Rep. Stephanie Hilferty

Maddy summarySB 104 designates a specific segment of Louisiana Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish (from the intersection with Highway 78 to the Pointe Coupee Parish line) as the "Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway" to honor the renowned author. The bill requires the state transportation department to install signage only if local or private funds cover the costs (capped at $750 per sign for materials and installation). This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting the designated highway corridor and its signage. The bill is currently in the prefiling stage and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows full-time firefighters in Louisiana local government fire departments to join state insurance programs if their employer chooses to participate. It defines eligible fire departments as any local organization whose main purpose is fire prevention and extinguishing, and requires that all employees and retirees in the same class be included if one firefighter participates. The law also grants credit for prior health insurance coverage during the period before the employer opts into the program, ensuring firefighters don't lose coverage history. Employers retain the discretion to decide whether to enroll their fire department staff in these benefits, with no legal barrier preventing such participation. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 346 renames a specific section of U.S. Highway 171 in Florien, Louisiana (from Louisiana Highway 118 to Sandra Lane) as the "Speaker Joe Salter Memorial Highway." The bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage for this redesignation, provided local or private funds cover the department's actual costs (up to $750 per sign). This is a procedural naming bill with no substantive policy changes affecting residents, programs, or funding. It solely honors Speaker Joe Salter through a highway designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the governance structure of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East by establishing a new rule for confirming its board members. Specifically, it requires the Senate to reconfirm the nine existing commissioners by December 1, 2026, after which their terms will depend on this confirmation process. If the Senate fails to reconfirm a member, that person's term ends immediately, and they cannot be reappointed for two years, while confirmed members keep their original terms. The legislation also outlines that any new members appointed to fill vacancies created by non-reconfirmation will serve only until the end of the predecessor's original term.

Maddy summaryHB 573 updates governance rules for New Orleans' Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB), which manages the city's water and sewer services. It requires the New Orleans City Council to create a new billing policy review group (including council members, board leadership, and state legislators) before changing S&WB billing rules, ensuring uniform bill modifications and preventing special treatment. The bill also clarifies that city council ordinances can override specific S&WB rules if adopted later, and allows the council to set alternative rate approval procedures. These changes directly affect S&WB operations, city council decision-making, and residents receiving water/sewer bills.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally commends Guy Williams, president of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, for his assistance to the Lakeview community in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The bill highlights specific actions taken by Williams, such as providing meeting space, supporting fundraising efforts, and keeping his bank open to offer financial relief and mortgage lending despite damaged systems. It also notes his role in helping restore the New Canal Lighthouse and his leadership in saving lives and providing emotional support during the disaster. The resolution serves as an official recognition of his contributions rather than a change to laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes Martin Landrieu for his long-term contributions to the Lakeview neighborhood in New Orleans. It highlights his leadership roles in local civic organizations and his work on rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina. The measure does not create new laws or change policies; instead, it serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Louisiana House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 15, 2026, as AARP Louisiana's 11th Annual Family Caregiver Day at the state capitol. The resolution formally recognizes the contributions of the nearly one million family caregivers in Louisiana who provide unpaid assistance to older adults. It does not create new funding or change laws, but rather serves as a commemorative gesture to honor the dedication of these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Charles Emile 'Peppi' Bruneau, Jr. for his long career as a Louisiana state legislator and his leadership in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans. The bill highlights his legislative achievements, such as authoring laws to increase government transparency and helping guide recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. It also acknowledges his specific contributions to the Lakeview Crime Prevention District and the Hibernian Memorial Park project. The document serves as an official commendation rather than a law that changes policy or affects public funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution honoring Joseph Giarrusso, III, for his eight years of service as a New Orleans City Council representative for District A. It recognizes his previous leadership in the Lakeview Civic Improvement Association and his role as the council's budget chair, where he managed city finances. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the community and expresses well wishes for his new position as first deputy mayor and chief administrative officer of the City of New Orleans.