Rep. Edmond Jordan

Maddy summaryHB 829 creates the Louisiana Minority Business Development Fund to provide low-interest loans to qualifying minority-owned small businesses. It directly affects businesses majority-owned by African American, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Native American, or women-owned entities (with ≤50 employees, ≤$5M annual revenue, and ≥12 months in operation). The fund operates as a revolving loan program with fixed interest rates (3-5%) and loan limits up to $500,000, prioritizing flexible collateral and technical assistance. Repayments, state appropriations, and grants replenish the fund, ensuring long-term capital access without annual budget reversion.

Maddy summaryHB 814, the Louisiana Community Investment Fairness Act (LA-CIFA), requires large state-chartered banks and credit unions (with $100M+ assets) to undergo regular examinations assessing their lending and investments in low-income and minority neighborhoods. The law mandates that institutions demonstrate fair community investment performance compared to their own historical data and peer institutions, with ratings like "Needs to Improve" or "Substantial Noncompliance" assigned based on findings. These ratings must be publicly disclosed by both the state regulator and the institutions themselves, and poor ratings can trigger corrective action plans or influence decisions on branch expansions, mergers, or charter changes. The bill directly affects over 100 state-chartered financial institutions operating in Louisiana, aiming to address disparities in credit access historically linked to practices like redlining.

Maddy summaryHB 764 establishes the Louisiana State Contract Minority Business Opportunity Act to increase participation by minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses (MBE/DBEs) in state contracts. It sets mandatory participation goals: 30% of total state contract dollars by 2031-2032 (with interim targets), 25% for construction contracts over $50,000, and 30% for professional services over $25,000. State agencies and prime contractors must track participation, report quarterly, and implement outreach, while noncompliance may trigger payment withholdings or contract disqualification. The law requires a disparity study by 2027 to update goals based on market data and mandates annual public reporting on progress.

Maddy summaryHB 701 is a procedural redistricting bill that defines the geographic boundaries for Louisiana's 39 Senate districts. It specifies which precincts in each parish will be grouped into individual districts for electing state senators, replacing the previous district map. The bill directly affects all Louisiana voters by determining which senator represents their specific geographic area. It does not change voting rules, policies, or create new programs - only reassigns precincts into new district configurations. The bill is currently in early stages, having been prefilled and referred to committee.

Maddy summaryHB 700 establishes the detailed boundaries for Louisiana's 105 House of Representatives districts, defining exactly which precincts in each parish will be grouped into specific electoral districts. The bill directly affects Louisiana voters by determining which geographic areas elect their state representatives, with each district represented by one elected member. Key provisions include replacing the previous redistricting law (R.S. 24:35.3) with new district descriptions covering all parishes, including specific precincts in Caddo, Bossier, Orleans, and other parishes. This procedural bill sets the electoral map for upcoming elections without changing voting rules or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 932 creates the Louisiana Commercial Trucking Insurance Market Reform Act, requiring captive insurers (companies that own their own insurance) to pay 3% of premiums they retain from Louisiana trucking risks into a new Market Access Fund. This fund will help small trucking companies (defined as owning fewer than 25 vehicles) access affordable insurance through a group purchasing pool, while also setting minimum financial reserves for captive insurers to ensure claims can be paid. The bill mandates clear disclosure of insurance coverage details in accident claims and requires captive insurers to contribute annually by March 31, with penalties for non-payment including suspension of operating authority. These provisions directly affect Louisiana-domiciled commercial trucking companies and captive insurers operating in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 828 creates the Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board, an independent body within the legislative auditor's office, to review every death occurring in state correctional facilities. The board, composed of nine members including medical professionals, family members of deceased inmates, and experts, must begin reviews within 72 hours of notification (required within 2 hours of death by facility staff) and issue public reports within 60 days. Key provisions include subpoena power for records and witnesses, authority to order independent autopsies at state expense, and requirements for facilities to report deaths promptly (with civil penalties for delays). This directly affects all Louisiana correctional facilities, their staff, and the immediate families of deceased inmates, who receive reports within 5 days and can submit evidence.

Maddy summaryHB 698 establishes the 105 electoral districts for Louisiana's House of Representatives by defining specific geographic boundaries for each district. The bill details which precincts in various parishes (such as Caddo, Bossier, and Orleans) make up each district, determining which voters will elect a particular representative. This procedural redistricting bill directly affects how Louisiana residents are grouped for voting in state House elections.

Maddy summaryHB 920 requires drug manufacturers to limit out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1 medications (used for diabetes and obesity treatment) under health insurance plans in Louisiana. It caps patient costs at $200 per 30-day prescription, regardless of the specific medication or medical condition. The bill also mandates that Louisiana Medicaid cover GLP-1 medications without condition-based restrictions when prescribed. These provisions apply to all health coverage plans, including Medicaid, and may require federal waiver approvals for implementation. The bill is currently in the prefiling stage with no votes recorded.

Maddy summarySB 365 creates Louisiana's Voting Rights Act, prohibiting political subdivisions (like parishes, municipalities, and school districts) and state agencies from implementing election policies that suppress voting or dilute the voting power of protected classes (defined as racial, ethnic, or language minorities). The bill establishes the Louisiana Voting Rights Commission to enforce these prohibitions, requiring election policies to avoid creating disparities in voter access or participation for minority groups. Key provisions include banning policies that intentionally or unintentionally reduce minority voters' ability to participate or elect preferred candidates, with exceptions only if a policy is necessary for a compelling government interest and no less discriminatory alternative exists. The law applies to all election-related actions, from registration to ballot counting, and sets clear standards for evaluating potential violations.