Rep. Candace Newell

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 summaryThis bill amends Louisiana law governing the board for the New Orleans Regional Business Park. It reduces the board size from 12 to nine members and specifies exactly who appoints each member (e.g., the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 2nd District, a state senator, and the mayor using input from community groups like the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce). The bill also establishes procedures for filling vacancies, removing members for unexcused absences (four consecutive meetings), and requiring reappointment if a member's appointing authority's term ends. These changes directly affect how the business park's governing board is structured and operates.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes Mable Harris Thomas as she approaches her 100th birthday. It highlights her life achievements, including her career as an educator and her community service in Louisiana. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official commendation from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes Heaven Riley Breaux for being named Miss Louisiana Teen USA. It highlights her personal achievements, such as her pageant titles and community work with her organization Bows of Confidence, and expresses the House's support for her future plans to attend Mississippi State University. The measure does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official commendation of her accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of New Hope Baptist Church, a community organization founded in 1926 in New Orleans. The bill formally recognizes the church's long history of service and its recent construction of the JCR Community Center. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but rather serves as an official acknowledgment of the church's contributions to the neighborhood.

Maddy summaryHB 483 would create a special tax district in New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny neighborhood to fund local security and improvement efforts. It authorizes a 2% sales tax on goods and services, plus a 2% tax on hotel stays, within the district boundaries. Both taxes require voter approval via a special election before implementation, as mandated by the Louisiana Election Code. The revenue would support neighborhood security initiatives and infrastructure improvements, collected by the city government following standard tax procedures. The bill is pending legislative action and would take effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

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 commemorates St. Joseph's Day on March 19, 2026, and establishes the Italian American Legislative Caucus in the Louisiana House of Representatives. The resolution recognizes the cultural and historical connections between Italy and Louisiana, particularly highlighting Italian contributions to the state's agriculture, commerce, culinary traditions, and the development of jazz music. By creating the caucus, the bill provides a formal structure for Italian American citizens to represent their community interests within the legislature. The measure focuses on preserving and promoting Italian heritage traditions within Louisiana's legislative body.

Maddy summaryHB 182 requires all licensed hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana to ensure a qualified healthcare professional (such as a physician or sexual assault nurse examiner) is available during operating hours to provide forensic examinations and treatment to sexual assault survivors. It mandates that facilities offer survivors information about these services and maintain personnel trained to conduct forensic medical exams. The bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers statewide by setting new standards for their response to sexual assault cases. It defines key terms like "qualified healthcare professional" to clarify who can perform these examinations, aiming to improve access to specialized care for survivors.