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.
Sponsored bills
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 summaryHB 184 creates a new tax deduction for Louisiana residents diagnosed with a terminal illness (or their spouse in joint returns) who withdraw funds from retirement accounts due to immediate financial need. The bill allows these "qualifying taxpayers" to deduct hardship distributions from their taxable income, as defined in Louisiana law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction applies only to withdrawals made because of a terminal illness diagnosis, not general financial hardship. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Louisiana taxpayers with terminal illness who access retirement funds early.
Maddy summaryHCR 15 amends Louisiana's legislative rules to set deadlines and requirements for non-governmental entities (like nonprofits or private groups, not state agencies or local governments) seeking state funding through budget bills. It requires these entities to submit funding requests by November 1 each year to specific legislative committees, with late requests needing approval from budget committees before the legislative deadline. The bill also prohibits including such funding in budget bills after July 1, 2025, unless approved through the specified process. This is a procedural rule change affecting how funding requests are handled, not a new funding law.
Maddy summarySB 66 defines "military status" to clarify protections against discrimination in education, employment, public accommodations, and housing. It specifically includes active/reserve U.S. military members and their dependents (with a defined 180-day support requirement) under existing anti-discrimination law. The bill adds this definition to Louisiana Revised Statute 23:322(10), making it explicit who qualifies for these protections. The Senate unanimously passed the bill (39-0) in April 2025, sending it to the House for further consideration.
Maddy summarySB 46 prohibits intentionally releasing or dispersing chemicals into Louisiana's environment with the purpose of altering temperature, specifically limiting this ban to activities occurring below 1,000 feet above ground level. The bill directly affects individuals or entities seeking to use chemical dispersal for weather modification within the state. Key provisions include the 1,000-foot altitude restriction (added via amendments) and authorization for state environmental departments to use Louisiana Air National Guard surveillance capabilities for enforcement. The bill passed the Senate (27-12) on April 28, 2025, and now moves to the House for consideration.
Maddy summarySB 106 allows nighttime frog hunting in Louisiana using jacklights or mechanical devices like frog catchers, while prohibiting the carrying or possession of firearms during these activities. The bill directly affects individuals who hunt frogs at night, specifically changing existing rules about equipment and safety measures. Key provisions clarify that froggers may use visible light aids and mechanical tools but must not have guns present during nighttime hunting. This amendment updates Louisiana's existing frog hunting regulations (R.S. 56:634(A)) to explicitly address nighttime methods and firearm restrictions. The law aims to standardize nighttime frog hunting practices under specific safety and equipment rules.
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 summaryHB 362 designates Louisiana's secretary of state as the state's chief protocol officer, adding this role to their existing duties. The bill requires the secretary to actively seek contact with foreign officials from nations with which Louisiana has or seeks trade, cultural, or educational ties, aiming to facilitate exchanges that benefit commerce, culture, and education. This change directly affects the secretary of state’s responsibilities without creating new costs or staffing needs, as noted by "EN NO IMPACT." The provision modifies existing law (R.S. 36:742(11)) to formalize this protocol function within the secretary’s current role.