Rep. Mike Johnson

Maddy summaryHB 336 amends the Code of Civil Procedure to revise the rules for where lawsuits involving uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance policies can be filed. It specifies that these actions should generally be brought in the parish where the wrongful conduct occurred or where the defendant is domiciled. However, if the lawsuit is solely against the UM/UIM policy, it may also be filed in the insured person's home parish. This bill directly affects individuals with UM/UIM policies, insurance companies, and defendants involved in related vehicle accidents.

Maddy summaryHB 440, as amended, addresses insurance claims and the recovery process for claimants. The bill establishes new proceedings that specifically consider a claimant's failure to use their personal health insurance to mitigate damages. It also removes certain provisions related to subrogation concerning insurance payments. This legislation directly impacts individuals making insurance claims and the insurance companies involved in those claims.

Maddy summaryHB 34 revises how medical expenses are handled in civil lawsuits, impacting claimants seeking recovery for medical costs and parties involved in trials. It limits the recovery of medical expenses to amounts considered reasonable for the claim. The bill allows any party to introduce evidence of both the billed and paid amounts for medical services. Furthermore, agreements between healthcare providers and third parties, such as letters of protection with attorneys, will be admissible as evidence to ensure transparency.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 52 is a commemorative resolution that commends Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) for its contributions to central Louisiana and the state. It recognizes LSUA's growth, academic offerings, workforce development, and community engagement.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 643 proposes to appropriate $18,000 from the State General Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. These funds are designated to pay a specific consent judgment in the case of "Rachelle Elizabeth Deroche versus State of Louisiana through its Department of Transportation & Development and Jordan Gaten." The bill specifies that the payment covers principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees, contingent upon the judgment being final and proper documentation being presented to the state treasurer. Interest on the judgment would cease upon the effective date of this Act.

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 41 appropriates $50,000 from Louisiana's state general fund for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to pay a court-ordered settlement (consent judgment) in the case *Brunet v. State of Louisiana*. The funds will cover the principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees owed to the Brunet family, who were plaintiffs in a lawsuit involving the state Department of Transportation and Development. The payment must be made only after submitting required documentation to the state treasurer, and the settlement is considered paid as of the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHB 197 expands the scope of medical malpractice law to include physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs). The bill directly affects these healthcare professionals by subjecting them to the same malpractice standards currently applied to licensed therapists. Key provisions clarify that existing malpractice laws will now cover PTAs and OTAs when they provide care within their scope of practice. This is a technical adjustment to the legal definition, not a new standard or policy change. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure.

Maddy summarySB 148 amends existing law regarding motions for partial summary judgment in civil cases. It clarifies that a party winning such a motion is automatically awarded court costs and attorney fees. The bill also specifies that if a plaintiff dismisses a claim or the parties agree to a settlement before a hearing, the court cannot award fees or costs for that dismissed portion. This technical amendment affects civil litigants and courts handling pre-trial motions, streamlining fee awards without creating new legal standards.

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.