Rep. Dixon McMakin

Maddy summaryHB 396 would allow autopsy photographs conducted by a coroner to be used as evidence in Louisiana criminal trials for first or second-degree murder (specifically charges under R.S. 14:30 or 14:30.1). The bill directly affects criminal courts and prosecutors handling murder cases by explicitly permitting these photos, which were previously subject to discretion, as admissible evidence. It creates a clear rule under Louisiana's Evidence Code (Article 416) for when such photographs can be presented in court. The law does not change the definition of murder charges but standardizes the use of autopsy photos in related proceedings. This is a procedural change to evidence rules, not a substantive policy shift in criminal law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study the D.R.I.V.E. Initiative for improving Interstate 12 and its interchange with Interstate 55. The bill specifically requests an evaluation of shoulder improvements, merging lane safety, and the potential removal of ramp metering devices and surveillance cameras to reduce congestion. It directs the department to create a comprehensive, shovel-ready plan and submit quarterly updates to local legislators, with a final report due by August 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal request from the Louisiana legislature to the U.S. Congress and federal health agencies to speed up research and clinical trials for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It does not create new laws or change funding directly but instead asks federal officials to prioritize efforts to develop better treatments for this aggressive blood cancer. The resolution also names these proposed research efforts the "Jonas A. Feeley Act" to honor a recent victim of the disease. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic gesture to advocate for increased federal attention on improving survival rates for patients with this condition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study how the term "foreign" is used in state laws to describe businesses and organizations from outside Louisiana. The study will examine how this term applies to banking, pipeline operations, and other critical infrastructure, looking at potential inconsistencies in its meaning across different legal areas. The institute will investigate whether the definition needs clarification or modernization and will submit recommendations to the legislature before the 2027 session. This research aims to help lawmakers better understand the legal and economic impacts of current terminology on businesses operating in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study the feasibility of creating a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers, a series of large-scale military exercises from 1940 and 1941. The study must be conducted in consultation with the Louisiana State Museum and the National WWII Museum and will examine potential locations, estimated costs, the inclusion of conference space, and the possibility of affiliating the new museum with the National WWII Museum. The department is required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by March 1, 2027. This resolution focuses on planning and research rather than immediately funding or constructing the facility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to update science and health education standards to include the science of human growth and development, specifically covering prenatal growth and fetal development. It asks the board to provide age-appropriate instructional materials, such as high-definition ultrasound videos or computer-generated animations, on its website to support teaching these topics. The resolution also requires the board to submit a written report to state education committees by March 1, 2027, detailing any actions taken in response to these requests. This is a non-binding concurrent resolution that urges the board to consider these changes rather than mandating them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Louisiana Behind the Counter Protection Act, strengthens penalties for crimes committed against employees working at retail and food service counters, drive-through windows, or similar customer service points. It increases the maximum fines and prison sentences for simple assault and battery when the victim is an employee performing their duties at a regulated establishment. Additionally, the law requires businesses to display a specific warning sign informing the public that workplace violence against these employees is a crime. The act defines workplace violence broadly to include physical attacks, threats, intimidation, and verbal abuse directed at staff while they are on the job.

Maddy summarySB 404 is a technical amendment bill that makes minor corrections to the text of an existing eye care law. The bill does not introduce new policies or programs but instead fixes specific wording errors in the statute to ensure legal clarity. These changes include correcting pronoun references, removing incomplete sentences, and updating terminology from "agreeance" to "agreement." The legislation directly affects eye care providers by refining the language of regulations they must follow, though it does not alter their obligations or rights.

Maddy summarySB 32 establishes the Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative within Louisiana's Department of Health to improve support for families experiencing pregnancy loss or infant death. The bill requires hospitals providing maternity care to receive staff training on supporting grieving parents, access to bereavement resources (like counseling referrals), and perinatal bereavement devices. It prioritizes hospitals serving high-risk patients, delivering many babies, or lacking current bereavement resources. The initiative can fund these services using voluntary monies, including federal grants and donations, without imposing new taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 155 amends Louisiana law to prohibit the intentional use of drones (unmanned aircraft systems) over specific sensitive locations without permission. It bans drone flights above the state capitol building, governor's mansion, or correctional facilities (including those holding juveniles or adults in custody) without written consent from the facility's manager. This bill updates existing criminal law by adding these locations to the list of prohibited areas for drone use, requiring explicit authorization for any drone activity there. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process (prefiled and referred to a committee as of February 2026).