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 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 Louisiana legislative resolution asks the U.S. government to reclassify crawfish processing work as agricultural labor so that workers can be hired under the H-2A visa program instead of the more limited H-2B program. The bill also urges federal officials to create a special designation for long-term, compliant crawfish employers and to speed up visa processing times to help businesses meet their seasonal staffing needs. By making these changes, the measure aims to ensure a reliable workforce for the crawfish and landscaping industries during their peak harvest and maintenance periods. The resolution does not become law itself but serves as a formal request to federal agencies and lawmakers to take specific actions to address labor shortages in the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as Early Ed Day at the Louisiana State Capitol to honor the Ready Louisiana Coalition. The resolution recognizes the coalition's work in advocating for quality and affordable early childhood education and highlights the importance of early brain development for children's future success. It does not create new laws or programs but serves as a formal commendation and a day of recognition within the state legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's full support for building and operating a liquid natural gas export facility at Port Fourchon. It directly affects the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, local businesses, and workers involved in the project, which is currently seeking federal permits. The resolution highlights the project's potential to create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity, and prioritize Louisiana-based manufacturing and employment. It also notes the project's alignment with state economic goals and a policy of exporting energy to nations with shared democratic values.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Anchor Home Task Force to study whether Louisiana should offer tax credits to encourage college graduates to stay in the state for their first five years after graduation. The task force will examine the financial structure, eligibility criteria, and potential impact of such an incentive program on workforce needs and state revenue. Composed of legislators and representatives from key state agencies, the group must submit its findings by April 1, 2027, without creating any new tax credits at this time. The bill focuses on research and recommendation rather than immediate policy changes, aiming to address Louisiana's population loss and "brain drain" of educated residents.
Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to study how commercial driver's license rules in Louisiana compare to those in neighboring Texas and Mississippi. The study will examine differences in licensing requirements, vehicle weight limits, and freight regulations that affect drivers who operate across state lines. State agencies will review these policies to see if aligning Louisiana's rules with its neighbors could improve transportation efficiency and economic competitiveness while maintaining safety standards. The department must submit a written report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by February 1, 2027.
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 summaryHB 98 strengthens protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking by creating criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of their confidential information. The bill prohibits individuals from intentionally releasing, disclosing, transferring, or disseminating victim-identifying details - such as abuse status, family members, or agency involvement - and imposes fines up to $2,500 or up to one year in prison for violations. It also shields community shelters from liability if staff or others unlawfully disclose such information. These provisions apply to service providers, law enforcement, and agencies handling victim cases, ensuring sensitive data remains confidential. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to prevent re-victimization through information leaks.
Maddy summarySB 122 requires Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to maintain all bridges, overpasses, culverts, and related structures on the state highway system. The bill defines "bridges" broadly to include all structural components and mandates the DOTD to inspect, repair, and preserve these structures while excluding bridges owned by local governments or the federal government. Starting September 1, 2026, the DOTD must submit annual reports to legislative transportation committees detailing bridge counts, maintenance status, locations, funding needs, and federal condition ratings. Beginning January 1, 2027, quarterly updates on bridge preservation plans will also be required.