Maddy summaryHB 268 requires Louisiana public schools to provide career exposure activities for students in grades 6-8, mandating at least six activities annually per grade level. Three of these activities must align with high-demand Louisiana jobs (via Louisiana Works), involve employer interaction, link to career pathways, or offer work-based learning. It also requires schools to provide at least one career awareness activity for K-5 students before fifth grade and document at least one activity per student in their Individualized Graduation Plan. School boards must annually certify compliance to the state Department of Education and maintain records of these activities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a comprehensive study on rent stabilization policies, which are laws that limit how much landlords can increase rents. The bill directly affects renters, landlords, and housing developers by mandating an analysis of how such policies impact housing supply, pricing, maintenance, and disaster recovery. The study is required to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of rent control measures used in other states while considering factors like construction costs, insurance, and tax obligations. If completed, the findings and recommendations must be submitted to state legislative committees by March 1, 2027. Although the resolution was ultimately rejected by the House of Representatives, it outlines a specific framework for investigating housing affordability issues in Louisiana.
Maddy summaryHB 135 increases Louisiana's exemption for motor vehicles from debt collection. It raises the equity value exemption for one standard vehicle per household from $7,500 to $15,000 (based on NADA retail value), and adds a second vehicle exemption up to $15,000 if the debtor is married or has a child who is a licensed driver. The bill also creates a new $20,000 exemption for vehicles modified for a disability and adds health savings accounts (up to IRS annual limits) to the list of property exempt from debt collection. These changes directly affect Louisiana debtors owning vehicles or holding qualifying health savings accounts.
Maddy summaryHB 594 designates February 24 as SCN2A Awareness Day in Louisiana to raise public recognition of SCN2A, a rare genetic condition affecting children. The bill does not create new programs or funding but formally establishes an annual observance. It directly affects the state government and public through official recognition of this health awareness day. This is a symbolic, non-binding designation with no policy changes or financial impact.
Maddy summaryHB 297 expands Louisiana tenants' right to early lease termination to include victims of stalking and cyberstalking, in addition to domestic abuse. It directly affects residential tenants who are victims of these crimes and need to leave their rental properties for safety. The bill requires tenants to provide documentation from a qualified third party (like a social worker, police officer, or prosecutor) and complete a specific certification form detailing the incident and why remaining on the premises is unsafe. This creates a formal process for tenants to terminate leases early without penalty, while requiring lessors to follow defined procedures for approval.
Maddy summaryHB 617 requires businesses to clearly display the total price - including all mandatory fees or surcharges - before a consumer makes a purchase or booking. It directly affects all businesses selling goods or services to consumers, including restaurants, ride-share apps, and online platforms. Key provisions mandate that businesses disclose factors determining final prices (like distance or time), mandatory fees, and that costs may vary, all in clear, conspicuous language at the point of sale or advertising. Exemptions include businesses already complying with federal rules for broadband, cable, satellite, and live-event ticket pricing. The bill does not ban fees but ensures consumers see the full cost upfront, avoiding hidden charges.
Maddy summaryHB 897 protects patient healthcare data for participants in Louisiana's Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative. It requires healthcare providers (general contractors and subcontractors) to obtain written consent before sharing any identifiable health information, provide clear privacy notices explaining what data will be shared and with whom, and offer an easy way for patients to revoke consent. Providers must also give patients free access to their records within 10 business days. Violations could lead to contract termination by the Department of Children and Family Services, following standard state procedures.
Maddy summaryHB 111 would allow incarcerated individuals in Louisiana to earn an additional 90 days of credit toward their parole supervision date if they obtain an associate's degree from a regionally accredited, department-approved educational institution while serving their sentence. This policy directly affects people in Louisiana state prisons who complete such a degree program. The key provision adds this specific credit to existing good time calculations under Louisiana law, reducing the time they must serve under parole supervision. The bill does not alter prison sentences but shortens the parole period for eligible individuals who earn the degree.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Louisiana state government to pay a $40,000 consent judgment from the State General Fund for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The payment is for a legal settlement between the state, represented by LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans, and Alvin J. Clouatre, Jr., regarding a civil case in Orleans Parish. Funds can only be used to cover the final judgment amount including principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees as specified in the agreement. The bill ensures the payment stops accruing interest once enacted and requires proper documentation before the state treasurer releases the funds.
Maddy summaryHB 534 would require all local bond and tax elections (where voters approve funding for projects or taxes) to be held only during primary election dates, as specified in Louisiana's Constitution. This directly affects parishes and municipalities that hold such elections, shifting them from standalone voting days to coincide with primary elections. The bill includes a limited exception for security districts in parishes with cities over 300,000 population, allowing parcel fee elections in those areas to proceed separately. The law would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters in a statewide election.