Sen. Gary Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for a formal study requested by Senator John N. Kennedy. The study is directed at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate how land use changes and habitat loss impact migratory waterfowl behavior and populations within the Mississippi Flyway. Specifically, the resolution asks the federal agency to examine variables affecting waterfowl winter distributions, breeding patterns, and related economic outcomes in response to observed population declines in Louisiana. The primary effect of the bill is to formally endorse the request for this research rather than to enact new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that encourages the state of Louisiana to strengthen economic ties and friendship with Taiwan. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change government policy, but rather serves as an official expression of support for the relationship. The text includes minor grammatical corrections and clarifications to the original wording regarding the partnership between Louisiana and the United States. Because it is a House Concurrent Resolution, it has no legal effect and does not require the signature of the governor to take action.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules to update regulations for managing Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations. It establishes specific management zones around infected areas, prohibiting supplemental feeding and baiting in the inner zone while allowing it under strict conditions in the outer buffer zone. The legislation also defines clear procedures for creating, modifying, or removing these zones based on surveillance results and requires the use of identifiable boundaries like roads and waterways.

Maddy summarySB 22 adds constables in the Second City Court of New Orleans to the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) as eligible members. This specifically affects constables in that court who previously may not have qualified for MERS membership under existing rules. The bill amends Louisiana law to define "marshals or constables of city courts" as eligible employers under MERS, expanding retirement system access for these positions. The change takes effect upon governor's signature or legislative approval, without altering existing retirement benefits or creating new positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new pathway for establishing vocational and technical charter schools in Louisiana that bypass local school boards and go directly to the state board for approval. To qualify, these schools must offer programs aligned with high-demand, high-wage jobs in sectors like manufacturing, technology, and energy, and they must receive a formal resolution of support from the State Board of Commerce and Industry. The legislation allows up to 50% of student enrollment to be reserved for children of employees or residents working in the specific industry the school serves, while also permitting industry representatives to sit on the school's governing board. Additionally, the bill requires charter agreements to include memorandums of understanding with local businesses to provide support such as internships and career counseling.

Maddy summarySB 32 establishes the Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative within Louisiana's Department of Health to improve support for families experiencing pregnancy loss or infant death. The bill requires hospitals providing maternity care to receive staff training on supporting grieving parents, access to bereavement resources (like counseling referrals), and perinatal bereavement devices. It prioritizes hospitals serving high-risk patients, delivering many babies, or lacking current bereavement resources. The initiative can fund these services using voluntary monies, including federal grants and donations, without imposing new taxes.

Maddy summarySB 84 requires all health insurance plans sold in Louisiana to cover prostate cancer screening for men aged 40-49 (as medically appropriate) and men over 50, following National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. It mandates that insurers cover these screenings without any out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, including deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. The law applies to new policies starting January 1, 2027, and existing policies must comply by January 1, 2028. This directly affects Louisiana health insurers and their policyholders by guaranteeing no-cost access to recommended prostate cancer screenings.

Maddy summarySB 34, "Bryan's Call," establishes clear rules for missing child alerts in Louisiana. It requires AMBER Alerts for children 17 or younger in immediate danger of serious harm or death, and Level II alerts for other missing children cases that don’t meet AMBER criteria. Local police must assess alert types, but state police make the final decision and provide required training for law enforcement on using these systems. The law also grants legal immunity to broadcasters, cable operators, and law enforcement for actions related to Level II alerts.

Maddy summarySB 260 requires youth sports volunteers (like coaches, trainers, and officials) in Louisiana to complete safety training before participating in athletic activities. This training must either be a league-approved safety program or a state-approved "injury mitigation course" covering concussion safety, heat injuries, cardiac risks, and emergency response. Volunteers with current CPR certification may be exempt from the training requirement. The bill aims to limit liability for these volunteers when they follow the safety protocols, directly affecting those organizing or leading youth sports teams across Louisiana.

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.