Rep. Chad Boyer

Maddy summaryHR 309 is a symbolic resolution commending the Catholic High School of New Iberia Panthers football team for winning the 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Division III Select championship. The resolution specifically highlights their championship victory over Dunham High School (31-28), recognizes quarterback Luke Landry as the game's Outstanding Player, and notes key team achievements including multiple Louisiana Football Coaches Association All-State honorees. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as an official expression of legislative recognition. The bill was adopted by the Louisiana House of Representatives in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 184 creates a new tax deduction for Louisiana residents diagnosed with a terminal illness (or their spouse in joint returns) who withdraw funds from retirement accounts due to immediate financial need. The bill allows these "qualifying taxpayers" to deduct hardship distributions from their taxable income, as defined in Louisiana law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction applies only to withdrawals made because of a terminal illness diagnosis, not general financial hardship. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Louisiana taxpayers with terminal illness who access retirement funds early.

Maddy summaryHB 547 would allow horse racing venues to offer fixed odds wagering, where bettors place bets with predetermined payout amounts before races instead of traditional pari-mutuel betting. This directly affects racetracks that host horse races and individuals who wager on those races. The bill authorizes this specific betting method, setting fixed odds for outcomes rather than calculating payouts based on total wagers after the race. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Commerce and will move to Appropriations for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 357 requires health insurance plans to cover integrative cancer treatments like acupuncture, directly affecting cancer patients seeking these services and health insurance issuers. The bill limits coverage for acupuncture treatment during active cancer care to fifteen visits per year, unless additional treatments are recommended by nationally recognized cancer guidelines and the treating physician. It also modifies prior authorization requirements by adding "prior authorization" to the list of coverage conditions. This bill is currently under review by the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Insurance Committee with amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 402 adds a new income tax deduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as defined under existing law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction directly affects qualifying veterans by reducing their taxable income, with an estimated fiscal impact of $11.3 million in state general fund revenue. The bill amends the tax code to include this deduction within Section 47:293(9)(a)(xxvii), replacing outdated references to other sections. The change provides a concrete tax benefit for veterans meeting specific disability criteria established by current law.

Maddy summaryHB 49 modifies Louisiana law to change how victim testimony in parole and pardon hearings is handled. It replaces requirements for written transcripts with rules allowing audio, written, or visual recordings of victim testimony during private "executive sessions." The bill requires that any disclosure of such testimony must first receive approval from a judge in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. This directly affects victims, spouses, or next of kin of deceased victims who participate in these hearings. The changes amend specific statutes (R.S. 15:572.4, 573, 574.2, 574.4.1, and 574.12.1) to implement these confidentiality procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 273 establishes the official state children's Christmas book, designating a specific title as a state symbol. The bill’s amendments (Amendment No. 1 and 2) corrected minor drafting errors, such as removing unnecessary "the" before "Cajun" in the text. This is a symbolic procedural bill with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on residents or state programs. It focuses solely on naming a children’s Christmas book for official recognition.

Maddy summaryHCR 37 establishes the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force within the state's higher education system. The task force will develop strategies to prevent hazing at colleges and universities, directly affecting public and private higher education institutions. The resolution names the task force after Caleb Wilson, honoring his memory, though the bill does not detail specific prevention methods or funding mechanisms. This is a procedural resolution creating a new body, not a law imposing new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 594 establishes a flat insurance premium tax rate in Louisiana and provides phased tax reductions for qualifying insurance businesses over time. It reduces the tax rate to 50% of the standard amount for 2029, 67% for 2030, and 83% for 2031. The bill also defines "qualifying Louisiana investments" (such as state bonds, mortgages, or stocks in Louisiana-domiciled companies) that insurers can hold to earn tax credits. These provisions directly affect insurance companies operating in Louisiana that meet specific criteria, including being domiciled in the state and maintaining core operations there. The tax changes apply to businesses issuing health maintenance, life, or surplus lines insurance.