Rep. Barbara Freiberg

Maddy summaryHB 274 amends Louisiana's M.J. Foster Promise Program eligibility rules to allow students with certain criminal convictions to qualify for financial aid. It removes disqualification for 12 specific non-violent offenses (like second-degree battery, simple robbery, and aggravated arson) that were previously listed as disqualifying crimes. Previously, any conviction for a "crime of violence" barred applicants, but this bill creates exceptions for these 12 offenses under R.S. 13:5401(B)(1)(f). The change directly affects students enrolled in two-year public colleges or qualifying programs who were previously ineligible due to these specific convictions.

Maddy summaryHB 303 modifies how Louisiana calculates per-pupil funding for certain charter schools by excluding specific state transportation funds. The bill targets Type 1, 3, 3B (non-self-governing), and Type 4 charter schools, excluding state-provided funds for transporting nonpublic school students (as defined in R.S. 17:158) when determining their annual funding amount. This change ensures those transportation dollars aren't counted toward the state’s minimum foundation program formula used to set charter school funding. The policy directly affects charter school funding calculations without altering the actual transportation funding or total state budget for schools.

Maddy summaryHB 910 exempts the Louisiana Department of Education from verifying student enrollment in public schools for scholarship recipients from school tuition organizations. Specifically, it removes the requirement that the Department check if students were enrolled in Louisiana public schools on October 1st or February 1st for those attending public elementary/secondary laboratory schools operated by colleges or universities. This change streamlines administrative processes for these specific students without altering the tax credit eligibility rules. The bill directly affects students in public lab schools and the Department of Education’s verification workflow. It does not impact other scholarship recipients or the tax credit amount itself.

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 summaryThis resolution commends Patricia Lowrey-Dufour upon her retirement as the senior legislative analyst for the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs with House Legislative Services. It formally recognizes her nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Louisiana Legislature, acknowledging her expertise and significant contributions to the institution.

Maddy summaryHB 486 requires Louisiana public schools to offer mental health assessments to certain students. It defines which mental health professionals can conduct these assessments, including licensed mental health providers (like psychologists or counselors) and behavioral health service providers licensed by the state. Schools must use providers from these categories and can find current provider lists through licensing boards or the state Department of Health website. The bill focuses on creating clear pathways for schools to access qualified mental health professionals, directly affecting public schools and the students they serve.

Maddy summarySB 245 creates the "Transparent Responsible Use of State Tax-dollars (T.R.U.S.T.) Act" to require nonprofits and contractors receiving state funds to report financial information into a public database. It mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing spending by service type and investment amounts, with the division of administration submitting these reports by January 1 each year. The bill specifically excludes school governing authorities already reporting via the School Transparency Project Portal. This law directly affects organizations receiving state funding, aiming to increase transparency in how public dollars are spent.

Maddy summaryHB 570 references existing requirements in R.S. 51:1773 regarding minors' use of applications, directing that developers comply with those provisions. The bill's amendments (amending grammar and terminology) do not introduce new policy changes but adjust the bill's language to align with the referenced law. The bill directly affects app developers by requiring adherence to established regulations for minors' application use. No specific new mechanisms or policy changes are described in the provided context beyond referencing existing law.

Maddy summarySB 123 creates an income tax credit for Louisiana taxpayers who donate to public schools rated "D" or "F" in the previous year's accountability system. The credit covers 95% of the donation amount, which schools must use for specific educational needs like classroom materials, tutoring programs, child care, or health clinics. Schools must provide a receipt showing the donation amount and their grade, and the total credit value cannot exceed $10 million annually, issued on a first-come, first-served basis. This policy applies to donations made for the 2025-2026 school year and beyond, starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 207 requires all public high schools to provide students with access to available vocational and technical courses. Schools may request a waiver from their local authority and the State Board if their mission doesn't align with offering such courses. The bill also prohibits charging students course fees for these classes when the school receives career development funds for them. This directly affects public high schools and their students, ensuring equitable access to career-focused education without additional costs.