Rep. Chuck Owen

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 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 250 would allow Vernon Parish's local government (e.g., parish council) to decide whether Class VI carbon dioxide injection wells - used for underground carbon storage - can be permitted within the parish. The bill requires the parish to notify Louisiana's Department of Energy and Natural Resources of its decision via a resolution or ordinance. If passed, this would give Vernon Parish direct control over these wells, overriding state permitting rules for the parish. The bill is currently under review by Louisiana's legislative committees and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryHB 251 gives Beauregard Parish's local government the authority to decide whether carbon dioxide storage wells (Class VI injection wells) can be permitted within the parish. The bill requires the parish governing authority to pass a resolution or ordinance on this matter and notify the state Department of Energy and Natural Resources. It directly affects Beauregard Parish residents and any companies seeking to operate such wells in the area. The law shifts permitting authority from the state to the parish for this specific location, with no broader statewide impact.

Maddy summaryHB 491 creates a Louisiana income tax credit for businesses that incurred costs developing carbon sequestration wells (specifically for Class V well testing) before a local ordinance prohibited such projects after March 27, 2025. The credit covers documented expenses like drilling and geological assessments, up to $5 million per taxpayer, spread equally over five years. To qualify, businesses must apply within 180 days of the local ordinance's effective date, submitting proof of permits, costs, and the ordinance itself. The total annual credit amount is capped at $25 million, and unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years. This policy directly affects Louisiana taxpayers investing in carbon sequestration infrastructure blocked by local regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 4 allows Louisiana parishes (local governments) to decide whether carbon dioxide storage wells (Class VI injection wells) can operate within their boundaries. Parishes may choose this through a local council resolution or by holding a parish-wide election requiring a 15% voter petition to trigger a vote, with results binding if a majority supports or opposes the wells. If an election is held, its outcome overrides any prior parish council decision and remains in effect for five years. This bill directly affects parishes and residents by shifting permitting authority from state agencies to local communities for these specific wells.

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.