Rep. Jerome Zeringue

Maddy summarySB 155 requires Louisiana health insurers to cover medically necessary dental procedures directly related to cancer treatment, such as infection prevention/treatment or addressing tooth decay caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or biological therapy. It specifically covers procedures within 30 days before treatment, during treatment, or as a result of treatment (including obturators for oral cavity defects), but excludes routine preventive care like cleanings. The law applies to all new health insurance plans issued on or after January 1, 2027, with existing plans required to comply by January 1, 2028. It does not apply to short-term policies, limited-benefit plans, or excepted benefits.

Maddy summaryHB 726 increases penalties for abandoning boats or vessels in Louisiana by doubling the fines for this specific violation. The bill directly affects boat owners who intentionally leave vessels on public property, private land without permission, or in state waters. It amends existing law to explicitly double the criminal penalties for abandoning boats or boating accessories, as outlined in Section 2531.1(A)(2). This change applies to all vessels covered under the littering statute, including boats and related equipment. The law focuses on strengthening enforcement against vessel abandonment as a form of illegal disposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Fireman's Supplemental Pay Board in Louisiana from five to seven members to ensure broader representation among firefighters. The new board will include three members from the Professional Firefighters Association of Louisiana, two from the Louisiana State Fireman's Association, and two from the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, all of whom must receive state supplemental pay. The legislation also establishes procedures for filling vacancies, requiring the governor to make initial appointments within 30 days or allowing the respective organizations to appoint interim members. Additionally, the board will elect a chairman from its membership to serve a two-year term.

Maddy summaryHB 143 increases the daily payment rate Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections pays to parish sheriffs for housing state inmates in local jails when the state cannot accept them. The bill sets specific rates: $25.39 per day for FY 2019-2020, $26.39 per day for FY 2020-2021 through FY 2026-2027, and $29.39 per day starting FY 2027-2028. It also requires the department to collaborate with sheriffs to update jail guidelines by December 2020, including treatment and educational programming for inmates. The bill directly affects parish sheriffs, local jails, and the state’s correctional budget.

Maddy summaryHB 872 requires all commercial vessels engaged in menhaden reduction fishing (including carrier vessels, steamers, and purse boats) to install and use an automatic identification system (AIS). The AIS is a tracking system that automatically shares a vessel's location, speed, and heading with other ships, shore stations, and satellites. This bill directly affects commercial fishing operations harvesting menhaden for processing into products like fish meal or oil. The law mandates this technology to improve vessel tracking and safety in Louisiana waters, with no exemptions specified for the covered vessel types.

Maddy summaryHB 354 renames the Magnolia Bridge (on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes) as the "Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, with costs covered by local or private funds not exceeding $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or services.

Maddy summaryHB 417 increases the maximum balance of Louisiana's Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Fund from a fixed $6.8 million to an amount adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting January 1, 2027. This change affects how the state manages funds generated from hazardous waste cleanup penalties, settlements, and fees collected under environmental laws. The bill requires the state treasurer to redirect excess funds above the new, inflation-adjusted cap into the Environmental Trust Fund, rather than the previous fixed limit. The adjustment mechanism ensures the fund's capacity grows with inflation, avoiding future budget constraints from rising costs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 427, the "Kids Online Protection and Anti-Grooming Act," requires online platforms (like social media and video games) that contract with minors under 16 in Louisiana to prioritize minors' privacy. It mandates two key changes: setting minor accounts to private by default (visible only to connected users) and alerting legal guardians if minors encounter sexually explicit material. The bill directly affects platforms operating in Louisiana with minor users, defining "minor" as anyone under 16 not emancipated or married. These provisions aim to reduce exposure to harmful content and strengthen parental oversight through default settings and notification systems.

Maddy summaryHB 445 transfers Louisiana's STEM Advisory Council from the Department of Education to Louisiana Works and redefines its responsibilities. The bill requires the council to create a statewide STEM education plan, coordinate programs with workforce needs, encourage industry funding, and establish a resource clearinghouse. It creates a dedicated STEM Education Fund to support student-focused programs (including robotics competitions via FIRST) from pre-K through college, funded by legislative appropriations and private donations. The council must submit annual reports to education committees and meet quarterly, with members able to participate electronically. This bill directly affects STEM education programs, schools, and industry partners across Louisiana.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Federal Emergency Management Agency to update how often it reviews flood maps in Louisiana. It specifically urges FEMA to consider the state's recent investments in levees and other flood protection measures when calculating flood risks under its new Risk Rating 2.0 system. The goal is to ensure that these improvements are recognized, which could lead to fairer flood insurance rates for residents and businesses in the area.