Rep. Stephanie Berault

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the role of the state child ombudsman by clarifying that they cannot access the names or identifying details of individuals who report child abuse, with specific exceptions for cases involving federal child support laws. It also introduces a new internal review process requiring a second level of approval within the department whenever an initial investigation into abuse allegations is deemed inconclusive. These changes aim to protect reporter privacy while adding an extra step to ensure thoroughness when abuse reports are not definitively resolved.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime in Louisiana for possessing, trafficking, or importing child sex dolls, which are defined as anatomically correct dolls resembling children under twelve years old intended for sexual use. The law specifically targets individuals who own these items, as well as those who sell, distribute, or transport them into the state with the intent to distribute. Penalties vary based on the offense, ranging from up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine for simple possession to up to two years in prison and a $20,000 fine for importing. Additionally, owning two or more of these dolls creates a legal presumption that the owner intends to traffic them, and courts must annually report conviction statistics to state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program allowing Medicaid recipients to use portable oxygen concentrators as a medical aid. The legislation would provide funding for these devices, which help individuals with respiratory conditions breathe while moving around. By creating this specific program, the bill aims to expand access to essential respiratory equipment for eligible patients. It represents a targeted approach to support the health needs of people relying on oxygen therapy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study reopening the closed U.S. 90 West Pearl River Bridge to help reduce traffic congestion on I-10 and provide an alternative evacuation route during hurricanes. The study will estimate how much maritime traffic currently uses the bridge and compare the pros and cons of rebuilding it as either a fixed or movable structure to balance road access with river commerce needs. The department is required to submit a report with its findings to the House Transportation Committee by January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing the fee for driver's licenses and vehicle registration in order to generate an additional $3.9 million for a litter abatement fund. The legislation directly affects individuals who pay these fees by raising the cost they must cover. Key provisions include specific amendments to the text that adjust numerical values and remove certain lines to finalize the fee structure. The bill is currently in the legislative process and has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further review.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the legal timeline for filing lawsuits related to the abuse of minors by removing references to a previous 2021 law. The primary change involves deleting specific citations from the text, which effectively updates how the statute is referenced without altering the core prescriptive period itself. By streamlining the legal language, the bill ensures the current rules for these cases remain clear and consistent with existing statutes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to end the current pause on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports that was started by the Biden Administration. The bill directly affects the state of Louisiana by seeking to allow its LNG facilities to resume shipping fuel to international markets. It argues that lifting this restriction is necessary to maintain global energy supplies and protect the local economy from potential job losses. The document does not change any laws itself but serves as a formal request to federal lawmakers to reverse the existing export restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 608 proposes the Women's Safety and Protection Act, a legislative measure designed to enhance safety protections for women in Louisiana. The bill includes several amendments that refine legal definitions and procedures, such as clarifying references to correctional facilities and adjusting administrative process terminology. By making these specific textual changes, the legislation aims to update existing civil law frameworks to better address women's safety concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the date associated with a Community Development District in St. Tammany Parish, changing a reference from 2015 to 2025. The change is a minor clerical adjustment intended to update the timeline for the district's operations or funding. It directly affects the specific district in St. Tammany Parish by aligning its legal documentation with the current year. No new powers, funds, or policies are added; the bill solely corrects a date within existing legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specialty license plate in Louisiana featuring the text "LSU Baseball National Champions." The legislation directs the Department of Public Safety to design and sell these plates, which will be available to any vehicle owner in the state. By adding this new option to the list of approved specialty plates, the bill allows drivers to display their support for the LSU baseball team on their vehicles. The text of the law is updated to include this specific plate design within the existing regulations governing vehicle license plates.