Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 946 requires Louisiana hospitals to comply with federal pricing transparency rules (45 CFR Part 180) by publishing standardized pricing information. It mandates the state health department to verify compliance annually and publicly list non-compliant hospitals starting January 1, 2027. Hospitals failing to meet these requirements cannot pursue debt collection for services provided after that date, and patients may sue if collection actions occur. If found non-compliant, hospitals must refund payments, pay penalties, dismiss legal actions, or remove credit reports related to the debt. The bill directly affects hospitals, patients, and healthcare billing practices, focusing on enforcing federal transparency rules with clear consequences for noncompliance.
Maddy summaryHB 931 prohibits contractors or subcontractors receiving state funds through Louisiana's Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative from requiring clients to attend religious instruction, watch religious videos, or participate in religious services to access services. This directly affects organizations providing pregnancy and baby care services funded by the state. The bill mandates that the state department investigate complaints about violations, and contractors found noncompliant may face ineligibility, suspension, or a 90-day ban on future state funding. It ensures services remain accessible without religious conditions, applying specifically to this state-funded program.
Maddy summaryHB 460 would protect state employees and job applicants in Louisiana from employment discrimination based on using physician-recommended medical marijuana. It prohibits state agencies and the Civil Service Commission from refusing to hire or firing individuals who use medical marijuana as prescribed, while still allowing drug testing for impairment during work hours. The bill applies to all state classified and unclassified service positions, ensuring medical marijuana use does not affect employment decisions. This change would update existing anti-discrimination law to explicitly include medical marijuana use under state employment protections.
Maddy summaryHB 425 requires businesses in Louisiana to clearly inform consumers when they are interacting with an AI chatbot or automated system (like an AI agent or avatar) instead of a human. It directly affects companies using such technology in customer interactions within the state. The bill prohibits deceptive practices by banning unmarked AI interactions or situations where consumers could reasonably believe they are speaking with a human. Consumers harmed by violations can sue for actual damages plus up to $1,000 per incident, and businesses face civil penalties of up to $5 million for noncompliance. The law aims to prevent misleading AI interactions through mandatory disclosure and legal remedies.
Maddy summaryHB 702 requires transportation network company drivers (like Uber or Lyft drivers) and their companies to maintain auto insurance that includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage during all service periods. Specifically, the bill mandates this coverage during the pre-trip acceptance phase and while providing a prearranged ride, at the same bodily injury coverage limits as the policy. It directly affects app-based ride-hailing drivers by ensuring they have this coverage to protect passengers and others if involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. The bill amends Louisiana's insurance law (R.S. 45:201.6) to clarify these requirements without changing coverage amounts or costs.
Maddy summaryHB 461 allows Louisiana municipalities and parishes to voluntarily adopt FORTIFIED Home™ construction standards for new or significantly renovated residential properties (replacing 50%+ of roof area). It does not require local governments to implement these standards, only permits them to do so via local ordinance. If adopted, the ordinance must require verification by an IBHS-certified evaluator before a building permit is issued, and the local government must notify the state construction code council 60 days in advance. This bill directly affects homeowners and builders in communities that choose to implement the optional standards, with no impact on areas that do not adopt them.
Maddy summaryHB 409 extends the deadline for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against abusers in Louisiana. It revives any previously expired claims (barred by time limits) and allows lawsuits to be filed by June 14, 2029, under Louisiana law R.S. 9:2800.9. This directly affects individuals whose abuse cases were dismissed due to expired statutes of limitations. The bill amends prior legislation to provide a specific window for filing, ensuring survivors have a clear, extended period to seek legal recourse.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Patricia Lowrey-Dufour upon her retirement as the senior legislative analyst for the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs with House Legislative Services. It formally recognizes her nearly four decades of dedicated service to the Louisiana Legislature, acknowledging her expertise and significant contributions to the institution.