Rep. Roger Wilder

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the text of a Senate resolution regarding the removal of judges for serious offenses like malfeasance or incompetence. The changes involve correcting a spelling error in the word "canons" and adding the preposition "of" to clarify the reference to United States laws. These adjustments do not alter the substantive policy or the process for addressing judicial misconduct but ensure the legislative document is accurate. The bill is currently in the final stages of passage after being referred to a committee and amended.

Maddy summaryHB 401 designates the elevated section of U.S. Highway 190 over the Bogue Falaya River in Covington, St. Tammany Parish, as the "Corporal Justin D. McLeese Memorial Bridge" to honor a military corporal. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $2,250 per sign. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no substantive policy changes, solely commemorating an individual through a public infrastructure designation.

Maddy summaryHB 578, the "Restoring Biological Truth Act," amends Louisiana statutes to replace the term "gender" with "sex" in all legal references, defining "sex" as an individual's biological sex at birth (male or female). The bill specifically requires that "sex" be used instead of "gender" in civil codes, court documents, workforce reporting (e.g., R.S. 4:158.2), child custody forms (e.g., R.S. 13:1856), and diversity language for boards (e.g., R.S. 3:1493), while clarifying that gender identity cannot substitute for biological sex. It directly affects state agencies, courts, and organizations collecting demographic data or drafting legal documents. The bill does not create new restrictions but changes terminology across 50+ statutes to align with the defined biological sex standard.

Maddy summaryHB 719 mandates minimum staffing levels for assistant district attorneys (ADAs) across all 42 judicial districts in Louisiana, including Orleans Parish (New Orleans). The bill specifies exact minimum numbers - such as 35 ADAs for the First Judicial District and 83 for Orleans Parish - requiring district attorneys to appoint at least these numbers in each district. It also requires approval from the Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys before implementation, with the changes taking effect on January 1, 2027. This bill directly affects district attorneys’ offices by setting enforceable staffing requirements, without altering legal procedures or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 816 prohibits foreign adversaries (as defined by U.S. Treasury) and entities with foreign adversary control from owning or acquiring land within 25 miles of designated Louisiana military installations. The bill directly affects foreign governments, corporations, or investment funds with foreign adversary ties seeking to purchase or lease such adjacent property. Key provisions include requiring affidavits to verify non-adversary status, imposing $50,000 civil penalties for violations, and allowing contract rescission if a foreign adversary interest is discovered. Exceptions cover U.S. citizens, legal residents, and residential properties (1-4 family homes). The law aims to protect military sites by restricting ownership near installations, with enforcement handled by the state attorney general.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution asks the U.S. Congress to oppose any efforts to transfer, privatize, or remove parts of the Kisatchie National Forest in Grant Parish, Louisiana, from federal ownership. The bill highlights the forest's cultural, economic, and recreational value to the community while urging increased investment in outdoor activities and conservation. It does not change federal law but serves as a formal expression of local support for keeping the land under federal management.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Louisiana Highway 1090 in Slidell as the 'Louis 'Pat' Miramon Memorial Highway' to honor an individual. The law requires the Department of Transportation and Development to install signs marking this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the full cost of materials and installation. The bill does not change traffic rules or funding sources, as it relies on outside contributions to pay for the signage.

Maddy summarySB 341 creates the Louisiana Churches and Nonprofit Religious Organizations Self-Insured Fund, allowing eligible churches and nonprofits to form a shared insurance pool instead of purchasing private property insurance. It directly affects Louisiana religious organizations by enabling them to cover building damage, contents, liability, wind/hail, and loss of use through this collective fund. Key provisions require members to maintain positive net worth and financial solvency, define "property commercial coverage" to include specific protections, and direct the Louisiana State Law Institute to update related terminology. The bill establishes regulatory rules for the fund's operation under state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 476 requires all public secondary schools (grades 6-12) in Louisiana to display flyers about the Safe Haven Law inside bathroom stall doors. The flyers, created by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, must summarize the law (including how children can be legally surrendered), include the department’s website URL, a QR code, contact information, and the Safe Haven Law logo. Charter schools are exempt from this requirement under Section 3996(B)(92). The bill mandates that schools obtain these flyers from the Department of Education and post them in specified locations.

Maddy summaryHB 1253, known as the Gracey Claire Rushing Act, updates Louisiana laws to improve how coroners document and handle human remains and internal organs. The bill requires detailed autopsy reports that include specific personal information, medical findings, and a record of any retained organs, while keeping these reports private except for law enforcement or court orders. Family members and the decedent's physician are granted the right to receive a copy of the report upon request. The legislation is named in memory of a child whose death in 2009 prompted calls for better safeguards in the treatment of remains.