Rep. John Wyble

Maddy summarySB 22 creates a new criminal offense for stealing critical infrastructure, such as power lines, water systems, or communication networks. It defines this theft as taking or illegally possessing infrastructure valued at $25,000 or more (with harsher penalties for higher value), or where human life is likely threatened. Offenders face fines up to $50,000 or 20 years in prison, plus mandatory restitution to victims. The bill directly affects individuals who steal such infrastructure and the entities (like utility companies) that own it, building on existing theft laws (R.S. 14:69(A)) without changing general theft definitions.

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 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 summaryHB 17 modifies the deferred retirement option plan for municipal police employees in Louisiana's retirement system. It requires participants to specify their new retirement date by August 1, 2025, or their originally chosen final participation date - whichever comes first. This change affects current municipal police retirees using the deferred retirement option, clarifying the deadline for updating their retirement plans under the existing system. The bill does not create new benefits or costs but adjusts administrative requirements for the plan.

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 summarySB 190 designates specific road segments in certain parishes to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing road descriptions to clarify the designated sections (e.g., changing "overpass to" to "overpass and"). It has no funding requirements or new obligations - it solely provides a commemorative name for existing roadways. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and is now moving to the House for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 281 creates a 600-foot "campaign-free zone" around Louisiana polling places during early voting and on election day (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). It directly prohibits voters, candidates, and campaign workers from wearing, displaying, or distributing campaign apparel (like hats, shirts, or signs) within this zone. The bill aims to prevent election confusion and intimidation by restricting political messaging near voting locations. This policy change affects anyone near polling places during voting hours and is intended to preserve election integrity as stated in the legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 438 prohibits Louisiana insurance companies from using "institutional advertising expenses" when calculating insurance rates. These expenses are defined as broad marketing not aimed at specific products or consumer decision-making (e.g., general brand campaigns). The bill amends insurance rate regulations to require insurers to exclude such advertising costs from their rate calculations, focusing instead on operational expenses like acquisition and field supervision. This change applies to all insurers operating in Louisiana and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 558 amends the eligibility requirements for Louisiana's M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides tuition assistance for college students. The bill adds specific violent and property crimes to the list of offenses that would disqualify applicants, including aggravated battery, second-degree robbery, and aggravated criminal damage to property. These changes directly affect students with certain criminal convictions who seek to qualify for the state-funded tuition program. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Education after recent committee amendments.

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.