Rep. Ed Murray

Maddy summaryHB 232 updates Louisiana's process for minors (under 18) to obtain employment certificates. It replaces school-based requirements with a standardized digital form, requiring minors to provide parent/guardian consent and age verification (like a birth certificate) through the state department. Employers must keep the certificate for 14 days after a minor’s job ends, and the state can revoke certificates for improper issuance or illegal employment. The bill removes all obligations from schools and school boards regarding these certificates. It takes effect on August 2, 2026.

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 629 creates a special Louisiana license plate for the Krewe of Athena Carnival Club, available to any Louisiana resident who applies and pays fees. The plate requires a minimum of 1,000 applicants to be issued, with an annual $25 fee (plus a $3.50 handling fee) collected by the state. All $25 fees go directly to the Krewe of Athena to fund scholarships for debutantes, with the plate design including the words "Krewe of Athena" and following state plate regulations.

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 is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes Father Anthony M. Bozeman, a priest in the Society of St. Joseph, on the occasion of his twenty-fifth ordination anniversary. The resolution acknowledges his long-term service as a spiritual leader and pastor in New Orleans and extends well wishes for his continued work. As a procedural measure, the bill does not alter any laws or policies but serves to honor the individual's contributions to his community.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana law to clarify how long coroners can hold unclaimed bodies when the deceased has assets to cover funeral costs. It extends the retention period from thirty to forty-five days, allowing more time for families to claim remains or for authorities to locate funds. The updated statute requires that invoices for these services be sent to the public administrator or district court clerk, who will then arrange payment from the decedent's estate. This change directly affects coroners, funeral homes, and public officials responsible for managing unclaimed remains and associated expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands early voting in Louisiana by allowing voting on Sundays during the early voting period and requires the state to cover the costs associated with Sunday voting. It also mandates that one additional early voting day be added for each day early voting is suspended due to a state of emergency, ensuring voters have adequate time to cast ballots during disruptions. The legislation updates existing laws to clarify office hours, alternate voting locations, and holiday observances while maintaining the requirement for public notice of any election delays or rescheduling.

Maddy summaryHB 875 modifies Louisiana's fees for drivers who let auto insurance lapse. It reduces reinstatement fees based on lapse duration (e.g., $150 for 1-30 days, $250 for 31-90 days, $450 for over 90 days) and increases the grace period before fees apply to 30 days for first-time lapses. The bill exempts fees if insurance lapses were ≤30 days and the license plate is surrendered within 30 days, or for first-time lapses with 10-day advance notice. It also caps total fees at $850 for drivers under 65 and $250 for seniors aged 65+, with fees becoming final debt after 60 days. This directly affects Louisiana drivers who experience insurance coverage gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Dr. Norman C. Francis following his death on February 18, 2026. It honors his life as a civil rights advocate, educator, and community leader who served as president of Xavier University for 47 years and played a key role in rebuilding Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The resolution formally acknowledges his legacy and directs a copy of the document to be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Leroy Cavalier, a longtime Capitol Security Specialist who passed away on December 19, 2025. The resolution acknowledges Cavalier's service as a security specialist at the northeast bollards station and his contributions to the Capitol Security Office before his passing. It formally offers appreciation for his dedicated service and extends wishes for comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.