Rep. Les Farnum

Maddy summaryHB 556 is a technical correction bill that updates outdated legal references in Louisiana law regarding the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). It revises specific statute citations (such as R.S. 48:23, 76(C), 92, and 94) to align with current code sections, ensuring DOTD's operational procedures reference the correct laws. This procedural bill does not change DOTD's duties, funding, or public-facing policies - it only corrects statutory language for administrative accuracy. The bill affects the DOTD's internal operations by ensuring its legal framework matches current state statutes. (Note: This is a technical amendment, not a substantive policy change.)

Maddy summaryHB 264 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and drug manufacturers to increase transparency around drug pricing and compensation practices. It prohibits PBMs from charging pharmacies fees for claims (Amendment 7) and mandates drug manufacturers to notify the state commissioner of significant price increases (over 15% for brand drugs or "specialty" drugs) with explanations (Amendment 16). The bill also creates a fund for enforcement (Amendment 3) and requires PBMs to notify pharmacies of payment errors and allow claim corrections (Amendment 10). These provisions directly affect pharmacies, PBMs, and drug manufacturers by altering how drug costs and rebates are disclosed and managed.

Maddy summaryHB 535 requires the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to evaluate state tax incentive programs administered by state agencies. This bill directly affects state agencies that manage tax breaks for businesses or individuals, such as economic development or job creation programs. The key mechanism is repealing two existing statutes (R.S. 47:1517.1 and R.S. 51:935.1) to enable this new evaluation process. The bill aims to assess the effectiveness and cost of these tax incentives, with no specific changes to the programs themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 526 designates a state website managed by the commissioner of administration as the official journal of the state, replacing printed versions. It requires the commissioner to post specific information about state boards and commissions on this website. The bill directly affects state government operations by shifting official record-keeping and transparency efforts online. The policy change becomes effective July 1, 2027, as specified in the bill's amendment. This is a procedural change focused on digital record-keeping, not substantive policy affecting citizens.

Maddy summaryHB 416 prohibits class action lawsuits against the state Department of Revenue and its Office of Debt Recovery. The bill removes language allowing such lawsuits to be "brought or maintained," effectively blocking these legal challenges from being filed or continued. This change directly affects individuals or groups seeking to sue the state revenue agency collectively over debt collection practices. The bill amends existing law to limit legal actions against these specific state offices.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution urges the EPA to fast-track testing and approval of a feral hog toxicant developed by LSU AgCenter. It specifically requests the EPA use an existing exemption (Limited Replicated Field Trials) to bypass the typical 10-year review process, directly affecting Louisiana agriculture which faces over $90 million in annual damages from feral hogs. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks federal agencies to expedite safety testing for a sodium nitrite-based solution to address the invasive species threat.

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a ceremonial resolution commending Danielle Baker, executive director of the Acadiana Delegation in the Louisiana Legislature, for receiving the 2025 Legislative Staff Achievement Award from the Leadership Staff Professional Association (LSPA) of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution recognizes her 15+ years of service, professional contributions to legislative staff organizations, and peer-selected award for outstanding public service. It expresses the Louisiana Legislature's gratitude for her "steadfast commitment to excellence" and "strong work ethic." As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to formally honor Ms. Baker's professional achievements.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 31) requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to avoid scheduling games during Easter weekend (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday). It directly addresses the LHSAA, asking them to pause athletic events to allow student athletes and families time for religious observance of the Lenten season's end. The resolution cites that families in Louisiana often observe these days and that athletes deserve uninterrupted family time without choosing between sports and religious traditions. It is a non-binding request, not a law, and does not require the LHSAA to comply.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson, a Duck Commander founder and "Duck Dynasty" star who was a prominent figure in northeast Louisiana. The resolution honors his life, family values, faith, and economic impact through his business, highlighting his 60-year marriage to Kay and his role as a community leader. It has no effect on laws or regulations, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of respect.