Rep. Tim Kerner

Maddy summaryHB 841 establishes new rules for property takings (expropriation) in Louisiana, primarily affecting landowners and pipeline companies with expropriation authority. It requires pipeline operators to provide detailed written notices to landowners before seeking property, conduct appraisals by disinterested third parties, and engage in at least five in-person negotiation meetings. The bill mandates a 30-day response period for landowners to review offers and contest takings on grounds like lack of good-faith negotiation or procedural violations. It also shifts court costs to the expropriating authority (not landowners) and empowers the Department of Conservation and Energy to revoke certificates for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Louisiana Electronic Monitoring and GPS Oversight Task Force to study how electronic and GPS tracking devices are used for court supervision and public safety. The task force will examine current practices regarding reporting, accountability, infrastructure, and standards, then submit a report with recommendations to the legislature. Its membership includes representatives from the legislature, law enforcement, courts, victim advocates, and technology experts to ensure diverse input. The group is designed to advise state agencies and identify gaps in the system without replacing the authority of existing criminal justice organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 311 increases the percentage of insurance premium assessments paid by insurers in Louisiana into the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Operating Dedicated Fund Account. Specifically, it raises the annual deposit rate from 0.03% to 0.035% of direct gross premiums (minus returns) for fiscal years 2029-2030 and beyond, with a temporary 0.03% rate for 2027-2028 and 2028-2029. The funds directly support the day-to-day operations of municipal fire and police civil service systems across Louisiana. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and requires legislative annual appropriations for fund usage.

Maddy summaryHB 1169 requires the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to return property or property rights acquired for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project to their original owners. The bill allows owners to receive compensation up to the amount they were paid when the land was originally taken, or alternatively, grants them recreational access to the land. This legislation directly affects individuals or entities whose land was previously sold or expropriated for this specific coastal engineering project.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana laws to improve reemployment rights for fire and police officers who leave their jobs due to work-related injuries or medical conditions. It allows these employees to return to their former positions or equivalent roles without needing to retake exams, while maintaining their seniority, pay, and benefits as if they had never left. The legislation clarifies that eligibility depends on a treating physician's assessment of whether the employee can perform their job duties, with a process for dispute resolution if the employer questions the medical certification. It also ensures that if no positions exist in their original class, officers can be temporarily placed in lower classes while keeping their original pay rate and priority status for future openings.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana's medical malpractice laws by setting a cap on the total amount patients can recover for injuries or death, excluding future medical costs. It directly affects patients seeking compensation from healthcare providers and the state for medical errors. The key provision establishes a $575,000 limit on recoverable damages, with future medical care and related benefits paid separately without being subject to this cap. The bill also outlines procedures for handling claims that include both immediate damages and future medical expenses, specifying how payments should be processed through state risk management offices.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Leroy Cavalier, a longtime Capitol Security Specialist who passed away on December 19, 2025. The resolution acknowledges Cavalier's service as a security specialist at the northeast bollards station and his contributions to the Capitol Security Office before his passing. It formally offers appreciation for his dedicated service and extends wishes for comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses condolences for the death of Joe R. Salter, a former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and officially recognizes his contributions to the state. It acknowledges his long public service career, including his role as Speaker during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and his subsequent work in various state government positions. The document records his notable accomplishments for posterity and extends appreciation to his family and the Louisiana community he served.

Maddy summaryHB 490 modifies Louisiana's public contract payment rules to provide limited exemptions for public entities (like cities, parishes, or state agencies) when delays occur due to funding issues or emergencies. It requires public entities to pay contractors within five days of receiving funds from another government entity (e.g., federal grants), pauses payment deadlines during declared emergencies (like natural disasters), and mandates written notices from contractors about missed payment deadlines. The bill ensures contractors still receive interest and attorney fees if payments are delayed without reasonable cause after these exemptions. It directly affects public entities managing contracts and contractors working on public projects funded by multiple government sources.