Rep. Michael Echols

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefit managers in Louisiana by establishing a $1 million civil penalty for violations of the law. It creates a new state fund to finance a transparency portal that publishes manager data, a restitution system for harmed individuals, and grants to support independent and rural pharmacies. The legislation also authorizes money from this fund to help consumers navigate prescription drug benefits and aims to lower drug costs for residents.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 4) suspends Louisiana’s rules restricting supplemental feeding and baiting for deer hunting in chronic wasting disease (CWD) control areas for 18 months. It directly affects hunters, landowners, and local businesses in CWD zones by temporarily lifting bans on baiting and feeding practices that were previously prohibited in "Enhanced Mitigation Zones" and restricted in "Buffer Zones." The suspension aims to support traditional hunting methods and reduce economic impacts on rural communities while allowing further study of CWD management. The resolution requires the state register to publish a summary of this change in the Louisiana Register.

Maddy summaryHB 31 allows Louisiana municipalities with populations under 5,000 to permanently exit the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System. To terminate participation, a city must pass a resolution, provide 30 days' written notice to the retirement system and new hires, and stop enrolling future employees. Existing police employees hired before the termination date remain covered under the system, but new hires after the effective date will not be enrolled. The termination becomes effective 60 days after the governing authority adopts the resolution.

Maddy summarySB 65 establishes a formal voting process for converting existing public schools into charter schools in Louisiana. It requires approval from both the school's certified faculty/staff (simple majority of eligible employees) and parents/guardians of enrolled students (simple majority of eligible voters with at least 50% turnout) before conversion. The bill mandates secret ballots for both groups, defines eligibility criteria for voters, and directs the State Board of Education to create rules ensuring fair and transparent elections. This directly affects current public school staff, parents of enrolled students, and the State Board, which must implement the new election procedures. The bill does not change student eligibility for charter schools but sets clear procedural requirements for conversion approvals.

Maddy summaryHB 357 establishes a medical reimbursement schedule for workers' compensation in Louisiana, setting fees for medical services, drugs, and supplies based on the average rates in neighboring states. The Office of Workers' Compensation Administration must create this schedule using data from at least 30 healthcare providers, with strict privacy rules to prevent identifying individual providers. The schedule will be updated annually, require quarterly legislative reporting, and take effect on January 1, 2027. This directly affects healthcare providers treating workers' compensation patients and the state agency managing the system.

Maddy summaryHB 919 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) plus the state's professional dispensing fee per prescription, with a minimum $12 per prescription. It prohibits PBMs from owning or contracting with pharmacies (including subsidiaries) and mandates annual transparency reports detailing foreign subsidiaries and financial arrangements with drug manufacturers. PBMs violating these rules face fines up to $100,000 per violation for executives, with unlimited liability for large PBMs ($500M+ revenue). The law applies retroactively to prescriptions filled between January 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, and becomes fully effective for new requirements in 2027. These provisions directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, and PBMs operating in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 221 proposes naming a new Mississippi River bridge connecting Louisiana Highways 1 and 30 as the "President Donald J. Trump Expressway." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage once construction is complete, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $750 per sign. It does not change transportation laws, funding, or affect any policies beyond the bridge's official designation. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 182 requires all licensed hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana to ensure a qualified healthcare professional (such as a physician or sexual assault nurse examiner) is available during operating hours to provide forensic examinations and treatment to sexual assault survivors. It mandates that facilities offer survivors information about these services and maintain personnel trained to conduct forensic medical exams. The bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers statewide by setting new standards for their response to sexual assault cases. It defines key terms like "qualified healthcare professional" to clarify who can perform these examinations, aiming to improve access to specialized care for survivors.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Leroy Cavalier, a longtime Capitol Security Specialist who passed away on December 19, 2025. The resolution acknowledges Cavalier's service as a security specialist at the northeast bollards station and his contributions to the Capitol Security Office before his passing. It formally offers appreciation for his dedicated service and extends wishes for comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.