Rep. Dodie Horton

Maddy summarySB 105 amends Louisiana's TOPS program to expand eligibility for the TOPS-Tech Award to veterans honorably discharged from U.S. military installations located in Louisiana. To qualify, veterans must earn a 17+ ACT score (or equivalent SAT/ACT WorkKeys silver level) and submit their DD-214 discharge documents. The bill specifically applies to the 2020-2023 academic years and targets veterans who served at Louisiana military bases. It modifies existing eligibility rules without changing funding or creating new benefits, focusing solely on qualifying veterans for technical college financial aid.

Maddy summarySB 34, "Bryan's Call," establishes clear rules for missing child alerts in Louisiana. It requires AMBER Alerts for children 17 or younger in immediate danger of serious harm or death, and Level II alerts for other missing children cases that don’t meet AMBER criteria. Local police must assess alert types, but state police make the final decision and provide required training for law enforcement on using these systems. The law also grants legal immunity to broadcasters, cable operators, and law enforcement for actions related to Level II alerts.

Maddy summarySB 306 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for obstructing freedom of worship at churches or other places of worship. It prohibits specific actions including using force to intimidate attendees, damaging church property, blocking lawful access to the building, or engaging in disruptive activities during scheduled worship services. Violations carry fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment up to 18 months for repeat offenses, with enhanced penalties if bodily injury occurs. The law directly affects individuals who interfere with religious gatherings on private religious property, aiming to protect the orderly conduct of worship as defined by the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 635 creates new Louisiana laws to protect residents from foreign agents who attempt to control their behavior using foreign laws or threats. It defines "agents of foreign adversaries" (like government-linked entities) and "transnational repression" (such as coercion or retaliation for exercising free speech, religion, or assembly rights). The bill makes it a crime for these agents to coerce people into actions violating constitutional rights or retaliate for such actions, imposing enhanced penalties on top of the underlying offense. It also declares that courts cannot enforce foreign law decisions that deny constitutional rights protected under U.S. or Louisiana law.

Maddy summaryHB 636, the "Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," requires Louisiana public colleges and universities to prevent, report, and respond to hazing involving student organizations. It defines hazing broadly (including physical brutality, dangerous activities, or substance consumption) and mandates annual hazing education for all students starting fall 2027, plus specific orientation education for new students. The bill also requires student organizations to report hazing incidents to both law enforcement and their institution, and institutions must document all actions and share full details with law enforcement. These provisions directly affect public postsecondary institutions, their students, and all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs.

Maddy summaryHB 535 simplifies paternity acknowledgment for parents using hospital-based programs in Louisiana. It requires both parents to sign the form, which must be notarized (replacing the previous need for two witnesses), making the signed document legally valid for changing a child's paternity record with the state. This applies to parents aged 18 or older who choose to acknowledge paternity through hospitals. Minors under 18 are excluded and must follow other legal procedures to establish paternity. The bill changes the process to streamline legal recognition without altering parental rights or responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 39 requires all Louisiana peace officers seeking certification to be U.S. citizens, directly affecting law enforcement applicants and current officers needing certification. The bill adds a citizenship requirement to existing certification standards under Louisiana law (§2404.4), specifying that applicants must be U.S. citizens as defined in federal law (42 USC §9102(18)). It does not alter training or other existing qualifications but mandates citizenship as a new baseline for certification. This policy change applies to all law enforcement peace officers in Louisiana, including those employed by local police departments and sheriff's offices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives regarding the tragic loss of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. It specifically names the eight victims and describes their personal qualities to honor their memories. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to offer comfort to the families and friends of the deceased.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the tragic death of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. It directly affects the families and loved ones of the deceased by offering official sympathy from the legislative body. The resolution lists the names of the children and briefly describes their positive qualities and school affiliations. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of mourning.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives for the tragic deaths of eight young children in Shreveport. It formally acknowledges the loss of Mar'Kaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, Braylon Snow, Layla Pugh, Kayla Pugh, Shayla Elkins, and Jayla Elkins, who were all students at various local schools. The text describes each child briefly by name, age, and school, and concludes by offering comfort to their families and friends.