Rep. Beryl Amedée

Maddy summaryHCR 83 is a ceremonial resolution commending Danielle Baker, executive director of the Acadiana Delegation in the Louisiana Legislature, for receiving the 2025 Legislative Staff Achievement Award from the Leadership Staff Professional Association (LSPA) of the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution recognizes her 15+ years of service, professional contributions to legislative staff organizations, and peer-selected award for outstanding public service. It expresses the Louisiana Legislature's gratitude for her "steadfast commitment to excellence" and "strong work ethic." As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to formally honor Ms. Baker's professional achievements.

Maddy summaryThis is a Louisiana state resolution (not a federal bill), memorializing Congress to take specific actions regarding flood insurance. It requests Congress pass three proposed bills: the Flood Insurance Affordability Act (capping annual premium increases at 9%), the Risk Rating 2.0 Transparency Act (requiring FEMA to publish pricing data), and the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act (providing a 33% tax credit for low/middle-income households). The resolution aims to end FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, which homeowners in Louisiana coastal parishes and across the U.S. claim has caused significant premium hikes despite mitigation efforts. It directly affects homeowners facing unaffordable flood insurance costs under the current system.

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 695 would require Louisiana businesses to accept gold or silver coins, bullion, or a gold-backed debit card (which converts stored gold into cash) as legal tender for transactions. This directly affects residents and businesses in Louisiana by expanding the forms of payment they must accept, beyond traditional currency. The bill’s key mechanism explicitly lists government-issued gold/silver coins and bullion as valid tender, while introducing a new "gold-backed debit instrument" for converting stored gold into fiat currency. The bill passed the Louisiana House on May 22, 2025, and is now pending in the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 16 protects nonprofits from civil lawsuits when they donate medical supplies that are in proper working condition and have not been recalled. It directly affects nonprofit organizations providing medical equipment, ensuring they aren't held liable for issues arising after donation if the supplies met these conditions. The bill adds specific requirements: supplies must be functional at donation and free from prior recalls, and the liability protection extends to the nonprofit's employees and agents. This change clarifies legal safeguards for nonprofits supporting healthcare access during emergencies or community needs.

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 296 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Louisiana's House of Representatives to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. It formally recognizes Louisiana's historical Irish cultural ties, including the 1806 St. Patrick's Day celebration in New Orleans and Irish immigrants' role in building the New Basin Canal (1832-1838). The resolution also acknowledges the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, which fosters U.S.-Ireland relations. As a non-binding commemoration, it does not create new policies or affect any specific group legally.