Rep. Francis Thompson

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a concurrent resolution creating a Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement to study ways Louisiana can increase fathers' involvement in their children's lives. The task force, composed of state agency representatives and community organizations, will research best practices and develop recommendations for agencies like Children and Family Services, Education, and Health by February 2026. It focuses on identifying policy changes, funding opportunities, and programs to support fathers, particularly those in incarcerated populations or seeking employment. The resolution does not enact new laws but directs the task force to report findings to the legislature, aiming to improve father engagement across state systems.

Maddy summaryHB 268 amends outdated legal terminology in Louisiana law regarding pornography involving juveniles, specifically correcting references from "Articles" to "Sections" in two code sections (R.S. 14:81.1 and 14:648(B)(3)(i)). The bill does not change legal definitions, penalties, or protections; it only updates how these provisions are cited in legal documents. This technical correction directly affects court records, legal filings, and law enforcement documentation referencing these specific statutes. The changes streamline legal references without altering the underlying criminal law.

Maddy summaryHB 116 establishes the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund to provide annual grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving veterans and their families. The bill allows the fund to issue up to $10,000 per grant (with a total annual limit of $100,000) for projects specifically addressing education, mental health, or housing needs. Organizations must submit detailed proposals, use funds strictly for approved purposes (not for general operations or debt), and submit final reports with financial records for four years. Grants not used as intended must be repaid within 30 days, and grantees face audits to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 64 modifies state law regarding settlement agreements involving the Attorney General. It prohibits future settlement terms that require continuing federal court oversight beyond 60 days, making such terms unenforceable against the state government or successor officials. The bill specifically targets agreements creating binding future obligations exceeding this timeframe without requiring consent from the Attorney General or Governor. This change aims to limit long-term federal judicial oversight in state settlements. The bill was reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee with a 15-0 vote.

Maddy summaryHB 120 corrects outdated references in Louisiana law regarding death benefits for Louisiana State Guard members. It removes specific statutory citations (like R.S. 29:26.1(G)) that no longer apply, ensuring the law accurately references current provisions. The bill directly affects families of deceased Louisiana State Guard members by maintaining their eligibility for existing death benefits without changing the benefit amount or eligibility criteria. This is a technical correction to the legal text, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 147 is a technical correction to bond issuance language for the Tensas Parish Port, Harbor and Terminal District. It amends the bill text to replace "thereof" with "of issuance" in the bond authorization section, clarifying the legal phrasing for bond issuance. This procedural change directly affects the Tensas Parish district's ability to issue bonds under existing authority but does not alter bond purposes, funding, or new policy. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 146 amends Louisiana law to expand the Lake Providence Port Commission's authority, specifically allowing it to build and operate rail facilities (including those beyond East Carroll Parish boundaries) to support port access. It authorizes the commission to issue up to $15 million in bonds, secured by port revenues and backed by East Carroll Parish and the state of Louisiana. The bill updates bond procedures, clarifies the commission's power to charge fees for port services, and specifies that bond proceeds must fund port infrastructure. This directly affects the Lake Providence Port Commission, East Carroll Parish, and state finances through new infrastructure development and debt mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 296 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Louisiana's House of Representatives to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. It formally recognizes Louisiana's historical Irish cultural ties, including the 1806 St. Patrick's Day celebration in New Orleans and Irish immigrants' role in building the New Basin Canal (1832-1838). The resolution also acknowledges the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, which fosters U.S.-Ireland relations. As a non-binding commemoration, it does not create new policies or affect any specific group legally.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 345) is a memorial from Louisiana's House urging Congress to create a federal disaster insurance program covering flooding, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters. It directly affects homeowners and businesses in disaster-prone areas by requesting affordable insurance to cover rebuilding costs, modeled after the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The resolution emphasizes that such insurance would provide financial certainty for insurers and expedite recovery efforts after events like hurricanes or wildfires. It does not create new law but asks Congress to adopt this approach to complement existing disaster relief programs.

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.