Rep. Debbie Villio

Maddy summarySB 98 increases penalties for the retail sale of nitrous oxide, a substance sometimes misused recreationally. It requires retail sellers to be at least 21 years old (amending existing age requirements) while removing the age limit for medical practitioners selling it. The bill directly affects businesses selling nitrous oxide for non-medical purposes, such as whipped cream chargers, by imposing stricter age verification and higher fines for violations. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (37-0) and now moves to the House for consideration.

Maddy summarySB 58 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law called "child grooming" (defined under R.S. 14:81.7), making it illegal to commit or attempt to commit acts intended to build a relationship with a minor for sexual purposes. This bill directly affects individuals who engage in such grooming behavior and law enforcement handling related cases. The key provision adds "child grooming" as a specific sexual offense against minors under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:541(25)(o)), and also treats equivalent crimes committed in other jurisdictions as if they occurred in Louisiana (R.S. 15:541(25)(p)). The bill amends existing criminal codes to formally define and criminalize this conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 111 amends language in a law regarding the unlawful presence of certain sex offenders. The bill specifically removes references to "school or a school-related activity" from the prohibited locations where sex offenders may not be present. Key changes include deleting redundant phrases and adjusting wording about behavior in public spaces (e.g., changing "to linger, remain, or prowl" to "lingering, remaining, or prowling"). The bill focuses on clarifying the legal language of the existing statute rather than creating new restrictions. It was favorably reported by the committee in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 208 creates a new process for non-citizen offenders in Louisiana who have a final U.S. deportation order. It establishes a "Deportation Eligibility Hearing Committee" to review parole requests for these individuals, provided they haven’t been convicted of certain serious crimes (like sex offenses or violent crimes punishable by 10+ years). The bill requires approval from both the governor and the local district attorney, sets strict release conditions (including direct transfer to U.S. Homeland Security custody), and suspends the offender’s state sentence upon deportation. If deportation fails, the offender returns to state custody to complete their sentence.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHCR 37 establishes the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force within the state's higher education system. The task force will develop strategies to prevent hazing at colleges and universities, directly affecting public and private higher education institutions. The resolution names the task force after Caleb Wilson, honoring his memory, though the bill does not detail specific prevention methods or funding mechanisms. This is a procedural resolution creating a new body, not a law imposing new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 214 amends the law governing when probation can be revoked, specifically adding a new provision (900(A)(6)(e)(i)(bb)) to the existing code. This change clarifies that certain types of violations - such as failing to pay fines or fees - will no longer automatically trigger probation revocation. The bill directly affects individuals on probation and the courts or probation officers responsible for reviewing violations. It modifies the revocation process by specifying which infractions require a formal hearing before probation is terminated.

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 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 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.