Royce Duplessis facts for kids

Royce Duplessis is an American lawyer and politician. He works as a state senator for Louisiana, representing the 5th district. He started this important job on December 6, 2022. Before that, he won a special election on November 8, 2022. This election was to fill the open spot for the 5th district.

About Royce Duplessis

Early Life and School

Royce Duplessis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. He went to Xavier University of Louisiana. There, he earned a degree in communications. Later, he studied law at the Howard University School of Law. He earned a special law degree called a Juris Doctor.

His Work in Government

Before becoming a state senator, Royce Duplessis served in the Louisiana House of Representatives. He represented the 93rd district. He began this role in 2018 after winning a special election.

Before his time in the House, Duplessis worked for the New Orleans City Council. He was the chief of staff for Councilman James Carter. He also served as a special lawyer for the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Duplessis also owns his own law firm. It is called Duplessis Law Firm, LLC. His firm helps people with civil litigation cases. This means he helps solve legal problems between people or groups.

Important Laws He Helped Pass

Royce Duplessis is known for supporting changes to the justice system. In 2021, he wrote a bill called House Bill 678. This bill created the Louisiana Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This tax credit helps businesses. It gives them a reason to hire people who are rejoining society. These are people who have been in work release programs.

Duplessis has also worked hard for women's health and rights. He wrote and helped pass House Bill 784. This law is called The Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Act. It helps Louisiana deal with problems related to mothers and babies. These problems include maternal and infant mortality rates. The bill makes sure hospitals give new mothers information. This information is about postpartum depression. It also tells them about its symptoms and where to find help.

Becoming a State Senator

On June 9, 2022, Duplessis announced he would run for state senator. He wanted to take the place of Senator Karen Carter Peterson. On November 8, 2022, he was elected to the Louisiana State Senate. He officially started his new role on December 6, 2022. In 2023, Royce Duplessis was re-elected to his position. He ran without anyone opposing him. This meant he would serve another term in office.

Personal Life

Royce Duplessis lives in the Central City neighborhood. He lives there with his wife, Krystle. They also have one daughter. He is a practicing Catholic.