Rep. Mike Bayham

Maddy summaryHB 1247 establishes a statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Coordinator to oversee and support forensic care for sexual assault survivors across the state. The bill directly affects healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and survivors by creating a centralized role to improve the consistency and quality of medical examinations and evidence collection. Key provisions include defining the coordinator's responsibilities, setting up a funding mechanism, and outlining procedures for training and certification of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. The legislation aims to streamline the response to sexual assaults by ensuring survivors receive standardized, trauma-informed care from qualified professionals.

Maddy summaryHB 1235 requires health insurance plans to cover prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and services based on medical necessity, as determined by the insured's doctors and specialists. The bill mandates that coverage levels must at least match federal standards for the elderly and disabled, while also prohibiting blanket exclusions for items used in physical activities or daily hygiene. Additionally, the legislation establishes specific appeal processes for denied claims and outlines detailed factors insurers must consider when evaluating medical necessity, such as the patient's current condition and functional needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a study identifying gaps in acute healthcare access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The legislation also establishes a committee to oversee this study, which will include representatives from the House and Senate, as well as one member appointed by the Senate president. The primary goal is to gather data on where and how these individuals face barriers in receiving timely medical care. Once the study is complete, the department is required to submit a report detailing its findings to the legislature.

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 summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of United States Highway 165 in Oberlin, Louisiana, as the "Kulyn Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation directs the state Department of Transportation and Development to install and maintain signs for this new name, provided the department recovers its material and installation costs from local or private funding sources. The act limits the reimbursement for each sign to a maximum of $2,250 and applies only to the section of the road running between the northern and southern boundaries of the town.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 renames the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities within the Louisiana Department of Health to the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports. This change updates the official name of the agency across multiple state laws and statutes to reflect its current focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill also makes technical adjustments to ensure the new name is consistently used in legal documents related to disability benefits, voting assistance, and service administration. Directly affected parties include the Louisiana Department of Health, state agencies, and individuals who receive services through this office. The legislation does not alter existing programs or funding but primarily updates terminology to align with modern naming conventions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance companies and Medicaid managed care organizations from requiring prior authorization for certain generic medications when prescribed by board-certified physicians. The law defines a board-certified physician as a doctor certified by a recognized medical specialty board and a generic medication as a drug chemically equivalent to a brand-name drug approved by the FDA. Under this legislation, insurers must cover these specific generic prescriptions without needing additional approval from the insurance company before dispensing or reimbursing them. The restrictions apply to new insurance policies and contracts starting January 1, 2027, with existing plans required to comply by January 1, 2028.

Maddy summarySB 29 requires Louisiana coroners to perform autopsies on infants under one year and children under fifteen who die unexpectedly without explanation. The autopsies must include toxicology, microscopic exams, and review of immunization records from the state registry, with coroners documenting recent immunizations in the report. Coroner findings of sudden infant death (SIDS) or similar causes must be reported to local health units within 48 hours and to the CDC/NIH registry. Parents may object in writing to an autopsy, but coroners may override this if public health or safety requires it. The bill directly affects coroners, health departments, and the state immunization registry.

Maddy summaryHB 126 allows courts in Louisiana to permit facility dogs to accompany specific witnesses during testimony. It directly affects minors under 18, individuals with developmental disabilities (as defined by law), and victims of sex offenses (as defined in state law). The bill requires courts to permit a facility dog if available while these witnesses testify, aiming to help reduce anxiety. The provision applies during court proceedings and does not change existing legal standards or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 205 increases pay for Louisiana election day workers, directly affecting commissioners who serve at polling places. It sets new compensation rates: $350 for a commissioner-in-charge, $345 for those managing multiple precincts, $100 for certified commissioners, $230 for others with certification, and $35 for uncertified staff. The bill also allows an additional $100 per day during emergencies declared by the governor, upon parish board request. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, and apply to all election day work and required training.