Rep. Laurie Schlegel

Maddy summaryHB 64 modifies state law regarding settlement agreements involving the Attorney General. It prohibits future settlement terms that require continuing federal court oversight beyond 60 days, making such terms unenforceable against the state government or successor officials. The bill specifically targets agreements creating binding future obligations exceeding this timeframe without requiring consent from the Attorney General or Governor. This change aims to limit long-term federal judicial oversight in state settlements. The bill was reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee with a 15-0 vote.

Maddy summarySB 81 requires Louisiana public schools to provide parents with free access to instructional materials, including online resources and printed copies upon request. Schools must establish reasonable in-person viewing hours and may charge only reasonable fees for physical copies made using school equipment - no fees apply for online access or in-person viewing without copies. The bill limits free access to curricula adopted under state law and allows in-person viewing of nonsecure tests, but not digital copies of assessments. School boards must submit their access policies to the state education department by March 2026, with reports to the legislature on compliance. This directly affects parents of students in Louisiana public schools and school districts implementing these policies.

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 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.

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 bill (HCR 65) is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of John "Jay" Batt, Jr., a former New Orleans City Council member, businessman, and community leader. It formally honors his life, service, and legacy without creating any new laws or affecting specific policies or groups. The resolution acknowledges his career, family, and contributions to New Orleans, including his time on the City Council and leadership roles in organizations like the Sugar Bowl Committee. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect beyond this symbolic gesture of remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 142 amends the composition of Louisiana's Advisory Council on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by adding the president of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (or their designee) to the council's membership. This procedural bill directly affects the council's structure by expanding who participates in advising state officials on HBCU-related matters. The change modifies the council's membership list without altering substantive policies or funding. The bill passed committee favorably and is now moving toward final passage.