Maddy summaryHB 636, the "Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," requires Louisiana public colleges and universities to prevent, report, and respond to hazing involving student organizations. It defines hazing broadly (including physical brutality, dangerous activities, or substance consumption) and mandates annual hazing education for all students starting fall 2027, plus specific orientation education for new students. The bill also requires student organizations to report hazing incidents to both law enforcement and their institution, and institutions must document all actions and share full details with law enforcement. These provisions directly affect public postsecondary institutions, their students, and all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 675 designates a specific section of U.S. Highway 425 in Franklin Parish (from Morgan Street to Louisiana Highway 913) as the "Bill Jewel 'Putt' Linder Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the costs (up to $2,250 per sign) without using state funds. This is a commemorative bill with no policy changes or direct impact on residents, businesses, or transportation regulations. It solely involves naming a highway segment and setting conditions for signage implementation.
Maddy summaryHB 39 requires all Louisiana peace officers seeking certification to be U.S. citizens, directly affecting law enforcement applicants and current officers needing certification. The bill adds a citizenship requirement to existing certification standards under Louisiana law (§2404.4), specifying that applicants must be U.S. citizens as defined in federal law (42 USC §9102(18)). It does not alter training or other existing qualifications but mandates citizenship as a new baseline for certification. This policy change applies to all law enforcement peace officers in Louisiana, including those employed by local police departments and sheriff's offices.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Louisiana's Jewish-American citizens for their contributions to the state and nation and officially recognizes May 2026 as Jewish-American Heritage Month within the state. It encourages people of all faiths to observe Shabbat from sundown on May 15, 2026, through nightfall on May 16, 2026, as a time for prayer and gratitude in celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary. The document highlights historical figures like Haym Salomon and the enduring principles of religious liberty while directing a copy to the Israeli consulate for distribution to local Jewish communities.
Maddy summaryHB 68 adds a specific offense to Louisiana's disturbing the peace law, prohibiting the interruption of worship services or religious ceremonies at churches or other places of worship. The bill defines this conduct as disturbing the peace, with penalties including fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both, and requires at least 15 days of the sentence to be served without probation. This law directly affects individuals who disrupt religious gatherings, making such interruptions a criminal offense. The bill does not change existing penalties for other disturbing the peace violations but specifically targets disruptions at religious sites.
Maddy summaryHB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.
Maddy summarySB 64 amends Louisiana law to establish rules for video and audio recordings in self-contained special education classrooms. It requires both a school superintendent (or their designee) and a parent or legal guardian to be present during the first viewing of recordings after a request, and mandates that anyone viewing recordings who suspects a legal violation must report it to law enforcement. The bill directly affects special education students, school administrators, parents, and law enforcement by clarifying privacy protections and disclosure procedures for classroom recordings. It does not change funding or create new programs but adds specific requirements to existing policies governing camera use in these settings. The bill is currently pending referral to the Education Committee.
Maddy summarySB 75 requires local governments in Louisiana (such as parishes and municipalities) to meet cybersecurity standards to qualify for state assistance after a cyberattack. The Governor's Office of Homeland Security must create these standards and rules, which must align with national guidelines. Crucially, if a local government does not meet these standards but still receives state cybersecurity support, it must reimburse the state for those services. The bill establishes a clear financial responsibility for noncompliant local entities seeking state aid.
Maddy summarySB 206 requires all Louisiana public school districts to conduct blood pressure screenings for students during the first semester or within 30 days of enrollment, following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended schedule. School boards must document results, follow up on abnormal readings within 60 days, and notify parents in writing if issues are found. This applies to public schools but exempts charter schools from the blood pressure screening requirement specifically (while they still follow other health screening rules). The bill aims to identify hypertension early in students through standardized school-based testing.
Maddy summaryHB 275 (Louisiana) creates a "Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment Law" that increases penalties for domestic abuse battery when a child under 13 is present. The bill mandates a minimum 3-year prison sentence (up to 6 years) for offenders convicted of domestic abuse battery if a minor child 13 or younger was present at the scene. This directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse battery in Louisiana where children were present during the incident. The law adds this mandatory sentencing requirement to existing penalties under Louisiana law, without changing the core definition of the crime.