Rep. Josh Carlson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Louisiana state agencies, including the legislature and the Board of Supervisors at Louisiana State University, from entering into contracts for artificial intelligence technology owned or controlled by specific foreign nations. Effective July 1, 2027, vendors supplying AI software or products must provide a signed affidavit confirming they are not owned by, organized under the laws of, or have their principal business in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or Cuba. The legislation defines "artificial intelligence" as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions and lists the five designated countries as "foreign countries of concern" to which these restrictions apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Louisiana Board of Naturopathic Medicine and establishes a new licensing framework for naturopathic doctors in the state. The legislation defines the scope of practice for naturopathic medicine, including permitted therapies, diagnostic procedures, and minor office surgeries, while also outlining requirements for education, training, and professional conduct. It grants licensed naturopathic doctors the authority to prescribe certain medications, order diagnostic tests, and compound drugs for individual patient needs, subject to specific limitations and regulations. The bill also transfers oversight of naturopathic medicine from existing agencies to the Louisiana Department of Health and sets rules for advertising, credential display, and fees associated with the new licensing system.

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 734 creates Louisiana's "A.I. Bill of Rights," granting residents specific protections regarding artificial intelligence use. It requires AI companies to disclose when users interact with AI systems, prohibits unauthorized use of names/images/likeliness, and restricts "companion chatbots" (AI systems designed to mimic human relationships) from minors. The bill also mandates data privacy safeguards for personal information collected by AI companies and allows consumers to pursue civil lawsuits for violations. These provisions directly affect Louisiana residents, AI technology companies, and state agencies (which are barred from contracting with certain foreign AI entities).

Maddy summaryHB 534 would require all local bond and tax elections (where voters approve funding for projects or taxes) to be held only during primary election dates, as specified in Louisiana's Constitution. This directly affects parishes and municipalities that hold such elections, shifting them from standalone voting days to coincide with primary elections. The bill includes a limited exception for security districts in parishes with cities over 300,000 population, allowing parcel fee elections in those areas to proceed separately. The law would take effect only if a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters in a statewide election.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana laws regarding how medical expenses are recovered in personal injury cases, specifically affecting plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits. It limits recoverable costs when treatment is paid through letters of protection or health insurance by capping amounts to what would have been paid under standard coverage, and it requires medical bills to be itemized and coded according to accepted billing practices. The legislation also allows parties to present expert testimony at trial to challenge the reasonableness of claimed medical expenses, ensuring both sides can question the necessity and cost of treatments. These changes aim to standardize how medical costs are calculated and verified in legal proceedings without changing the fundamental right to seek compensation.

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 summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Leroy Cavalier, a longtime Capitol Security Specialist who passed away on December 19, 2025. The resolution acknowledges Cavalier's service as a security specialist at the northeast bollards station and his contributions to the Capitol Security Office before his passing. It formally offers appreciation for his dedicated service and extends wishes for comfort to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for the death of Derek Scott, the son of State Representative Rhonda Gaye Butler. It acknowledges Scott's life at St. Mary's Training School and his impact on his family and community. The document serves as a formal tribute rather than establishing new policy or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses condolences for the death of Joe R. Salter, a former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, and officially recognizes his contributions to the state. It acknowledges his long public service career, including his role as Speaker during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and his subsequent work in various state government positions. The document records his notable accomplishments for posterity and extends appreciation to his family and the Louisiana community he served.