Rep. Mandie Landry

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how employment laws apply to workers who use medical marijuana. It ensures that employees cannot be fired or disciplined solely for having a valid medical marijuana prescription, but it explicitly allows employers to take action if an employee uses the drug or is impaired while on the job or driving company vehicles. The changes specifically protect workers from discrimination based on their medical status while maintaining safety rules for those operating vehicles or heavy equipment during work hours.

Maddy summaryHB 226 amends Louisiana law to increase the maximum penalties for the crime of public bribery. This change directly affects individuals who offer, promise, or give anything of value to a public official in exchange for an official act. Under the new provisions, a person convicted of public bribery could face a fine of up to $12,000, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both. The bill does not alter the definition of the crime itself but strictly raises the potential punishments available to courts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state statute to require school nurses to receive in-service training on caring for students with sickle cell disease. The change directly affects school nurses by updating the legal reference in the relevant code section from R.S. 17:236.5 to R.S. 17:436.5. While the text indicates the bill has no practical impact, it formally modifies the existing law to ensure the correct citation is used for the training requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new specialty license plate in Louisiana called the "Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale" for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and vans. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections will work with the Mystic Krewe organization to design the plate, which must include the group's name, and will issue it to any Louisiana citizen who applies. Drivers paying for this plate will be charged a $25 annual royalty fee and a $3.50 handling fee, with the royalty money going directly to the Mystic Krewe to fund community events and social programs. The plate will only become available once at least 1,000 people apply for it.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally expresses the condolences of the Louisiana Legislature on the death of James David Cain, a former state representative and senator. The document honors Cain's life and career by detailing his background as a basketball coach, his military service, and his decades of public service in both the House and Senate. It serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the state and extends sympathy to his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates how the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board calculates and presents water bills for all customers, removing the distinction between residential and commercial clients in certain billing contexts. It establishes a new arbitration system with two appointed arbiters per team to handle billing disputes, requiring these teams to hold regular public meetings in each city district to review customer cases. Additionally, the law mandates that existing residential customers receive their fixed rate bills within 120 days of the act's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new section in Louisiana law that allows local governments to regulate booking agents, which are defined as websites or platforms that profit from connecting owners with short-term rental guests. Under the proposed rules, cities and parishes can require these platforms to display local rental license numbers on listings and must remove any listings within ten days if the local authority notifies them that a rental is unlicensed or prohibited. If a booking agent fails to comply with these local regulations, the municipality or parish can impose a civil penalty of up to $1,500 for each violation. The legislation clarifies that the term "owner's agent" does not include a booking agent to ensure the rules apply specifically to digital platforms rather than property managers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires developers and businesses seeking property tax breaks in Orleans Parish to notify the Orleans Parish School Board before applying. Specifically, any agreement lasting two years or more, or involving tax reductions of one million dollars or more, must be sent via certified mail at least thirty days in advance. The notice must include details such as the applicant's name, the agreement's duration, and an estimate of the taxes that would be affected. This rule does not apply to state-approved exemptions or those established by the state constitution. The law takes effect on July 1, 2024, for any agreements entered into on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires adult detention facilities in Louisiana to offer both a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) training program and at least one vocational training program as options for inmates. The law also states that participation in specific pilot or reentry programs satisfies this requirement only if those programs include both a GED and a vocational component. By mandating these educational opportunities, the legislation aims to ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to basic academic and job skills training while in custody.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to include alternative imaging methods as options alongside standard mammograms. The law applies to all health coverage plans and ensures these non-mammography screening choices are available to policyholders. By mandating the inclusion of these alternatives, the legislation aims to expand the range of diagnostic tools accessible through insurance coverage. The measure was passed by the Senate and is awaiting further action in the House.