Maddy summaryHB 454 would require Medicaid to cover specific doula services for eligible enrollees. This bill directly affects Medicaid recipients who use certified doula services during pregnancy and postpartum care. The key provision mandates that Medicaid plans include coverage for these services, though the bill text does not specify exact service types or eligibility criteria beyond "certain" doula care. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Health and Welfare Committee unanimously. This policy change would expand access to doula support for low-income individuals under the state's Medicaid program.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 357 requires health insurance plans to cover integrative cancer treatments like acupuncture, directly affecting cancer patients seeking these services and health insurance issuers. The bill limits coverage for acupuncture treatment during active cancer care to fifteen visits per year, unless additional treatments are recommended by nationally recognized cancer guidelines and the treating physician. It also modifies prior authorization requirements by adding "prior authorization" to the list of coverage conditions. This bill is currently under review by the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Insurance Committee with amendments.
Maddy summaryHB 402 adds a new income tax deduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as defined under existing law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction directly affects qualifying veterans by reducing their taxable income, with an estimated fiscal impact of $11.3 million in state general fund revenue. The bill amends the tax code to include this deduction within Section 47:293(9)(a)(xxvii), replacing outdated references to other sections. The change provides a concrete tax benefit for veterans meeting specific disability criteria established by current law.
Maddy summarySB 58 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law called "child grooming" (defined under R.S. 14:81.7), making it illegal to commit or attempt to commit acts intended to build a relationship with a minor for sexual purposes. This bill directly affects individuals who engage in such grooming behavior and law enforcement handling related cases. The key provision adds "child grooming" as a specific sexual offense against minors under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:541(25)(o)), and also treats equivalent crimes committed in other jurisdictions as if they occurred in Louisiana (R.S. 15:541(25)(p)). The bill amends existing criminal codes to formally define and criminalize this conduct.
Maddy summaryHB 49 modifies Louisiana law to change how victim testimony in parole and pardon hearings is handled. It replaces requirements for written transcripts with rules allowing audio, written, or visual recordings of victim testimony during private "executive sessions." The bill requires that any disclosure of such testimony must first receive approval from a judge in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. This directly affects victims, spouses, or next of kin of deceased victims who participate in these hearings. The changes amend specific statutes (R.S. 15:572.4, 573, 574.2, 574.4.1, and 574.12.1) to implement these confidentiality procedures.
Maddy summaryHB 111 amends language in a law regarding the unlawful presence of certain sex offenders. The bill specifically removes references to "school or a school-related activity" from the prohibited locations where sex offenders may not be present. Key changes include deleting redundant phrases and adjusting wording about behavior in public spaces (e.g., changing "to linger, remain, or prowl" to "lingering, remaining, or prowling"). The bill focuses on clarifying the legal language of the existing statute rather than creating new restrictions. It was favorably reported by the committee in April 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 summaryHB 261 amends criminal code provisions related to the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones). It makes technical changes to section references (updating "(F)" to "(G)") and clarifies that certain prohibitions apply beyond limited circumstances by removing the word "only" from one provision. The bill directly affects individuals who operate drones in ways that violate these amended criminal code sections. These changes are procedural updates to existing law, not new policy. The bill passed committee and advanced to third reading in the 2025 legislative session.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 363) is a technical amendment to correct the reference to an existing statute (R.S. 14:93.4) within the criminal code regarding cruelty and exploitation of the elderly. It does not create new laws or change policy; it only updates the statute citation to match the correct reference. The bill directly affects legal references used by courts and law enforcement in cases involving elder abuse. It is procedural in nature, with no substantive changes to the law governing elder exploitation.
Maddy summaryHB 468 amends Louisiana Revised Statute 36:784 by adding a new subsection (A) related to the Civilian Honor Medal Program for veterans. This is a procedural bill that modifies an existing code section without introducing new benefits, eligibility criteria, or funding. The bill does not directly affect veterans or programs beyond a technical reference update. It has advanced through committee and is now at third reading in the legislature. (Note: The context does not specify the exact nature of the amendment to subsection (A).)