Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating an independent Compensation Commission within the legislative auditor's office to set and adjust salaries for statewide elected officials (like governors, legislators, and public service commissioners) whose pay is currently set by statute. The commission would review salaries annually, establish rates based on its evaluation, and automatically adjust them each term using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to match inflation. Salary changes would take effect only at the start of the next elected term, not immediately after approval. This replaces current processes where salary increases could take effect sooner, aiming to tie compensation to inflation while requiring voter approval for the constitutional change.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 248 establishes a Compensation Commission to evaluate and set salaries for Louisiana elected officials, including judges, sheriffs, district attorneys, clerks of court, and members of the legislature. The 15-member commission, appointed by state associations and officials, must complete its first evaluation by 2026 and set new pay rates by January 15, 2037. Changes to compensation would take effect at the start of the next elected term, replacing current statutory rates. The bill creates a formal process for adjusting pay based on the commission’s recommendations, with all state agencies required to assist the commission.
Maddy summaryHB 206 authorizes Louisiana legislators to attend meetings of state boards, commissions, task forces, and authorities where membership requires legislative confirmation. It explicitly removes barriers preventing legislators from attending both public and private meetings of these entities, expanding existing rules under R.S. 24:8. This change directly affects legislators and entities subject to legislative confirmation, ensuring they can participate in all meetings without prior restrictions.
Maddy summaryThis Louisiana bill establishes new rules requiring companies that offer artificial intelligence chatbots to verify user ages and restrict access for minors. It prohibits developers from creating AI systems that can interact with children in ways that encourage sexual behavior, self-harm, or violence. Covered entities must implement age verification processes, prevent minors from using AI companions, and clearly disclose that the chatbot is not a human or licensed professional. Violations can result in criminal charges, civil fines, and legal action by the state attorney general.
Maddy summaryHB 369 reorganizes judicial elections for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal's first district by dividing Jefferson Parish into three distinct election sections. Specifically, it assigns specific precincts within Jefferson Parish to Section One (covering most of the parish), Section Two (covering certain central and western precincts), and Section Three (covering southeastern precincts). The bill requires judgeships to be filled through elections within the designated section, with vacancies in previously "Section One" judgeships now filled from Section Two. This directly affects Jefferson Parish voters, who will elect judges based on their precinct's assigned election section.
Maddy summaryHB 307 repeals existing Louisiana laws that prohibited the governor and legislators from accepting or depositing campaign contributions during regular legislative sessions. It also removes restrictions on holding fundraising events for legislators during these sessions. The bill directly affects the governor and state legislators by allowing them to receive campaign funds and host fundraising activities while the legislature is in session. This change eliminates current prohibitions without creating new campaign finance requirements. The bill focuses solely on removing these specific restrictions, with no new funding mechanisms or policy changes.
Maddy summaryHB 612 prohibits Louisiana insurance companies from including "institutional advertising expenses" when calculating insurance rates. The bill amends rate regulation statutes to explicitly exclude these advertising costs from the definition of "expenses" used in rate-setting, affecting all insurers operating in Louisiana. This change requires insurers to base rates solely on other operational costs like acquisition, field supervision, and general expenses, not on marketing or brand advertising budgets.
Maddy summaryHB 269 creates Louisiana's Free School Breakfast Program, requiring the state Department of Education to administer it and provide free breakfasts to all students in participating public schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. School districts must participate in the federal School Breakfast Program and use the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to maximize funding, ensuring all students receive breakfast at no cost daily. The program funds breakfasts through reimbursement based on the difference between federal USDA payments and the annual free-rate set by the USDA. It directly affects Louisiana public school students in districts meeting federal eligibility criteria and requires school districts to adopt CEP to qualify for state funding. Implementation depends on legislative appropriation of funds.
Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.
Maddy summaryHB 281 requires Louisiana motor vehicle insurers to disclose specific liability policy details to third-party claimants (such as accident victims or their attorneys) within 30 days of a written request. The disclosure must include the insurer’s name, the insured’s name, and the policy limits for the vehicle involved in the accident, provided the request includes the accident report and claim details. Insurers must respond to incomplete requests by specifying missing information, and the disclosed data remains confidential and cannot be used as evidence or admit liability. This applies to all pending claims and does not waive insurers’ legal defenses.