Rep. Nicholas Muscarello

Maddy summaryHB 179 sets new rules for how court reporters must handle recordings and notes in Louisiana courts. For criminal cases, reporters must retain all notes and recordings indefinitely (unless all defendants are acquitted), while for civil cases, they must keep them for at least five years after trial. The bill clarifies that all recordings remain the property of the court, not the reporter, and must stay under the court's custody even if a reporter retires or leaves. This directly affects court reporters by defining their retention duties and ownership responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 793 requires property developers and real estate professionals to certify that subdivision deeds, plats, and maps comply with state and local zoning rules before they can be recorded. If filed without certification or found non-compliant, these instruments become void immediately (invalid from the start) and cannot be fixed later. Filers face civil penalties of $500-$5,000 per violation or criminal charges for filing false records. The law applies to all parishes except Orleans (New Orleans) and affects anyone submitting property subdivision documents for public record.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to study how property transfers interact with the public records doctrine and a specific 1993 court ruling known as Simmesport State Bank v. Roy. The study aims to address practical legal issues where a court decision may negatively impact good-faith property buyers who rely on recorded documents. The legislature has requested that the institute provide its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives by January 4, 2027. This measure does not change any laws immediately but instead initiates a formal review to guide potential future legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the Italian Festival Royal Court for the 2026 event held in Tickfaw, Louisiana. It highlights the festival as a long-standing celebration of Italian-American heritage that includes parades, food competitions, and various pageants. The measure serves as an official commendation from the Louisiana House of Representatives to the organizers and participants of the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution that commends the members of the 2026 Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival Royal Court in Louisiana. It recognizes the festival's 18th anniversary and specifically honors the current king, queen, madre, and grand marshal for their service. The resolution expresses pride in the town's celebration of Sicilian cultural heritage through events like parades and cooking competitions.

Maddy summaryHB 882 amends Louisiana's outdoor advertising rules to increase spacing between signs along highways and ban wooden materials. The bill requires all new outdoor advertising signs to be constructed of steel or metal (replacing wood), mandates signs face away from highways by at least 1,000 feet on the same side of interstates or federal highways, and exempts "on-premise" signs (like store signage). Existing wooden signs may remain until replacement, repair, or relocation, at which point they must comply with the new rules. This directly affects billboard companies and businesses using highway-side advertising in commercial or industrial zones.

Maddy summaryHB 527 establishes statewide maximum fees for court reporters across Louisiana, replacing previous district-specific rate structures. It sets new limits: $1.50 per page for standard transcripts in most civil/criminal cases, $6 per page for certified transcripts in non-indigent criminal cases, and $3.50 per page for indigent criminal cases. The bill also requires the Judicial Council to review these fees every three years and prohibits salaried reporters from charging "sitting fees." This directly affects court reporters (who are paid these fees) and courts/litigants who cover the costs of transcribed proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill commemorates St. Joseph's Day on March 19, 2026, and establishes the Italian American Legislative Caucus in the Louisiana House of Representatives. The resolution recognizes the cultural and historical connections between Italy and Louisiana, particularly highlighting Italian contributions to the state's agriculture, commerce, culinary traditions, and the development of jazz music. By creating the caucus, the bill provides a formal structure for Italian American citizens to represent their community interests within the legislature. The measure focuses on preserving and promoting Italian heritage traditions within Louisiana's legislative body.

Maddy summaryHB 221 proposes naming a new Mississippi River bridge connecting Louisiana Highways 1 and 30 as the "President Donald J. Trump Expressway." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage once construction is complete, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $750 per sign. It does not change transportation laws, funding, or affect any policies beyond the bridge's official designation. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not been enacted.

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.