Rep. Dixon McMakin

Maddy summaryHB 618 increases maximum fees charged by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) for various services, directly affecting businesses applying for economic incentives or tax credits. Key changes include raising the maximum application fee from $15,000 to $20,000, increasing annual certification fees from $250 to $350, and setting new caps for verification reports. The bill also authorizes automatic fee adjustments every two years starting in 2029 based on the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation. Additionally, it allows LED to waive or reduce fees for small businesses facing financial hardship, with all fees required to fund LED program administration. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 555 defines financial exploitation of vulnerable adults (such as elderly individuals) as scams, fraud, impersonation of officials, or deceptive schemes that cause them to transfer money to strangers. It requires banks to delay suspicious transactions for up to 15 business days, extendable to 25 days if a covered agency requests an extension. This gives time to investigate potential scams before funds are transferred, directly affecting banks and vulnerable adults targeted by financial fraud.

Maddy summaryHB 802 establishes Louisiana's Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund to support the cleanup and long-term management of lands and watersheds damaged by sand and gravel mining operations, with priority for flood-prone areas. The fund is financed by 100% of sand and gravel severance tax revenues (after constitutional allocations) plus donations, and it can only provide grants to legally created watershed entities that manage flood risks and have local representation. These eligible groups must maintain approved master plans, have floodplain management authority, and include experts in water resources. The fund requires annual reports to natural resources committees detailing how money is spent. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 202 requires Louisiana state agencies to include salary ranges in all job advertisements for unclassified civil service positions. It also mandates that applicants who are rejected for such positions must receive written notice of the rejection. The bill directly affects state agencies posting these vacancies and job applicants seeking unclassified roles. These provisions aim to increase transparency in hiring processes for non-competitive state positions.

Maddy summaryHB 853 prevents private companies from misleading consumers with solicitations that mimic government communications. It bans using fake government seals, references to state laws, or phrases like "final notice" to trick people into thinking a bill is from the government. Businesses must include clear disclaimers stating the offer isn’t government-related and explain subscription terms upfront. Violators face $1,000 fines per violation, plus triple damages for consumers harmed. The law directly affects all non-government businesses sending customer solicitations in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 392 requires all Louisiana public and nonpublic secondary schools to post suicide prevention hotline information on their websites and print it on student ID cards. Specifically, schools must display the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number "988" (with instructions to call or text) and, if available, local and state suicide prevention hotline numbers. This bill updates existing requirements by broadening the scope to all secondary schools and standardizing the required information. The policy directly affects schools and students by ensuring immediate access to crisis resources through everyday school materials.

Maddy summaryHB 354 renames the Magnolia Bridge (on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes) as the "Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, with costs covered by local or private funds not exceeding $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or services.

Maddy summaryHB 738 proposes changes to disciplinary procedures at Louisiana public colleges and universities for student misconduct. It requires institutions to provide detailed written notices of charges - including specific policy violations and evidence - to students facing suspension (10+ days) or expulsion, and grants accused students and alleged victims the right to be represented by an attorney or advocate at their own expense. The bill sets evidence standards (clear and convincing evidence for most cases, preponderance of evidence only for serious injury/death cases with documented proof), mandates access to disciplinary files 7+ business days before hearings, and requires written appeal decisions. Sanctions cannot take effect until all appeals are resolved, with a 14-day window to file an appeal after a decision. The bill applies to all students and student organizations at public postsecondary institutions in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 575 establishes a priority for youth in Louisiana's extended foster care program to purchase surplus state vehicles. It directly affects young adults aged 18-21 who are eligible for and participating in the extended foster care program under state law (R.S. 46:288.1 et seq.). The bill amends state property law to give these foster youth first preference over other buyers when the state disposes of surplus vehicles, ensuring they have priority access to vehicles that would otherwise be sold publicly. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 345 expands Louisiana's Class II and III Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure projects at ports as eligible for funding. This change directly affects smaller railroads (Class II and III) that operate in or serve Louisiana ports, enabling them to apply for program funds to improve port rail connections. The bill adds a specific provision (R.S. 48:388.1(A)(2)(f)) allowing port rail projects to be included alongside other eligible improvements like track maintenance. These projects must align with Louisiana's Freight Mobility Plan and State Rail Plan to maintain efficient rail service. The program aims to enhance freight transportation efficiency at port facilities through targeted rail infrastructure upgrades.