Rep. Alonzo Knox

Maddy summaryHB 75 modifies Louisiana's gaming regulations to set new limits on how casinos can deduct promotional play (free gaming credits or comps) from their taxable revenue. It establishes two limits: a fixed annual cap of $5 million for promotional play deductions, or a rising percentage of taxable revenue (4% starting 2027, 7% in 2028, 10% after 2029), whichever is greater. This directly affects licensed casino operators in Louisiana by restricting how much they can offset their taxable income through promotional activities. The bill updates definitions in Sections 27:44 and 27:205 to implement these deduction rules, effective from 2027 onward.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Faubourg Nouveau Marigny Improvement District in New Orleans, establishing a new local organization to manage neighborhood improvements in that specific area. The district will be governed by a five-person board consisting of representatives from the existing neighborhood association and three residents elected by district voters, who will oversee beautification projects, infrastructure upgrades, and community events. Funding for these initiatives will come from a property fee collected from landowners within the district, with amounts capped at $100 per year for most residential and commercial parcels, $500 for unimproved land, and subject to voter approval before collection begins. The district operates as a political subdivision of the state with powers to enter contracts, purchase property, and collaborate with city agencies, while its funds must be used exclusively for district benefits and remain subject to state audit requirements.

Maddy summarySB 25 adjusts the salary schedules for Louisiana parish registrars of voters, their chief deputies, and confidential assistants. It establishes new pay ranges based on parish population size (e.g., 0-40,000 residents or 200,001-1,000,000 residents), with specific annual salaries for each population bracket and experience level (Step 1 through Step 12). Compensation is tied to the latest federal census data, Louisiana Tech University population estimates, or locally determined parish population figures. The updated schedule takes effect July 1, 2026, directly affecting these local election officials across Louisiana's parishes.

Maddy summarySB 43 establishes Louisiana's Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Program within the Department of Health to fund clinical studies using psychedelic medications (like psilocybin) for treating opioid use disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. The program requires academic health centers to meet strict federal and state compliance standards - including FDA approval, safety protocols, and therapist qualifications - to conduct these studies. Eligible patients, including those with the specified conditions, may participate, and parishes can use opioid settlement funds to enroll residents. The bill mandates annual progress reports from participating centers and requires coordination with other states conducting similar research. This is a research-focused program, not a policy allowing general therapeutic use.

Maddy summarySB 237 requires schools in Louisiana to immediately report allegations of physical or sexual abuse against school employees to the state Department of Education. It creates a database tracking these reports and mandates schools check this database before hiring new employees to identify potential patterns of abuse. The bill also requires the Department of Children and Family Services to notify the state child ombudsman within three business days of child abuse or neglect fatalities or near-fatalities, including specific details like prior department involvement. Additionally, it directs the child ombudsman to notify legislators within 24 hours of any child death linked to abuse or neglect investigations. These provisions directly affect schools, school employees, child welfare agencies, and state legislators.

Maddy summarySB 268 requires Louisiana municipalities to follow specific procedures when replacing lead water pipes connecting public mains to buildings (called "service lines"). It allows municipal water systems to enter properties for this work after providing property owners and residents with at least seven days' notice - via in-person contact first, then certified mail or posted notice - detailing the work schedule, water disruption, and nearby water distribution points. After replacement, municipalities must send a follow-up letter summarizing the work. The bill directly affects property owners in municipalities with lead service lines and governs how municipal water systems (like water districts or utilities) must conduct these replacements.

Maddy summaryHB 342 requires local education agencies (LEAs) in Louisiana to prove the appropriateness of a student's special education program or placement during due process hearings, shifting the burden of proof from parents to the school district. This directly affects parents of students in special education and the LEAs (like school districts) involved in these disputes. The bill specifies that LEAs must meet this burden by showing the program or placement is appropriate "by a preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not). The change applies to both current and proposed educational plans in formal due process hearings.

Maddy summaryHB 782 regulates vapor products and alternative nicotine products in Louisiana by establishing new definitions, increasing permit fees, and adding enforcement mechanisms. It requires retail businesses selling these products to obtain permits (increasing annual fees from $25 to $100 for retailers), mandates wholesale dealers to verify retailers have valid permits, and prohibits remote sales. Violations can result in fines up to $4,000 for repeat offenses, and unpermitted products may be seized and forfeited. The bill directly affects retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers operating in this market within Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 812 authorizes a 5% annual increase in salary for Louisiana parish assessors (who determine property values for tax purposes) through 2029. The bill requires assessors to publish a 30-day notice in their parish's official journal before implementing each raise, with the first increase effective in 2026. The raises apply to all assessors regardless of parish size, building on existing salary tiers based on population. This change affects approximately 64 parish assessors statewide, with four scheduled increases (one per year) over the 2026-2029 period. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, pending legislative approval if vetoed.

Maddy summaryHB 368 increases penalties for demolishing historic structures in New Orleans without proper approval. It raises the maximum fine to either $50,000 or 15% of a property's tax-assessed value (whichever is greater) for owners, agents, or lessees who demolish buildings without a required "certificate of appropriateness." This directly affects property owners, developers, and preservation commissions in New Orleans by strengthening enforcement of historic district regulations. The bill amends existing law to provide clearer financial consequences for violating historic preservation rules. It does not create new requirements but elevates penalties for existing violations.