Rep. Josh Carlson

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 430 creates the Louisiana Lawyer Advertising and Unfair Trade Practices Act, regulating advertisements for services, particularly legal services. The bill prohibits individuals and entities (excluding media companies) from making false, misleading, or deceptive statements about the monetary results obtained for clients. A statement is considered misleading if it implies a client received a net amount of money that they did not actually receive after all expenses, including attorney fees, are deducted. Violations are classified as unfair trade practices, allowing the attorney general to pursue enforcement actions and recover associated costs and fees.

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 527 establishes new rules for filling vacant major positions in the Lafayette Police Department. It requires competitive exams for sergeants and above, with the chief of police selecting from an eligibility list of passing candidates. Appointments are for one year with annual review, and demotions do not affect accumulated departmental or promotional seniority. These rules apply to new appointments or officers in the position as of July 1, 2025, but exclude those with permanent status to the rank by that date.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows public school boards to hire chaplains as paid employees or accept their services as volunteers within school settings. The legislation directly impacts school districts by giving them the authority to bring religious leaders onto campus to serve the community. It does not mandate the presence of chaplains but rather establishes the legal framework for schools to choose whether to utilize this support. The measure focuses on administrative permission rather than changing curriculum or student activities.

Maddy summaryHB 320 modifies the requirements for student instruction and teacher training in the state's public education system. The bill allows the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to create policies that mandate specific topics be included in what students learn and how teachers are trained. It also requires the board to evaluate the timing and frequency of teacher training to ensure it does not interfere with regular academic activities. This legislation directly impacts school districts, educators, and the state board by shifting certain instructional and training decisions to the board's authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public schools in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom by January 1, 2025. The legislation allows schools to use donated funds or donated physical displays to cover the cost, ensuring no money from public school budgets is spent on the items. Additionally, schools must include a historical statement explaining the long tradition of using the Ten Commandments in American education. While the primary focus is on the Ten Commandments, the bill also permits the display of other historical documents like the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws regarding financial transactions at firearms and ammunition retailers by clarifying that payment card networks are not considered financial institutions under current regulations. It also updates enforcement procedures to allow district attorneys to act alongside the attorney general in investigating violations and handling related fees and costs. Additionally, the legislation specifies that notices sent to retailers must be written and delivered within thirty business days to ensure clear communication. These changes aim to refine how financial rules apply to gun stores and how authorities enforce compliance with state laws.