Rep. Michael Echols

Maddy summaryHB 336 amends the Code of Civil Procedure to revise the rules for where lawsuits involving uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance policies can be filed. It specifies that these actions should generally be brought in the parish where the wrongful conduct occurred or where the defendant is domiciled. However, if the lawsuit is solely against the UM/UIM policy, it may also be filed in the insured person's home parish. This bill directly affects individuals with UM/UIM policies, insurance companies, and defendants involved in related vehicle accidents.

Maddy summaryHB 440, as amended, addresses insurance claims and the recovery process for claimants. The bill establishes new proceedings that specifically consider a claimant's failure to use their personal health insurance to mitigate damages. It also removes certain provisions related to subrogation concerning insurance payments. This legislation directly impacts individuals making insurance claims and the insurance companies involved in those claims.

Maddy summaryHB 34 revises how medical expenses are handled in civil lawsuits, impacting claimants seeking recovery for medical costs and parties involved in trials. It limits the recovery of medical expenses to amounts considered reasonable for the claim. The bill allows any party to introduce evidence of both the billed and paid amounts for medical services. Furthermore, agreements between healthcare providers and third parties, such as letters of protection with attorneys, will be admissible as evidence to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a resolution that expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Steven "Steve" Joseph Miguez. It acknowledges his life, business career, competitive shooting achievements, and family.

Maddy summaryHB 235 increases the excise tax on consumable hemp products sold in Louisiana to 3.2% of the retail price, to be collected by retailers and paid monthly. This tax applies in addition to existing sales taxes and directly affects retailers selling these products. The bill creates the Consumable Hemp Testing and Regulation Fund, which will receive 25% of the tax revenue to support laboratory testing or state regulation of hemp products. The remaining 75% is dedicated to other existing funds: 15% to Early Childhood Education, 30% to Criminal Justice, and 30% to Drug Abuse Education. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 129 creates a corporate income tax credit for broker-dealers relocating or establishing a home office in Louisiana's downtown development or cultural districts. The credit equals 50% of a qualifying broker-dealer's corporate income tax liability for the following year, provided they manage over $500 million in assets, employ more than 200 workers averaging $50,000+ annually (excluding benefits), and are regulated by FINRA. Applicants must submit a contract with Louisiana Economic Development, which annually verifies continued eligibility. The credit expires for new contracts after 2035 and applies to tax years beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 598 creates a Louisiana income tax credit for manufacturers purchasing qualifying equipment, directly affecting businesses in motor vehicle, aerospace, and medical equipment manufacturing (classified under specific NAICS codes). The credit equals 0.5% to 2.5% of the equipment's basis, depending on its IRS depreciation schedule (3- to 15+ year property), with a $10 million annual cap per business. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to 10 years, but credits must be recaptured if equipment is sold, moved out of state, or if the business claims other state tax benefits for the same activity. The bill takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 233 creates a Louisiana income tax credit for pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturers that close facilities in Canada, Mexico, China, India, Singapore, the UK, or the EU and relocate production to Louisiana. The credit equals 0.5% to 2.5% of the value of qualifying equipment used in drug manufacturing (based on IRS depreciation categories), capped at $10 million per year per company. Unused credit amounts can be carried forward for up to ten years. This bill directly affects eligible manufacturers relocating operations to Louisiana, requiring them to meet specific equipment and location criteria under the Louisiana Drug Manufacturing Repatriation Act.

Maddy summaryHB 135 amends a sales tax exemption law to specifically include the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine as an institution of higher education eligible for the exemption. The bill adds the college’s name to the list of qualifying institutions, allowing it to avoid sales and use taxes on certain purchases related to its operations. This change directly affects the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine by providing it with a tax benefit already available to other similar institutions. The amendment is a technical update to the existing exemption statute, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.