Rep. Michael Echols

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires online platforms to exercise a duty of care when entering binding contracts with minors. This means platforms must take reasonable steps to protect minors during these agreements, such as ensuring terms are understandable and avoiding exploitative practices. The bill directly affects companies offering digital services, apps, or content that contract with users under 18. It recently passed a committee with amendments (11-0) and now has an effective date set for June 1, 2026, after a deadline change from March 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 249 creates a task force to study how Louisiana can support small nuclear reactors as an energy source. The task force, including the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's engineering dean and the Public Service Commission chair, will research policies to promote this technology within the state. It does not enact new laws but will recommend specific actions to the legislature. This bill directly affects Louisiana's energy planning and future regulatory approaches. The task force will operate under the state's Natural Resources and Environment Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 329 is a resolution (not a binding bill) passed by the Louisiana House urging the Attorney General and Louisiana Department of Insurance to investigate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for potential violations of existing laws. It specifically requests that these agencies examine whether PBMs are violating rules by owning or financially benefiting from pharmacies, which critics argue creates conflicts of interest that disadvantage independent pharmacies. The resolution also urges the Louisiana legislature to pass new laws prohibiting PBMs from owning or having financial interests in pharmacies. This would aim to prevent PBMs from steering patients to their own affiliated pharmacies and ensure fair reimbursement practices for all pharmacies. The resolution highlights concerns about rising drug costs, reduced competition, and threats to rural pharmacy access, referencing similar actions taken by other states.

Maddy summaryHR 218 is a resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Health to develop a coordinated healthcare plan for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. It requests the creation of an Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP) that would integrate Medicare and Medicaid benefits through partnerships with organizations like the ARC of Louisiana, providing comprehensive services including medical care, behavioral health, vocational support, and specialized care coordination. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks the Department to collaborate with stakeholders and seek federal waivers to implement this unified care model, aiming to reduce fragmented care and improve health outcomes. This request directly affects Louisiana residents with intellectual/developmental disabilities currently receiving services through Medicaid waivers or intermediate care facilities.

Maddy summaryHCR 75 is a procedural House Concurrent Resolution that creates a Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force. It establishes the task force structure, specifying that the House-appointed member serves as chair and outlining its composition through committee referral. This resolution does not enact new policy or directly affect specific groups; it solely provides a framework for coordination among state agencies. The resolution is currently pending in committee with recent favorable reports.

Maddy summarySB 185 designates the boat launch at Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area in Morehouse Parish as the "William Kinnison 'Kinny' Haddox Boat Launch." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to install and maintain signage for this named location. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or direct impact on regulations, funding, or public services. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate on April 29, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summarySB 99 defines "mobile speed camera" in Louisiana law to include handheld, unmanned, or portable devices that capture speeding violations via photos or video showing a vehicle's license plate. It requires that citations issued by these devices be sent by mail and prohibits imposing criminal fines or fees for such violations. The bill also explicitly states that failure to pay these citations will not be reported to credit bureaus. This law directly affects drivers cited for speeding by mobile cameras and the agencies operating them.

Maddy summaryHR 212 is a non-binding resolution urging state agencies to study nuclear energy benefits. It directs the Department of Energy and Natural Resources and the Public Service Commission to research how nuclear energy generation could benefit the state. The bill does not mandate new policies or funding, but formally requests these agencies conduct a review. This resolution affects state energy agencies and is currently scheduled for floor debate in the legislature.

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.