Rep. Wilford Carter

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 summaryHCR 13 is a resolution requesting the Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule Louisiana State University (LSU) football games after 6:00 p.m. during September. It aims to address health and safety concerns related to extreme heat, citing heat index levels above 100°F and documented heat-related incidents at a September 2024 day game. The bill directly affects LSU football scheduling and seeks to protect players, coaches, staff, and fans by moving games to cooler evening hours. The resolution urges the SEC to implement this change but does not create a legal requirement. It is a non-binding request, not a law.

Maddy summaryHB 681 amends a public records law to expand who qualifies as a "public official" whose personal information (like contact details) is subject to public record requests. It adds three new categories: current state legislators, statewide elected officials, and current public service commission members. This change directly affects those three groups by making their personal information accessible under existing public records procedures. The bill updates the statute without creating new policies or altering other record access rules. (Summary based solely on the bill's text and amendments.)

Maddy summaryHB 454 would require Medicaid to cover specific doula services for eligible enrollees. This bill directly affects Medicaid recipients who use certified doula services during pregnancy and postpartum care. The key provision mandates that Medicaid plans include coverage for these services, though the bill text does not specify exact service types or eligibility criteria beyond "certain" doula care. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Health and Welfare Committee unanimously. This policy change would expand access to doula support for low-income individuals under the state's Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryHB 402 adds a new income tax deduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as defined under existing law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction directly affects qualifying veterans by reducing their taxable income, with an estimated fiscal impact of $11.3 million in state general fund revenue. The bill amends the tax code to include this deduction within Section 47:293(9)(a)(xxvii), replacing outdated references to other sections. The change provides a concrete tax benefit for veterans meeting specific disability criteria established by current law.

Maddy summaryHB 373 requires the Workforce Investment Council to annually analyze the return on investment for industry-based credentials earned by high school students. It mandates collecting and sharing student data - including social security numbers - with the Council to evaluate these credentials' effectiveness in preparing students for careers. The bill directly affects high school students pursuing industry certifications and the Workforce Investment Council, which must use the data to assess program value. Key provisions include standardized data collection, annual reporting, and specific sharing protocols for student information. The bill aims to inform policy decisions about high school career pathways without specifying fiscal impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 134 is a procedural bill that corrects a reference in Louisiana law. It amends a statute (changing "R.S. 13:1704" to "R.S. 13:5807") related to the marshal position in the Lake Charles city court. The bill does not change court operations or create new requirements; it only updates the legal citation for clarity. This technical correction directly affects the Lake Charles city court marshal's statutory reference.

Maddy summaryHCR 37 establishes the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force within the state's higher education system. The task force will develop strategies to prevent hazing at colleges and universities, directly affecting public and private higher education institutions. The resolution names the task force after Caleb Wilson, honoring his memory, though the bill does not detail specific prevention methods or funding mechanisms. This is a procedural resolution creating a new body, not a law imposing new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 223 increases pay for Louisiana election workers, including polling place commissioners and parish board commissioners who serve during elections. It sets new daily rates: $300 for a polling place supervisor (commissioner-in-charge), $400 for supervisors in multiple precincts, $150 for some certified workers, $250 for others, and $85 for untrained staff. Parish board commissioners will receive $150 for high-turnout elections (with secretary of state approval), $100 for regular elections, and an additional $100 during declared emergencies. The bill also allows for an extra $150 per day for election commissioners during emergencies.