Rep. Phillip DeVillier

Maddy summaryHB 120 corrects outdated references in Louisiana law regarding death benefits for Louisiana State Guard members. It removes specific statutory citations (like R.S. 29:26.1(G)) that no longer apply, ensuring the law accurately references current provisions. The bill directly affects families of deceased Louisiana State Guard members by maintaining their eligibility for existing death benefits without changing the benefit amount or eligibility criteria. This is a technical correction to the legal text, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHCR 75 is a procedural House Concurrent Resolution that creates a Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force. It establishes the task force structure, specifying that the House-appointed member serves as chair and outlining its composition through committee referral. This resolution does not enact new policy or directly affect specific groups; it solely provides a framework for coordination among state agencies. The resolution is currently pending in committee with recent favorable reports.

Maddy summaryHB 56 is a technical amendment to clarify that flag size is included in provisions regarding the display of the U.S. flag. The bill adds "size" to the existing language, ensuring flag display regulations explicitly cover dimensions. It does not create new restrictions or rights but refines existing wording for clarity. The bill was reported favorably by the committee (9-0) and is moving forward in the legislative process. This is a procedural adjustment with no substantive policy change or direct impact on any specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 379 requires property insurance disputes to go through mandatory binding arbitration instead of court. It directly affects policyholders and insurers by changing who pays arbitration costs - specifically adding language that policyholders may be responsible for "payment of the costs of arbitration, or a portion thereof." The key provision amends existing language to clarify cost allocation in the arbitration process. This bill focuses on procedural changes to dispute resolution within property insurance claims.

Maddy summarySB 106 allows nighttime frog hunting in Louisiana using jacklights or mechanical devices like frog catchers, while prohibiting the carrying or possession of firearms during these activities. The bill directly affects individuals who hunt frogs at night, specifically changing existing rules about equipment and safety measures. Key provisions clarify that froggers may use visible light aids and mechanical tools but must not have guns present during nighttime hunting. This amendment updates Louisiana's existing frog hunting regulations (R.S. 56:634(A)) to explicitly address nighttime methods and firearm restrictions. The law aims to standardize nighttime frog hunting practices under specific safety and equipment rules.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 261 amends criminal code provisions related to the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones). It makes technical changes to section references (updating "(F)" to "(G)") and clarifies that certain prohibitions apply beyond limited circumstances by removing the word "only" from one provision. The bill directly affects individuals who operate drones in ways that violate these amended criminal code sections. These changes are procedural updates to existing law, not new policy. The bill passed committee and advanced to third reading in the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summarySB 99 defines "mobile speed camera" in Louisiana law to include handheld, unmanned, or portable devices that capture speeding violations via photos or video showing a vehicle's license plate. It requires that citations issued by these devices be sent by mail and prohibits imposing criminal fines or fees for such violations. The bill also explicitly states that failure to pay these citations will not be reported to credit bureaus. This law directly affects drivers cited for speeding by mobile cameras and the agencies operating them.

Maddy summaryHB 273 establishes the official state children's Christmas book, designating a specific title as a state symbol. The bill’s amendments (Amendment No. 1 and 2) corrected minor drafting errors, such as removing unnecessary "the" before "Cajun" in the text. This is a symbolic procedural bill with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on residents or state programs. It focuses solely on naming a children’s Christmas book for official recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 60 amends Louisiana law to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to operate and maintain healthcare facilities specifically for war veterans with psychiatric or geriatric conditions, as well as other veterans and nonveterans meeting federal eligibility under Title 38 of the U.S. Code. It defines "war veterans" as those honorably discharged after serving during U.S. wartime periods (including Korean Conflict, Vietnam era, and post-January 1955 service). The bill also expands access to include National Guard or reservists not activated under federal duty (Title 10). This legislation directly affects Louisiana war veterans and eligible nonveterans seeking specialized healthcare services through state-operated facilities.