Rep. Kim Coates

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses condolences for the death of Joe R. Salter, a former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and officially recognizes his contributions to the state. It acknowledges his long public service career, including his role as Speaker during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and his subsequent work in various state government positions. The document records his notable accomplishments for posterity and extends appreciation to his family and the Louisiana community he served.

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 536, the "School Infrastructure Safety and Emergency Coordination Act," requires new freestanding wireless communication towers within 1,000 feet of school property to maintain a setback equal to at least 110% of the tower’s height. It mandates that applicants first seek to place antennas on existing structures (like utility poles) before building new towers, and requires conditional use permits based on safety factors like emergency access and structural integrity. The bill affects wireless providers constructing new towers near schools and obligates them to share emergency contact info and coordinate disaster planning with school districts. It explicitly excludes regulation of radio frequencies or service provision, ensuring compliance with federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 890 requires new scientific evidence and stricter environmental reviews for certain construction projects on Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, directly affecting developers of pipelines, dredging, or offshore platforms. It mandates specific documentation - including sediment testing, benthic habitat mapping, and hydrodynamic modeling - to prove activities won’t permanently harm lake bottoms, disrupt ecosystems, or increase pollution. The bill also requires independent scientific reviews, public hearings in affected areas, and written findings for each environmental criterion before permits are issued. These rules apply to all pending permits as of the law’s effective date, with no impact on federal jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 754 creates two protected areas in Lake Pontchartrain: the existing Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary, and a new Manchac Wildlife Management Area Sanctuary. The bill prohibits commercial fishing using trawls, skimmer nets, butterfly nets, seines, or standard traps within these sanctuaries, while allowing recreational spearfishing, hoop nets for catfish, crab traps, and certain fishing south/east of the I-10 bridge during open seasons. These sanctuaries are administered by Louisiana's Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to conserve fish and marine life. The law directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen operating in the specified lake zones.

Maddy summaryHB 753 exempts locally raised livestock products sold directly to consumers from Louisiana's meat inspection requirements. It allows producers (e.g., farmers raising cattle, goats, or rabbits) to sell meat processed at licensed custom slaughter facilities directly to "informed end consumers" within Louisiana, provided the products are labeled with a specific disclosure: "THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED AND PROCESSED WITHOUT STATE OR FEDERAL INSPECTION. FOR INTRASTATE USE ONLY. NOT FOR RESALE." The bill prohibits resale to retailers, restaurants, or interstate commerce and requires producers to maintain sales records for one year. It does not affect federal inspection laws or allow interstate sales of uninspected meat.

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 504 increases the registration fee for tanker trucks transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The bill sets the fee at $100 per year from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2030, after which it will rise to $150 annually. This change directly affects commercial trucking companies and operators that transport LPG in tanker vehicles, as they must pay the updated registration fee. The bill modifies the existing fee structure without changing the core requirement for LPG tanker registration.