Rep. Beth Billings

Maddy summaryHB 681 amends a public records law to expand who qualifies as a "public official" whose personal information (like contact details) is subject to public record requests. It adds three new categories: current state legislators, statewide elected officials, and current public service commission members. This change directly affects those three groups by making their personal information accessible under existing public records procedures. The bill updates the statute without creating new policies or altering other record access rules. (Summary based solely on the bill's text and amendments.)

Maddy summaryHR 259 is a Louisiana House resolution condemning the murder of Israeli Embassy employees Yaron Lischinsky (30) and Sarah Milgrim (26) in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025. The resolution specifically states they were targeted due to their support for Israel and condemns all hate-based violence targeting individuals based on identity. It formally expresses the Louisiana House’s opposition to the killings and broader antisemitism, referencing a rise in such incidents since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement of legislative stance. The resolution passed unanimously (85-0) in the Louisiana House on June 10, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 15 amends Louisiana's legislative rules to set deadlines and requirements for non-governmental entities (like nonprofits or private groups, not state agencies or local governments) seeking state funding through budget bills. It requires these entities to submit funding requests by November 1 each year to specific legislative committees, with late requests needing approval from budget committees before the legislative deadline. The bill also prohibits including such funding in budget bills after July 1, 2025, unless approved through the specified process. This is a procedural rule change affecting how funding requests are handled, not a new funding law.

Maddy summaryHB 56 is a technical amendment to clarify that flag size is included in provisions regarding the display of the U.S. flag. The bill adds "size" to the existing language, ensuring flag display regulations explicitly cover dimensions. It does not create new restrictions or rights but refines existing wording for clarity. The bill was reported favorably by the committee (9-0) and is moving forward in the legislative process. This is a procedural adjustment with no substantive policy change or direct impact on any specific group.

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 summarySB 66 defines "military status" to clarify protections against discrimination in education, employment, public accommodations, and housing. It specifically includes active/reserve U.S. military members and their dependents (with a defined 180-day support requirement) under existing anti-discrimination law. The bill adds this definition to Louisiana Revised Statute 23:322(10), making it explicit who qualifies for these protections. The Senate unanimously passed the bill (39-0) in April 2025, sending it to the House for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 106 allows nighttime frog hunting in Louisiana using jacklights or mechanical devices like frog catchers, while prohibiting the carrying or possession of firearms during these activities. The bill directly affects individuals who hunt frogs at night, specifically changing existing rules about equipment and safety measures. Key provisions clarify that froggers may use visible light aids and mechanical tools but must not have guns present during nighttime hunting. This amendment updates Louisiana's existing frog hunting regulations (R.S. 56:634(A)) to explicitly address nighttime methods and firearm restrictions. The law aims to standardize nighttime frog hunting practices under specific safety and equipment rules.

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 261 amends criminal code provisions related to the unlawful use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones). It makes technical changes to section references (updating "(F)" to "(G)") and clarifies that certain prohibitions apply beyond limited circumstances by removing the word "only" from one provision. The bill directly affects individuals who operate drones in ways that violate these amended criminal code sections. These changes are procedural updates to existing law, not new policy. The bill passed committee and advanced to third reading in the 2025 legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 387 allows Louisiana's Department of Veterans Affairs to charge reasonable rates for maintenance and care at state veterans facilities to nonveteran residents who are financially capable of paying. It requires the department to establish a payment system considering the income and estate of nonveteran residents, similar to how veterans' payment capability is assessed. This bill directly affects nonveteran residents of state-run veterans facilities who meet the financial criteria for payment. The policy change modifies existing rules to explicitly include nonveterans in the facility care charging structure.