Sen. Royce Duplessis

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes Senate President Cameron Henry, Jr. for being selected as the 2026 Irish Grand Marshal in the 44th Annual Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie, Louisiana. The resolution highlights the parade's history since 1983, its role in celebrating Irish and Italian heritage, and the significance of Henry's appointment alongside Italian Grand Marshal Erik Youngblood. The document notes that the parade attracts large crowds and supports local nonprofits, while also mentioning that the LSU Tiger Marching Band led the procession this year. This measure serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Louisiana Senate for Henry's participation in this community event.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It directly affects Louisiana's eight HBCUs by formally recognizing their contributions to education, community development, and state leadership. The bill highlights specific achievements of each institution, including academic programs, research centers, and notable alumni like Dr. Norman C. Francis. This is a commemorative measure that acknowledges past and ongoing contributions without changing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 86 creates a statewide registry for individuals convicted of two or more domestic abuse offenses in Louisiana, directly affecting repeat offenders convicted under specific laws (such as battery, aggravated assault, stalking, or violating protective orders). The bill requires these individuals to register with local law enforcement upon release or as a probation/parole condition, providing detailed personal information including addresses, employment, vehicles, and physical descriptions. Offenders must pay a $250 annual fee ($100 of which funds domestic abuse programs), and failure to register or provide false information is punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The registry, maintained by the state bureau, will be publicly accessible to enhance community safety awareness.

Maddy summarySB 267 would prevent Louisiana auto insurers from using a customer's credit history or zip code to set auto insurance premiums. This bill directly affects all auto insurance consumers in Louisiana and requires insurers to stop using these two specific factors in rate calculations. The key provision prohibits insurers from considering credit information and zip codes during underwriting or rating, as specified in the new law. If enacted, it would change how insurers determine premiums by eliminating these criteria from their pricing models.

Maddy summarySB 299 amends Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program to explicitly allow nonprofit organizations to help homeowners cover costs for installing fortified roofs. It directly affects homeowners receiving program grants and nonprofit groups that can now provide additional financial support for roof installation. The key provision removes prohibitions against nonprofits assisting grant recipients with these specific costs, defining "nonprofit organization" as tax-exempt entities under federal and state law. This change streamlines support for homeowners seeking to strengthen homes against weather damage without altering the program's core grant structure.

Maddy summarySB 297 creates a formal process for insurers in Louisiana to claim certain rate filing information as trade secrets, preventing public inspection. Insurers must clearly mark such information, submit sworn affidavits meeting strict criteria (e.g., demonstrating economic value and secrecy efforts), and provide a public summary without disclosing protected details. However, the bill explicitly requires disclosure of financial models, affiliate transactions, compensation, and other specified data, which cannot be hidden as trade secrets. The commissioner reviews all claims, with penalties for false claims and independent annual reviews of trade secret assertions to ensure compliance.

Maddy summarySB 301 directs Louisiana to use surplus state-owned land for affordable housing by requiring the Louisiana Housing Corporation to maintain an annual public inventory of available property. It establishes a process where nonprofit or government housing entities can submit proposals to develop affordable housing on this land, with proposals evaluated based on criteria like the proportion of deeply affordable units (rent ≤30% of income for very low-income residents), nonprofit ownership models, and inclusion of supportive services. The bill directly affects affordable housing entities, which can develop housing for very low-income (≤50% median income), low-income (≤80%), and moderate-income (≤100%) residents, while requiring annual reporting on transferred properties to the legislature. Key mechanisms include mandatory scoring of proposals, cooperative agreements between the Corporation and housing entities, and gubernatorial review for property retention. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 298 prohibits Louisiana insurance companies from including institutional advertising expenses (like general brand marketing) when calculating their rate proposals. The bill amends state insurance statutes to define "expenses" as excluding such advertising costs and explicitly states insurers cannot use these expenses to set rates. This directly affects all property and casualty insurers operating in Louisiana that file rate changes with the state. The key mechanism is a statutory definition change that removes advertising costs from the expense calculations insurers use for rate filings. The bill does not alter other rate components like claims costs or operational expenses.

Maddy summarySB 355 requires Louisiana insurers to provide a minimum 20% premium discount to homeowners who retrofit their properties to meet the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program standards, effective October 1, 2027. Insurers unable to meet this discount must submit a proposed alternative discount with actuarial justification to the Insurance Commissioner for review. The Commissioner can reject unapproved proposals and mandate revisions, with affected parties able to request a hearing if dissatisfied. This bill directly affects homeowners participating in the Fortify Homes Program and insurers offering property insurance in Louisiana.

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.