Rep. Wilford Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies and school districts to provide more detailed reports on how federal and state funds are used for mental health services. The key change mandates that these reports include specific information such as the budget unit, program description, funding sources, and demographic data including the number of individuals with disabilities. By standardizing these reporting requirements, the legislation aims to increase transparency regarding the allocation and use of public money for mental health programs.

Maddy summaryHB 565 amends the state's historic preservation laws to clarify how public historic buildings should be renovated. The bill expands the definition of protected properties to include individual landmarks and contributing elements of historic districts, while explicitly exempting interior work, routine maintenance, and emergency repairs from strict review requirements. It also mandates that state agencies and local governments consult with the state historic preservation office before starting significant exterior projects on listed buildings. Additionally, the legislation requires these entities to consider expert recommendations from local historic commissions and preservation specialists when planning renovations.

Maddy summaryHB 340 requires public school governing authorities to establish a tracking system for parental complaints. The bill mandates that schools record and monitor these complaints to ensure they are addressed consistently. This measure directly affects school districts and the parents who file grievances regarding school policies or operations. By creating a formal log, the legislation aims to improve transparency and accountability in how schools handle parental concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies how employment laws apply to workers who use medical marijuana. It ensures that employees cannot be fired or disciplined solely for having a valid medical marijuana prescription, but it explicitly allows employers to take action if an employee uses the drug or is impaired while on the job or driving company vehicles. The changes specifically protect workers from discrimination based on their medical status while maintaining safety rules for those operating vehicles or heavy equipment during work hours.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public and approved nonpublic secondary school in Louisiana to print the number "988" on the back of all student identification cards. The measure also mandates that schools post the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number on their websites to ensure easy access to help. Effective July 1, 2024, the law aims to make suicide prevention resources more visible to students and staff.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Louisiana's legislative auditor to examine how local governments and other nonstate entities spend money on new construction projects funded by the state. The law specifically targets entities that receive capital outlay funds and mandates that they follow existing financial rules when building new projects. If an entity fails to comply with these spending requirements, the auditor must record the violation as a finding of noncompliance. This change aims to increase oversight of state-funded construction projects to ensure proper use of public money.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the existing sick leave policy for school employees by adding a specific definition for "disabled" to the law. It directly affects teachers and staff who may need to take leave due to disability, ensuring their eligibility is clearly defined under state regulations. The key change involves inserting a legal reference to a specific statute that outlines what constitutes a disability, thereby clarifying the conditions under which employees can use sick leave. This amendment aims to provide greater clarity and consistency in how sick leave is granted to school workers facing health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to create a process for doctors to request exceptions when health insurance plans restrict access to certain medications. Specifically, it allows physicians to bypass standard approval steps for drugs used to treat postpartum depression if the medication's specific indication is not yet approved by the FDA. The law requires insurance companies to provide an easy online way for doctors to apply for these overrides and to grant them quickly when supported by sound clinical evidence. Although the bill includes language about this provision, it currently has no impact because it was recalled from committee and did not advance to a vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates financial support for police officers in Louisiana who are injured while performing their duties and cannot work as a result. It allows these officers to attend college or university without paying tuition, fees, or room and board charges, provided they meet academic standards and maintain a C average. The state will also provide a $250 per semester cash grant for books, covering the time needed to earn a bachelor's degree but not exceeding ten semesters. Funding for these benefits comes from the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies an existing law to expand the list of specific medical treatments covered when a governor declares a state of emergency. It directly affects residents who need to seek care outside their home state during such emergencies by adding chemotherapy, radiotherapy, dialysis, and heart surgery to the list of covered services. The change ensures that these critical procedures are recognized under the same out-of-state coverage rules already in place for other treatments.