant before inspecting business records, vehicles, or storage facilities related to wildlife or fish products, directly affecting businesses that sell or handle these items (like restaurants, markets, and cold storage). The bill amends existing law to prohibit warrantless inspections, except for routine checks at commercial venues like public markets or licensed fish retailers, which remain exempt. It shifts the standard from the current "probable cause" threshold to a warrant requirement for most inspections, aiming to align wildlife enforcement with broader Fourth Amendment protections. The change applies to state wildlife agents and businesses operating under Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 438 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for operating a commercial motor vehicle (like trucks or buses) without meeting federal safety qualification requirements. It directly affects commercial drivers who fail to satisfy these standards, which are defined by federal regulations (49 CFR Part 391). The bill imposes fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat violations. This law standardizes penalties for unsafe commercial driving practices under state criminal law.

Maddy summaryHB 862 amends Louisiana's wildlife rehabilitation law to allow non-profit organizations dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife to use photographs or videos of animals in promotional materials. This change specifically permits these groups to feature animals in ads, social media, or other materials to solicit donations, gifts, or grants from the public or private entities. Previously, the law prohibited using wildlife for "promotional or commercial purpose," which inadvertently blocked such fundraising efforts. The bill directly affects non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations by removing this barrier to securing financial support.