Rep. Dixon McMakin

Maddy summaryHB 96 modifies Louisiana's laws against street racing and drag racing by increasing vehicle impound times to a minimum of 30 days (up from unspecified prior terms) to allow law enforcement to gather evidence. It clarifies that rental car drivers, not the rental agency or vehicle owner, face higher fines and impound fees for violations. The bill also specifies that rental agencies or vehicle owners can reclaim seized vehicles after being notified by police, even if the driver violated the law. This applies directly to drivers engaging in street racing, rental car companies, and law enforcement agencies. The bill is currently pending in the Louisiana legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 183 authorizes the use of cellular devices (like cell phones) in Louisiana courthouses to provide access to communication, research, and essential information during court proceedings. It prohibits courts from banning cell phones in courthouse areas outside courtrooms but allows individual courts to restrict their use inside courtrooms. The bill applies to all Louisiana courts, including the Supreme Court, appellate courts, family courts, and municipal courts, ensuring consistent access to technology for participants.

Maddy summaryHB 542 provides an additional $600 monthly supplemental pay to full-time sworn law enforcement officers employed by certain Baton Rouge-based police agencies (excluding state departments like Public Safety). To qualify, officers must have completed one year of service and, if hired after March 31, 1986, must have passed a council-certified training program. The extra pay is funded from the agency’s self-generated revenue and applies specifically to officers patrolling levees, waterways, riverfronts, or bridges within Baton Rouge city limits. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affects eligible officers in Baton Rouge law enforcement agencies meeting these criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 777 requires all Louisiana drivers renewing a Class "E" license to pass a knowledge exam every eight years. The exam covers state traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices (including distracted driving), with a minimum passing score of 80%. Drivers failing the exam get three free retakes and a temporary 90-day license to retake it, but must pass within that period to avoid suspension. The bill eliminates the previous third-party tester requirement, mandates multiple test formats (online, in-person, mobile), and prohibits extra fees for the exam during renewal. It takes effect January 1, 2028, with the DMV required to report annual exam data to lawmakers.

Maddy summaryHB 787 removes computer science as a mandatory course requirement for Louisiana students seeking TOPS-Tech scholarships. The bill amends the state's education code to change the "nine credits in Jump Start course sequences" requirement so that computer science is no longer a fixed credit; students may now fulfill this credit with other approved career-focused courses instead. This directly affects high school students in Louisiana who qualify for TOPS-Tech awards by altering the specific course requirements they must complete. The change simplifies the path to TOPS eligibility by offering flexibility in course selection within career pathways.

Maddy summaryHB 278 requires East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court to live stream all proceedings (including status conferences) online for public viewing, starting January 1, 2027. It mandates that costs for live streaming technology be covered by the Court Modernization and Technology Fund, not by court users. The bill also specifies that custody hearings may only be closed to the public if a judge finds good cause and all parties agree in writing. Minors in custody cases may use initials or pseudonyms during proceedings. This applies directly to East Baton Rouge Family Court operations and the public seeking access to court records.

Maddy summaryHB 703 requires Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development to provide advance notice to residents before closing roads. Specifically, the department must post the closure online and mail written notice to addresses within 500 feet of the affected road, unless the closure is due to an emergency like a traffic collision, medical emergency, or serious road hazard. This bill directly affects residents living near planned road closures caused by maintenance, construction, or weather conditions. The key change is mandating both online and physical mail notifications to ensure nearby residents are informed before closures take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 389 expands Louisiana's Major Events Incentive Program by adding two specific types of events to the definition of "qualified major event": (1) major sports/entertainment events or concerts at LSU's Tiger Stadium as part of the "DEATH VALLEY LIVE" series, and (2) College Football Playoff home games held at Tiger Stadium. This change directly affects LSU football events and related activities held at Tiger Stadium, making them eligible for state incentive funding under the existing program. The bill does not create new funding but clarifies which events qualify for current incentives. It focuses on defining eligibility rather than altering program administration or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 788 amends the boundaries and fee limits for the Melrose East Crime Prevention District in East Baton Rouge Parish. It defines the district's boundaries as the area enclosed by Renoir Avenue, North Ardenwood Drive, North Lobdell Boulevard, and Florida Boulevard (north side), with expanded areas requiring voter approval. The bill also limits annual parcel fees for property owners to rates specified in state law and requires voter approval via election with prior notification for any boundary expansion. This directly affects property owners within the district boundaries who pay these fees.

Maddy summaryHB 898, the "Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Act" (LITE Act), would reduce Louisiana's individual income tax rate starting in 2027 under specific conditions. The reduction equals 50% of one-time state funds certified as nonrecurring revenue by the budget committee and confirmed by revenue estimators. If the calculated rate drop would be 0.05% or less, no change occurs. The Department of Revenue must publish the new rate online and in official tax tables. This applies directly to Louisiana residents filing individual income tax returns.