Rep. Mike Bayham

Maddy summaryHB 382 requires health insurance plans to cover home visiting services for newborns and young children. This directly affects parents or caregivers of infants and toddlers, as well as insurance companies that must now include these services in their coverage. The key provision mandates that insurers provide this benefit without additional out-of-pocket costs to families, ensuring access to early developmental support. The bill amends specific insurance code language (R.S. 22:1059.6) to implement this requirement, with no significant fiscal impact noted.

Maddy summaryHCR 47 is a Louisiana legislative resolution encouraging school principals to display the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights during the 2025-2026 school year as part of the national America250 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration's signing. It does not create new requirements but aligns with existing Louisiana laws mandating instruction on founding documents and Celebrate Freedom Week. The resolution specifically urges principals to feature these documents "at a minimum" through the 2025-2026 school year. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal force but expresses legislative support for this educational initiative.

Maddy summaryHCR 8 is a Louisiana legislative resolution urging Congress to require the FDA to increase inspections and testing of imported seafood. It highlights a Louisiana study finding unsafe banned substances (like antibiotics and sulfites) in imported shrimp sold locally, alongside data showing the FDA inspects only about 900 foreign seafood facilities annually versus over 8,000 domestic ones. The resolution cites a 2025 GAO report noting the FDA has missed federal food safety inspection targets since 2018 and references the EU’s stricter import standards as a model. It calls for Congress to act on GAO recommendations to strengthen FDA oversight and ensure imported seafood safety.

Maddy summaryHCR 59 establishes the America 250 Louisiana State Commission to coordinate with the federal America250 commission for Louisiana's participation in the 2026 U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebrations. The commission, composed of 18 appointed members from state agencies, cultural organizations, and officials (including the governor, lieutenant governor, and representatives from tourism, education, and historical groups), will plan local events like public art displays and educational programs. It will operate until July 4, 2027, using state, federal, and private funding to support the national commemoration. This resolution is procedural and does not create new state policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 223 increases pay for Louisiana election workers, including polling place commissioners and parish board commissioners who serve during elections. It sets new daily rates: $300 for a polling place supervisor (commissioner-in-charge), $400 for supervisors in multiple precincts, $150 for some certified workers, $250 for others, and $85 for untrained staff. Parish board commissioners will receive $150 for high-turnout elections (with secretary of state approval), $100 for regular elections, and an additional $100 during declared emergencies. The bill also allows for an extra $150 per day for election commissioners during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 628 establishes the Louisiana Dividend Program within the state Treasury Department. The bill outlines how the program will be funded, administered, and who qualifies to receive payments, including specific eligibility rules and restrictions. It directly affects eligible Louisiana residents who meet the program's criteria, though the exact qualifications aren't detailed in the provided text. The legislation creates a formal structure for distributing funds, with key provisions covering program management and participant requirements. This is a substantive policy bill focused on creating a new state-funded benefit program.

Maddy summarySB 52 exempts grants from Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program from state individual income tax starting January 1, 2025. It directly affects Louisiana homeowners who receive these grants, which are designed to help strengthen homes against storms. The bill adds a specific exclusion to the state's tax code, ensuring these grant amounts are not counted as taxable income when calculating state income tax. This change applies only to grants received on or after the effective date, with no other policy changes described in the bill text.

Maddy summarySB 9 expands restrictions on drone use by adding federal and state military installations and facilities to the list of locations where unmanned aircraft systems (drones) are prohibited. This directly affects drone operators, including hobbyists and commercial users, who would now be barred from flying drones near military bases and related facilities. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these sites in the prohibited zones, updating the legal definition without changing penalty terms. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate and is now moving to the House for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution designating Friday, August 29, 2025, as a "Day of Prayer and Remembrance" in Louisiana to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, program, or policy; it is purely commemorative. The resolution acknowledges the storm's impact, including the deaths in Orleans, St. Bernard, and Jefferson Parishes, and aligns with past presidential proclamations. It was adopted by Louisiana's House of Representatives with no legislative action beyond recognition.