Sen. Valarie Hodges

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family and friends of Mayther "Ray" Young, who recently passed away. It honors his life by highlighting his extensive contributions to agriculture, public service, and his community, including his work as a farmer, consultant, and elected official. The resolution formally acknowledges his achievements and transmits a copy to his widow, Dorothy Young, as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud, which prohibits anyone from knowingly giving an abortion-inducing drug to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent. It also amends existing laws to explicitly classify attempted abortions as a crime and adds the specific act of using drugs to cause an abortion to the state's list of racketeering activities. Under the new provisions, offenders face prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years and fines between ten thousand and one hundred thousand dollars, depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy and the risk to the woman's health. The law applies to any person who engages in these actions, not just medical professionals, and ensures that a conviction under this bill does not prevent further prosecution for more serious offenses like murder if the woman is harmed or killed.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana bill expands the state's Parents' Bill of Rights by adding a specific provision that protects public school students from being taught they are currently or destined to be oppressed or oppressors based on their race or national origin. The law directly affects parents of public school children and school districts, requiring them to ensure classroom instruction does not convey these messages regarding a student's identity. By amending the existing statute, the bill mandates that schools avoid teaching concepts of oppression or oppressor status tied to race or origin, aiming to prevent discrimination in the educational environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local public school boards in Louisiana to conduct state and federal fingerprint background checks on any chaplain they employ or accept as a volunteer. The new rule applies to both paid staff and unpaid volunteers who serve in schools under the existing chapter governing school chaplains. Before a chaplain can begin their duties, the school must verify they have passed the background screening outlined in state law. This measure aims to ensure safety and compliance by mandating a standardized vetting process for all religious leaders working in public education settings.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana bill creates a new criminal offense specifically for election fraud and forgery, directly affecting voters, election officials, and anyone involved in the registration or conduct of elections. It prohibits actions such as voting multiple times, casting ballots under false pretenses, registering or voting in another person's name, forging election documents, and possessing official ballots or registration certificates without authorization. The law establishes penalties ranging from fines up to $2,000 and up to two years in prison for a first offense, with harsher penalties of fines up to $5,000 and up to five years in hard labor for repeat offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes that the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum have no legal authority or power within Louisiana. It explicitly prohibits state, local, and municipal governments from enforcing any rules, regulations, fees, taxes, policies, or mandates issued by these three international organizations. Additionally, the legislation prevents officials from using communications from these groups as a basis for taking any action in the state.

Maddy summarySB 227 establishes minimum training requirements for part-time and reserve peace officers in Louisiana who begin employment on or after January 1, 2022. These officers must complete a certified training program and pass a comprehensive examination within three years of starting their job, though they may continue performing administrative duties if they fail to meet this timeline. The bill includes specific exceptions for officers in small villages with fewer than 1,000 residents, granting them a two-year compliance period, and states that lack of training cannot be used to suppress evidence in court. Additionally, the legislation ensures that officers are not barred from continuing their duties if their agency cannot provide the required training due to a shortage of funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally expresses the condolences of the Louisiana Legislature on the death of James David Cain, a former state representative and senator. The document honors Cain's life and career by detailing his background as a basketball coach, his military service, and his decades of public service in both the House and Senate. It serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the state and extends sympathy to his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Legislature urges President Biden's administration to end the temporary pause on approving pending liquefied natural gas export permits. The bill highlights the state's significant economic reliance on the oil and gas industry, which contributes billions in tax revenue and supports thousands of jobs. It argues that halting these approvals could disrupt global supply chains, increase energy costs, and harm national security. The measure does not change any laws but serves as a formal request to the federal government to resume its review of LNG export projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and birthing centers in Louisiana to give new mothers and their families a list of warning signs and local resources before they leave after giving birth. The Louisiana Department of Health will create this information and make it available online so medical facilities can use it. The goal is to ensure parents know what symptoms to watch for and where to get help if something goes wrong with their newborn or themselves.