Sen. Regina Barrow

Maddy summarySB 343 amends the structure of East Baton Rouge Parish's Recreation and Park Commission. It specifies that the commission will consist of three ex-officio members (mayors of Baker, Baton Rouge, Central, St. George, and Zachary, each appointing a designee) and six appointed members: at least two residents of Baton Rouge city and one resident of unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish. The bill requires the commission to adjust residency requirements after each federal census and mandates that all members serve without pay. This change aligns the commission's membership rules with East Baton Rouge Parish's Home Rule Charter, correcting a previous law that conflicted with local government structure.

Maddy summarySB 344 would make it illegal to store a firearm unsecured (not in a locked container or with a tamper-resistant trigger lock) on property under a person's control if they know or should know a minor (under 18) or a prohibited person (e.g., banned due to a crime, mental health issue, or protective order) might access it. It directly affects firearm owners on their own property, such as parents or guardians. The bill includes exceptions for firearms carried on the person, unlawful entry, or supervised hunting with permission. Violations carry fines up to $500 or 6 months in jail; if injury occurs, penalties increase to up to $1,000 or 1 year in jail. The law explicitly states it does not affect constitutional rights to keep firearms under Louisiana or U.S. Constitution.

Maddy summarySB 332 prohibits the intentional disposal of whole waste tires in landfills as final disposal. It allows landfills to accept tires that have been processed - such as cut, separated, or shredded - according to rules set by Louisiana's environmental department. The bill directly affects waste tire processors, landfills, and waste management companies handling tire disposal. It clarifies existing rules to prevent illegal dumping while providing a regulated pathway for tire disposal through processing.

Maddy summarySB 342, the Voter Protection Act, creates new Louisiana law to protect voters from intimidation, misinformation, and barriers to registration and voting. It prohibits threatening language, false information about voting requirements, or interference near polling places (within 600 feet), with fines up to $5,000 or jail time for violations. The bill also extends voter registration deadlines by seven days, requires multilingual registration materials, mandates clear notifications for inactive voter registrations, and protects nonpartisan voter assistance providers. These changes directly affect all Louisiana voters, election officials, and organizations helping voters register or cast ballots, effective August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 278 requires East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court to live stream all proceedings (including status conferences) online for public viewing, starting January 1, 2027. It mandates that costs for live streaming technology be covered by the Court Modernization and Technology Fund, not by court users. The bill also specifies that custody hearings may only be closed to the public if a judge finds good cause and all parties agree in writing. Minors in custody cases may use initials or pseudonyms during proceedings. This applies directly to East Baton Rouge Family Court operations and the public seeking access to court records.

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.

Maddy summarySB 364 amends Louisiana law to strengthen oversight of utility rates by requiring the Louisiana Public Service Commission to audit electric utilities' fuel adjustment clauses biennially. It directly affects electric utilities and their rate-paying consumers by mandating the Commission review and modify fuel cost charges to ensure they remain "just and reasonable." Key provisions include requiring the Commission to evaluate these filings every two years and adjust charges as needed to prevent unreasonable costs from being passed to consumers. The bill focuses on regulatory process changes rather than new programs or funding. (Note: The bill is currently prefiling, with no votes recorded yet.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 486 requires Louisiana public schools to offer mental health assessments to certain students. It defines which mental health professionals can conduct these assessments, including licensed mental health providers (like psychologists or counselors) and behavioral health service providers licensed by the state. Schools must use providers from these categories and can find current provider lists through licensing boards or the state Department of Health website. The bill focuses on creating clear pathways for schools to access qualified mental health professionals, directly affecting public schools and the students they serve.

Maddy summarySB 61 requires insurers to provide consumers with a copy of the specific credit information they used when underwriting or setting rates for personal insurance policies (like auto or home insurance). This directly affects policyholders who apply for or renew personal insurance, giving them transparency into the credit data influencing their premiums. The key provision mandates that insurers must disclose this credit information upon initial application or renewal, rather than keeping it confidential. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate but does not change how credit data is used in rate calculations, only requiring disclosure to consumers.