Rep. Alonzo Knox

Maddy summaryHB 479, the Fiscal Truth in Sentencing Act, requires Louisiana district clerks of court to provide quarterly reports to the legislative auditor containing sentencing data, including the number of sentences and total confinement years per judge, excluding traffic cases. It specifically mandates reporting on juvenile cases sentenced to incarceration (20+ years) starting in 2026. The legislative auditor uses this data, combined with annual budget figures from criminal justice agencies, to create annual reports projecting five-year incarceration costs and average per-person costs. This law aims to improve budget transparency for the criminal justice system by standardizing data collection and reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 627 requires all government bodies created by law (like city councils or school boards) to both live-stream and video record every public meeting. This applies to all open proceedings, except private executive sessions, and mandates real-time online or TV broadcasting via the internet. The law exempts bodies from penalties if broadcast failures occur due to unforeseen technological issues beyond their control. It aims to increase public access to government meetings by making proceedings immediately available online.

Maddy summaryHB 800, the "Make Affordable Groceries Again Act," prohibits large grocery suppliers and dominant retailers from engaging in unfair pricing practices that disadvantage smaller retailers. It requires covered suppliers (those with over $6 billion in annual sales) to offer identical terms of sale to all retailers purchasing goods on the same volume basis, and to share anonymized pricing data with non-dominant retailers upon request within 14 days. The law specifically targets price discrimination against smaller retailers by major chains (dominant covered retailers with over $18 billion in annual sales) and prevents coercion of suppliers to violate these rules. It directly affects large grocery suppliers, dominant retailers, and smaller retailers competing for the same products, aiming to increase pricing transparency in grocery markets. The bill does not apply to gasoline, prescription drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.

Maddy summaryHB 687 restricts where alcohol permits can be issued in Louisiana by prohibiting permits within 300 feet (500 feet in unincorporated areas) of schools, churches, playgrounds, day care centers, correctional facilities, or homes in historic neighborhoods. Municipalities may choose to measure distances by walking path or straight line for new permits, but only prospectively. If a property with an alcohol permit is sold while located within this restricted zone, the permit is revoked as of the sale date. Businesses can reapply for a new permit after revocation.

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.

Maddy summarySB 232 updates Louisiana's motion picture production tax credit program by adding a requirement for film productions to include specific promotional elements to qualify for the credit. The bill defines a "Louisiana promotional graphic" as a short (up to 5 seconds), static or animated visual in end credits or broadcasts that promotes the state, plus an electronic press kit or customized video. This applies directly to film and television productions seeking the tax credit, requiring them to incorporate these approved promotional materials. The changes revise existing tax credit provisions to include these new branding requirements for eligible productions.

Maddy summarySB 203 allows tourism organizations in Orleans Parish (New Orleans) to charge participating hotels a fee of up to 1.75% of the daily room rate. This assessment would fund destination marketing, sales, public relations, and other tourism-related activities to support economic development and visitor growth. The fee requires approval by the tourism organization’s board and a vote of the affected hotels through a referendum. It directly affects hotels in New Orleans that are members of participating tourism groups. The bill amends Louisiana law to establish this specific assessment structure for Orleans Parish.

Maddy summarySB 121 requires written permission for school-based mental health screenings of students. It specifies that screenings cannot proceed without written consent from a parent or legal guardian, unless the student is 18 or older (age of majority) or legally emancipated, in which case the student may provide their own written consent. The bill directly affects students, schools, and parents/guardians by clarifying consent requirements for these screenings. The bill is currently under review in the Senate Committee on Education, with recent amendments focusing on consent language to align with student age and legal status.

Maddy summaryHB 486 requires Louisiana public schools to offer mental health assessments to certain students. It defines which mental health professionals can conduct these assessments, including licensed mental health providers (like psychologists or counselors) and behavioral health service providers licensed by the state. Schools must use providers from these categories and can find current provider lists through licensing boards or the state Department of Health website. The bill focuses on creating clear pathways for schools to access qualified mental health professionals, directly affecting public schools and the students they serve.