Rep. Ed Larvadain

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family and friends of Arwin Patrick Bascle upon her passing. It also honors her life, legacy, and contributions to the political fabric of Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of former state representative Billy Wayne "Coach" Montgomery, acknowledging his contributions as an educator, coach, and public servant.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a resolution that expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Steven "Steve" Joseph Miguez. It acknowledges his life, business career, competitive shooting achievements, and family.

Maddy summaryHB 207 modifies Louisiana law governing who must be present during a death penalty execution. It adds a requirement that 5-7 additional witnesses attend, alongside the defendant’s legal representative (already mandated). The bill does not change who receives the death penalty or the execution process itself, only specifying attendance rules for observers. This procedural change directly affects execution observers, including media, family members, or officials invited to witness the process. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

Maddy summaryHB 332 increases the required campaign-free zone radius around polling places from one mile to three miles. It also explicitly includes designated parking lots attached to polling places within this zone. The bill directly affects campaign activities, prohibiting solicitation or campaigning within the expanded three-mile radius during voting hours. This change aims to reduce potential voter intimidation or interference near polling locations. The bill is currently pending in the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 888 is a procedural amendment that removes the word "authorities" from a specific line in the Social Work Licensure Compact legislation. This change does not alter the actual rules or requirements for social workers but serves as a minor text correction within the bill. The amendment affects the legislative record of the compact, which governs how social workers can practice across state lines, but it does not create new obligations or rights for practitioners.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state's civil procedure laws to clarify which specific sections of an existing statute allow for legislative continuances or extensions of court deadlines. By updating the text of R.S. 13:4163, the legislation ensures that only the introductory paragraph and specific subsections (F)(3), (4), and (5) are recognized as valid grounds for these delays. The changes directly affect judges, attorneys, and court clerks who manage scheduling and deadline extensions in civil cases. Ultimately, the bill refines the legal rules governing when courts can pause proceedings to accommodate legislative actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws regarding pharmaceutical reimbursements to apply only to contracted pharmacists or pharmacies that do not own more than five shares or a five percent interest in a pharmaceutical wholesale group purchasing organization or vendor. The key provision restricts the scope of the reimbursement rules to ensure they target independent pharmacies rather than those with significant ownership stakes in drug supply chains. By adding this specific limitation, the legislation clarifies which entities must comply with the current reimbursement requirements without changing the underlying financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes violence prevention in Louisiana as a public health and safety crisis, requiring the state to address it using data-driven methods. It directs the Louisiana Department of Health to review factors contributing to violence, such as poverty, lack of education, and untreated trauma, while also examining community conditions like the safety of streets, parks, and schools. The department must then submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2026, outlining current prevention efforts, strategies for conflict resolution, and ways to improve social determinants of safety in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill allows the department to partner with universities and non-governmental organizations to gather information and develop recommendations for reducing violence.