Rep. Annie Spell

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 31) requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to avoid scheduling games during Easter weekend (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday). It directly addresses the LHSAA, asking them to pause athletic events to allow student athletes and families time for religious observance of the Lenten season's end. The resolution cites that families in Louisiana often observe these days and that athletes deserve uninterrupted family time without choosing between sports and religious traditions. It is a non-binding request, not a law, and does not require the LHSAA to comply.

Maddy summaryHB 93 is a technical amendment to clarify the tax authority of the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District. It corrects references in the tax code (specifically removing "and (D)" from sections 15:1109.5(C) and (D)) to ensure the district's existing power to levy certain local taxes remains properly defined under current law. The bill does not create new taxes or change tax rates; it only updates statutory language for accuracy. This procedural change affects the district's administrative authority but has no direct impact on taxpayers or new policy. The bill is currently pending introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires online platforms to exercise a duty of care when entering binding contracts with minors. This means platforms must take reasonable steps to protect minors during these agreements, such as ensuring terms are understandable and avoiding exploitative practices. The bill directly affects companies offering digital services, apps, or content that contract with users under 18. It recently passed a committee with amendments (11-0) and now has an effective date set for June 1, 2026, after a deadline change from March 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 247 is a resolution directing Louisiana's Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs to study two existing programs supporting veterans in the criminal justice system: the Veterans Court Program Treatment Act and the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program. The committee must evaluate these programs to recommend potential revisions that better assist veterans with co-occurring mental health, substance use, and criminal justice challenges. The resolution requires the committee to submit a report to the House Judiciary Committee by March 9, 2026. This is a procedural step focused on program review, not new legislation.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution (HR 258) urges President Trump to support the federal Major Richard Star Act. It addresses a current law requiring combat-wounded, medically retired veterans to choose between military retirement pay and VA disability benefits, resulting in reduced total compensation due to an offset. The resolution argues these benefits come from separate funds honoring distinct forms of service and should not be mutually exclusive. The bill passed unanimously in the Louisiana House (93-0) and was referred to the federal administration for consideration. (Note: This is a state legislative resolution requesting federal action, not a bill changing federal law itself.)

Maddy summaryHB 116 establishes the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund to provide annual grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving veterans and their families. The bill allows the fund to issue up to $10,000 per grant (with a total annual limit of $100,000) for projects specifically addressing education, mental health, or housing needs. Organizations must submit detailed proposals, use funds strictly for approved purposes (not for general operations or debt), and submit final reports with financial records for four years. Grants not used as intended must be repaid within 30 days, and grantees face audits to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 120 corrects outdated references in Louisiana law regarding death benefits for Louisiana State Guard members. It removes specific statutory citations (like R.S. 29:26.1(G)) that no longer apply, ensuring the law accurately references current provisions. The bill directly affects families of deceased Louisiana State Guard members by maintaining their eligibility for existing death benefits without changing the benefit amount or eligibility criteria. This is a technical correction to the legal text, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 241 is a resolution requesting the Louisiana legislative auditor to update a 2024 report on integrating public assistance programs. It specifically asks for a follow-up report before the 2027 legislative session, building on findings that Louisiana spent $3.2 billion on programs like SNAP, TANF, WIOA, and child care assistance to serve about 1 million people. The resolution emphasizes improving coordination among these programs to enhance outcomes, referencing recommendations from a 2025 task force report. The update would assess progress toward better integration, whether or not related legislation (HB 624/HB 617) is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 308) formally commends Louisiana Krewe FC for its contributions to professional soccer in Louisiana, highlighting its economic impact on the Acadiana region, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and community service efforts. It recognizes the team's role in fostering regional pride, supporting local businesses, and inspiring youth through sports. The resolution has no binding legal effect - it is purely ceremonial, expressing legislative appreciation for the organization's work. It was adopted by the Louisiana House of Representatives in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 329 is a resolution (not a binding bill) passed by the Louisiana House urging the Attorney General and Louisiana Department of Insurance to investigate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for potential violations of existing laws. It specifically requests that these agencies examine whether PBMs are violating rules by owning or financially benefiting from pharmacies, which critics argue creates conflicts of interest that disadvantage independent pharmacies. The resolution also urges the Louisiana legislature to pass new laws prohibiting PBMs from owning or having financial interests in pharmacies. This would aim to prevent PBMs from steering patients to their own affiliated pharmacies and ensure fair reimbursement practices for all pharmacies. The resolution highlights concerns about rising drug costs, reduced competition, and threats to rural pharmacy access, referencing similar actions taken by other states.