Rep. Beryl Amedée

Maddy summaryHB 419 creates a new criminal offense for intentionally exposing others to a self-spreading pathogen (like a contagious virus or bacteria that transmits easily between people). It moves this provision from an existing section of the criminal code (R.S. 14:43.8) to a new section (R.S. 14:107.6) under "offenses affecting general peace and order." This bill directly affects individuals who deliberately release such pathogens in public settings, making it a criminal act punishable under state law. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

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 amends existing laws regarding pharmaceutical reimbursements to apply only to contracted pharmacists or pharmacies that do not own more than five shares or a five percent interest in a pharmaceutical wholesale group purchasing organization or vendor. The key provision restricts the scope of the reimbursement rules to ensure they target independent pharmacies rather than those with significant ownership stakes in drug supply chains. By adding this specific limitation, the legislation clarifies which entities must comply with the current reimbursement requirements without changing the underlying financial mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 40 amends the Louisiana Seafood Safety Act to clarify administrative roles within the state's health oversight system. The bill makes minor text changes to remove redundant language and establishes a specific task force to support the commission, with the Senate Health and Welfare Committee chairman serving as its leader. These adjustments aim to streamline how the state manages seafood safety regulations without altering the core safety standards themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 854 amends existing rules for the state wildlife rehabilitation program by extending a specific time limit from one day to two days and requiring that a notice be included in a particular process. These changes adjust procedural requirements for individuals or organizations working with injured wildlife to ensure they have adequate time and proper documentation. The bill does not create new programs or alter funding but instead refines how current regulations are applied to rehabilitation efforts.

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 467 is a procedural bill that amends the state code to update references regarding the sale of raw milk and commercial animal feeds. The legislation modifies existing sections to include new requirements for monthly salmonella testing, record-keeping, and labeling standards for raw milk producers. It also grants the commissioner of agriculture the authority to temporarily suspend the sale of raw milk if it poses an immediate health threat, while allowing legislative committees to review and override such suspensions. Because the bill text indicates no impact on current laws and primarily serves to align statutory references, it functions as a technical update rather than introducing new substantive policy.

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 prohibits government agencies and businesses from requiring employees or students to receive COVID-19 vaccines or take experimental drugs that lack full FDA approval. It also bans mandates for wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the law includes specific exceptions for healthcare facilities, nursing homes, correctional institutions, and other medical settings where federal guidelines require vaccination. Additionally, the state attorney general has the authority to seek court orders to stop any entity that violates these new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Louisiana Educational Television Authority to include funding for French language educational programming in its annual budget request. The legislation directly affects the state's educational television network and the division of administration that manages its budget. By mandating this inclusion, the bill ensures that French language content is considered as part of the station's financial planning. Additionally, the law is named in honor of Jeremy Stine, who expressed a love for France.