Rep. Candace Newell

Maddy summarySB 34, "Bryan's Call," establishes clear rules for missing child alerts in Louisiana. It requires AMBER Alerts for children 17 or younger in immediate danger of serious harm or death, and Level II alerts for other missing children cases that don’t meet AMBER criteria. Local police must assess alert types, but state police make the final decision and provide required training for law enforcement on using these systems. The law also grants legal immunity to broadcasters, cable operators, and law enforcement for actions related to Level II alerts.

Maddy summarySB 255 requires Medicaid-funded behavioral health providers in Louisiana to ensure staff delivering psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) services hold at least a bachelor's degree in specific fields like counseling, social work, or psychology. This affects all licensed providers seeking Medicaid reimbursement for PSR services. The bill mandates these educational qualifications as a condition for continued reimbursement, updating existing Medicaid eligibility rules. The measure is pending legislative review and would not take effect until enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates two specific segments of Louisiana Highway 182 as memorial highways: the portion in Jeanerette between Hubertville Road and Canal Street as the "Berwick 'BJ' LeJeune, Jr. Memorial Highway," and the segment between Jeanerette and Sorrel (from LA 671 to LA 318) as the "Ret. Judge Richard T. 'Dickey' Haik, Sr. Memorial Highway." It requires the Department of Transportation to install signage for these designations, funded entirely by local or private contributions covering costs up to $750 per sign. The bill has no substantive policy changes beyond naming these highway sections and establishing a cost-recovery mechanism for signage.

Maddy summaryHB 23 would provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to eligible Louisiana state retirees and certain beneficiaries starting July 1, 2026. It applies to retirees aged 60+ with at least one year of benefits by June 30, 2026, plus specific beneficiaries (e.g., those linked to disability retirees or deceased retirees). The COLA would be capped at 2% of the first $80,000 of a recipient’s benefit and funded exclusively from the retirement system’s existing funds. The bill would take effect on June 30, 2026, pending legislative approval.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives regarding the tragic loss of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. It specifically names the eight victims and describes their personal qualities to honor their memories. The bill is a symbolic gesture intended to offer comfort to the families and friends of the deceased.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the tragic death of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana. It directly affects the families and loved ones of the deceased by offering official sympathy from the legislative body. The resolution lists the names of the children and briefly describes their positive qualities and school affiliations. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of mourning.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives for the tragic deaths of eight young children in Shreveport. It formally acknowledges the loss of Mar'Kaydon Pugh, Sariahh Snow, Khedarrion Snow, Braylon Snow, Layla Pugh, Kayla Pugh, Shayla Elkins, and Jayla Elkins, who were all students at various local schools. The text describes each child briefly by name, age, and school, and concludes by offering comfort to their families and friends.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Paul Hollis, the director of the United States Mint, for his return visit to the Louisiana House of Representatives. The measure expresses gratitude for his past service as a state representative and his current role as the first Louisianian to lead the Mint. It does not create any new laws or change existing policies, but rather serves as an official statement of appreciation for his contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 705 clarifies when individuals commit contempt of Louisiana's legislature, directly affecting people summoned to testify before legislative committees. It specifies contempt occurs if someone refuses to testify, disrupts proceedings, or attempts to bribe lawmakers. Violators face fines up to $50,000 or six months in jail. The bill requires committee chairs to immediately certify contempt to prosecutors or law enforcement for arrest.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how victims of sex offenses can access their personal information in public records by requiring them to submit supporting documentation when making a request. Specifically, it mandates that victims include a police report, protective order, or final judgment proving their status as a victim or alleged victim of a sex offense along with their access request. The legislative changes renumber certain subsections within the public records law to accommodate this new documentation requirement. This measure directly affects victims of sex offenses seeking to control the public availability of their identifying information. The bill passed the House with unanimous approval and was sent to the Senate for further consideration.