Rep. Candace Newell

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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses condolences for the death of Joe R. Salter, a former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and officially recognizes his contributions to the state. It acknowledges his long public service career, including his role as Speaker during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and his subsequent work in various state government positions. The document records his notable accomplishments for posterity and extends appreciation to his family and the Louisiana community he served.

Maddy summaryHB 172 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would allow Louisiana's legislature to provide supplemental state pay to fire protection officers employed by airport authorities. Currently, the state constitution permits supplemental pay for fire officers at port authorities but not airport authorities; this amendment would extend that provision to include airport fire departments. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, it would change Article X, Section 10(A)(1)(b) of the Louisiana Constitution to explicitly include airport authorities under the existing pay framework. The amendment specifically affects full-time fire protection officers working at airports, not other public safety roles. This is a procedural change requiring voter approval, not a direct funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 189 requires the state to provide an extra $600 per month to full-time fire protection officers employed by the Lakefront Management Authority, in addition to their regular pay from the authority’s self-generated revenue. To qualify, officers must have completed one year of service, and those hired after March 1986 must hold specific certifications (NFPA 1001 Firefighter I/II or approved LSU training plus airport firefighting certification). The bill’s effective date depends on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. This is a targeted pay provision for a single agency’s fire staff, not a broad legislative change.

Maddy summaryHB 373 establishes Louisiana's first temporary adult-use cannabis pilot program, limited to existing therapeutic marijuana retailers and cultivators authorized under current law. It allows these permitted businesses to sell cannabis to adults 21+ using the existing Louisiana Medical Marijuana Tracking System (LMMTS), with strict requirements for testing, reporting, and age verification. The pilot program aims to evaluate the feasibility of a permanent adult-use system by testing real-world operations, gathering data, and identifying challenges before any permanent rollout. The program will run for a defined period (with a termination date specified in the bill) and does not affect the separate therapeutic marijuana program for medical patients.

Maddy summaryHB 912 defines "alternative hair design" as styling techniques like braiding, weaving, or locking hair (using synthetic or natural hair) without chemical treatments, and creates a new certification for "alternative hairstylists." It requires the state cosmetology board to include one alternative hairstylist member and sets specific education requirements for obtaining this certification. The bill also establishes teacher certification pathways specifically for teaching alternative hair design and mandates that salons specializing in this service must employ a licensed manager (e.g., a cosmetologist or alternative hairstylist). These changes directly affect hairstylists, salon owners, and educators in Louisiana who practice or teach alternative hair design.

Maddy summaryHB 323 requires Louisiana correctional facilities to notify an inmate's immediate family within 12 hours of death (excluding overnight hours), provide a written condolence letter, and submit a detailed report within 30 days. The report must include demographics (age, race, gender), cause of death, circumstances, and investigation details, and be made publicly available online. The Louisiana Department of Health collects annual data on inmate deaths for analysis, and the Department of Public Safety must publish a facility-level public report by December 31st. Violations of these requirements carry penalties of up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine.

Maddy summaryHB 543 would increase the homestead property tax exemption in Louisiana from $5,000 to $7,500 of assessed value for qualifying homeowners, effective January 1, 2027, if a related constitutional amendment passes in a statewide election. It also provides residential lessees with a tax credit equal to the tax on $7,500 of assessed value (capped at their actual tax bill), but only if they do not qualify for the homestead exemption themselves. The bill directly affects homeowners who claim homestead status and residential renters in Louisiana. The exemption amount change applies statewide, with historical adjustments for Orleans Parish noted in the text. The bill’s implementation is contingent on voter approval of a constitutional amendment, as specified in Section 2.

Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.