Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter

Maddy summarySB 495 amends the state Election Code to update how campaign finance disclosures are reported for political communications and leadership committees. The bill makes specific technical changes to the text, such as removing a reference to a specific legal definition and adjusting punctuation to clarify when reporting requirements apply. These adjustments affect candidates, political committees, and other entities that must file financial reports with election officials. The legislation does not introduce new reporting rules or change the amounts that must be disclosed, but rather refines the existing language to ensure clarity.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Warren Morris for receiving the 2026 Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award and for his induction into the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class. The legislation recognizes Morris's significant athletic achievements, including his legendary walk-off home run in the 1996 College World Series, his performance on the U.S. Olympic baseball team, and his career in Major League Baseball. By passing this resolution, the Louisiana Legislature acknowledges Morris's long-term contributions to the state's sports reputation and his legacy as a native of Alexandria. The bill concludes by directing that a copy of the resolution be sent to Morris.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes the creation of a joint legislative committee to study water quality issues within the Atchafalaya Basin. The committee would be tasked with investigating the current state of the water and providing recommendations to the legislature. By establishing this group, the bill aims to focus attention on environmental concerns specific to this region without immediately changing existing laws. The measure is currently being reviewed by state committees and has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Louisiana law to exempt individuals under 17 from certain child sexual abuse materials charges when they create or possess such materials without intending to gain something of value or secure a privilege. It specifies that the standard offense provisions do not apply to minors in these circumstances, instead directing that related rules (R.S. 14:81.1.1) govern such cases. The law directly affects minors under 17 who share or possess explicit materials for personal reasons, not for commercial gain or advantage. It does not change penalties for adults or cases involving minors who seek something in return.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hunters to use pre-charged pneumatic devices during special primitive firearm seasons for deer hunting in Louisiana. The law specifies that these devices must fire projectiles of at least .30 caliber, 150 grains, or produce a minimum muzzle energy of 215 foot pounds. Hunters using these weapons must still follow standard licensing requirements and can only use still hunting methods in designated areas. The bill also permits the use of magnified scopes on authorized weapons during these specific seasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana's newborn hearing screening laws to modernize terminology and strengthen protections for infants with hearing loss. It establishes a formal Bill of Rights for deaf and hard-of-hearing children, ensuring they have access to adult role models and meaningful involvement in programs affecting their education. The legislation creates or updates an advisory council to oversee screening procedures, define hearing loss categories, and guide early intervention services. By clarifying definitions and expanding the legal framework, the bill aims to improve early detection and support for infants at risk of hearing disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 111 sets daily catch limits and minimum size requirements for recreational fishing of black bass and crappie in a defined area of south-central Louisiana. It prohibits taking more than five black bass (each at least 14 inches long) or 25 crappie (each at least 8 inches long) in a single day within specified boundaries south of US 190, east of the levee, and north of US 90. The bill directly affects recreational anglers fishing in that geographic region and prohibits possessing finfish filets. These changes would become effective August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 156 increases the maximum prison sentence for negligent homicide from 10 to 15 years in certain cases. It specifically raises the maximum to 15 years for killing a child under 10, and to 40 years for offenders over 17 who cause the death of someone under 17 through intentional or negligent mistreatment. The bill also requires courts to explain in writing why they don't sentence offenders to prison when alcohol contributed to a vehicle-related death. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of negligent homicide, particularly in cases involving minors or alcohol-related incidents.

Maddy summarySB 200 allows Louisiana to take over (expropriate) land within 50 miles of military bases if owned or controlled by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by U.S. Treasury lists) or their agents. It directly affects property owners in that zone who meet the bill’s definitions of foreign adversaries or their agents. The law requires the state to prove the ownership poses a threat to public health and safety before proceeding, using procedures similar to existing eminent domain laws but with added documentation. Property owners would receive relocation assistance under Louisiana’s existing laws. The bill aims to protect military bases by removing potential security risks from foreign-controlled land.

Maddy summarySB 321 modifies Louisiana's criminal procedure code to regulate electronic bonds for bail. It requires sheriffs to have approved software before offering electronic bonds, restricts execution to sheriff-approved agents (not all bail producers), and mandates location tracking within 10 miles of jail plus face recognition verification. The bill ensures parishes using electronic bonds must also allow in-person bail options. It directly affects sheriffs, approved bail agents, and defendants using electronic bail systems. The bill is currently prefilled and pending referral to the Judiciary Committee.