Rep. Rhonda Butler

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally recognizes Rosa Mae Briley Pitre on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The bill does not create new laws or change policy but serves as a ceremonial commendation from the Louisiana House of Representatives. It acknowledges her life milestones, including her birth in 1926, her family history, and her community involvement in Ville Platte, Louisiana. The resolution expresses well wishes for her continued health as she joins the group of Louisiana centenarians.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pesticide registrants in Louisiana to include specific warning and caution statements on product labels. These statements must match the safety warnings found on the labels approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The law directly affects companies that apply for initial or renewed registration of pesticides and those changing existing pesticide labels. By enforcing this consistency, the legislation aims to ensure that safety information provided to users aligns with federal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 requires arborists and utility arborists in Louisiana to provide proof of current and sufficient general liability and workers' compensation insurance when renewing their professional licenses, or submit documentation showing they are exempt from these requirements. This change directly affects individuals licensed to work as tree care professionals and utility tree specialists who need to maintain their credentials. The bill amends existing state statutes to make insurance verification a mandatory part of the license renewal process, ensuring that practitioners carry appropriate coverage for their work. The legislation does not alter other aspects of arborist licensing or practice standards beyond this insurance documentation requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 919 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) plus the state's professional dispensing fee per prescription, with a minimum $12 per prescription. It prohibits PBMs from owning or contracting with pharmacies (including subsidiaries) and mandates annual transparency reports detailing foreign subsidiaries and financial arrangements with drug manufacturers. PBMs violating these rules face fines up to $100,000 per violation for executives, with unlimited liability for large PBMs ($500M+ revenue). The law applies retroactively to prescriptions filled between January 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, and becomes fully effective for new requirements in 2027. These provisions directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, and PBMs operating in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 7, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, prohibits private entities from using eminent domain (taking private property without consent) for carbon dioxide pipelines or underground storage projects. It directly affects landowners whose property might be sought for such infrastructure and private companies seeking to build CO2 pipelines or storage facilities. The bill removes existing expropriation authority for these purposes, defines "private entities" broadly to include corporations and partnerships, and eliminates the secretary of the Department of Energy and Conservation’s power to issue related certificates of public convenience. This replaces prior provisions allowing forced takings for CO2 projects with a clear ban on such actions without owner consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of March 23-27, 2026, as Louisiana Agriculture Week to honor the state's farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders. The resolution encourages citizens and lawmakers to participate in activities celebrating the agricultural community's contributions to the state's economy and food security. It also directs a copy of the resolution to the commissioner of agriculture and the president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of the agricultural sector's importance.

Maddy summaryHB 221 proposes naming a new Mississippi River bridge connecting Louisiana Highways 1 and 30 as the "President Donald J. Trump Expressway." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage once construction is complete, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $750 per sign. It does not change transportation laws, funding, or affect any policies beyond the bridge's official designation. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 182 requires all licensed hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana to ensure a qualified healthcare professional (such as a physician or sexual assault nurse examiner) is available during operating hours to provide forensic examinations and treatment to sexual assault survivors. It mandates that facilities offer survivors information about these services and maintain personnel trained to conduct forensic medical exams. The bill directly affects hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers statewide by setting new standards for their response to sexual assault cases. It defines key terms like "qualified healthcare professional" to clarify who can perform these examinations, aiming to improve access to specialized care for survivors.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of March 23 through 27, 2026, as Louisiana Agriculture Week to honor farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness leaders across the state. The resolution formally recognizes agriculture's role in Louisiana's economy and encourages citizens and lawmakers to participate in related activities. It also commends the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development for its leadership in connecting legislators with agricultural producers. The bill is procedural and does not create new laws or funding, but rather serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the agricultural community's contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association Day at the state capitol. It formally recognizes the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association and its members for their work in advancing horticulture, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting the state's landscape industry. The resolution commends the association's contributions to beautifying communities and strengthening the agricultural economy through professional standards and sustainable practices. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or regulations.