Rep. Roger Wilder

Maddy summaryHB 294 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Louisiana distributes severance taxes collected from natural resource extraction (like oil or gas). It would require 20% of these taxes (excluding sulfur, lignite, and timber) to be remitted to the parish where extraction occurs, removing the current $850,000 annual cap on payments. Instead, the maximum amount would increase each July 1 based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index. This directly affects parishes with resource extraction, allowing them to receive larger, inflation-adjusted payments starting in 2027. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 594 establishes a flat insurance premium tax rate in Louisiana and provides phased tax reductions for qualifying insurance businesses over time. It reduces the tax rate to 50% of the standard amount for 2029, 67% for 2030, and 83% for 2031. The bill also defines "qualifying Louisiana investments" (such as state bonds, mortgages, or stocks in Louisiana-domiciled companies) that insurers can hold to earn tax credits. These provisions directly affect insurance companies operating in Louisiana that meet specific criteria, including being domiciled in the state and maintaining core operations there. The tax changes apply to businesses issuing health maintenance, life, or surplus lines insurance.

Maddy summaryHB 401 creates a dedicated "Insurance Fraud Investigation Dedicated Fund Account" by redirecting fees paid by insurers into this special fund. Insurers licensed to operate in Louisiana will pay these fees, with unspent funds at year-end refunded proportionally to each insurer based on their share of total fees collected. The bill repeals a previous fee reduction and specifies that funds in the account must be used exclusively for fraud investigation units, as authorized by the legislature. This bill directly affects all insurers conducting business in Louisiana by changing how their fees are collected and managed.

Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 80 expands Louisiana's definition of "first responder" to include electrical linemen during weather emergencies declared by the governor. It defines "electrical lineman" as a private-sector worker who installs, maintains, or repairs power systems, clarifying they remain private employees without state benefits. The bill specifies that electrical linemen may display "first responder" on uniforms but are not governed by state or local government. This change applies only to weather emergencies under state emergency protocols, not other incidents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson, a Duck Commander founder and "Duck Dynasty" star who was a prominent figure in northeast Louisiana. The resolution honors his life, family values, faith, and economic impact through his business, highlighting his 60-year marriage to Kay and his role as a community leader. It has no effect on laws or regulations, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryHB 309 limits Louisiana state funding to nonprofits or private organizations (not state agencies or local governments) by requiring them to submit detailed funding requests by November 1 each year to specific legislative committees. It prohibits including such funding in the General Appropriation Bill unless the entity follows this process, including submitting a completed request form. Late requests may only be added with approval from budget committees before the legislative deadline. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all state funding requests for these entities.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 57) passed by the Louisiana State Legislature to express condolences for Steven J. Miguez, a businessman and community member from Iberia Parish, following his death on February 24, 2025. The resolution recognizes his life of service, including founding businesses like Iberia Crew Boat & Marine Service and Miguez Fuel, his competitive shooting achievements, and his family. It has no policy provisions or direct effect on laws or constituents - it solely offers legislative condolences to his family. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate (34-0) and passed through the House without amendments.

Maddy summaryHCR 24 creates a special legislative committee to study the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and its operations. The bill specifically directs the committee to examine LHSAA's structure and impact on all Louisiana high schools, including public, private, and parochial institutions, as amended throughout the text. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) that establishes a fact-finding body, with no immediate policy changes or direct effects on schools. The committee's work will inform future legislative decisions but does not alter current athletic association rules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for Corporal Shawn Kevin Kelly, a Denham Springs police officer who died from injuries sustained while on duty in May 2023. It honors his 29-year career in law enforcement, including his service as a Field Training Officer and his death while responding to a disturbance call. The resolution formally extends sympathy to his wife, four children, and colleagues, recognizing his dedication to public safety. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact or legislative mechanism beyond this expression of respect.