Rep. Beth Billings

Maddy summaryHB 541 is a minor technical amendment that changes the word "person's" to "individual's" in the state law regarding the nonconsensual sharing of private images. This specific wording adjustment does not alter the legal requirements or penalties for the crime but updates the terminology within the statute. The bill directly affects the text of the law itself rather than introducing new rules or changing how the offense is prosecuted. By passing through committee and being ordered for a final reading, the bill moves closer to becoming part of the official criminal code.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a committee to study how certain property taxes are distributed across Louisiana. The committee would include three senators and four representatives appointed by their respective leaders, with a requirement to ensure geographic and population diversity. Additionally, a member would be appointed by the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association to represent law enforcement interests. The study aims to examine the current allocation of ad valorem taxes, though the bill currently states it has no direct impact on tax amounts or rates.

Maddy summaryHB 570 amends the state election code to allow voters to change their party affiliation before the registration deadline closes. This change directly affects registered voters who wish to switch parties but previously could not do so after a specific cutoff date. The bill achieves this by removing specific lines from the existing statute that restricted party changes to earlier dates. By deleting these restrictive provisions, the law expands the window for voters to update their party registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a specialty license plate in Louisiana featuring the text "LSU Baseball National Champions." The legislation directs the Department of Public Safety to design and sell these plates, which will be available to any vehicle owner in the state. By adding this new option to the list of approved specialty plates, the bill allows drivers to display their support for the LSU baseball team on their vehicles. The text of the law is updated to include this specific plate design within the existing regulations governing vehicle license plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a small change to the state constitution to adjust the deadline for passing spending bills. Currently, the law requires such bills to be enacted by November 5, but this amendment would move that date to December 7. The change directly affects the legislative process by giving lawmakers an extra month to finalize budgets before the fiscal year begins. No new programs or funding levels are created; the bill only alters the procedural timeline for how appropriations are approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a law regarding the protection of agricultural land from foreign adversaries by adding a specific legal definition for "land." The change requires that the term "land" in the statute be interpreted according to the definition found in R.S. 3:3602. This clarification directly affects how agricultural properties are identified and protected under the existing legislation. The bill is currently under consideration by the Committee on Appropriations after being referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies insurance regulations to prevent health plans from using step therapy or fail-first protocols for prescriptions of certain ventilators. Specifically, it mandates that coverage plans must not require patients to try alternative treatments first if the ventilator needs frequent servicing or if clinical evidence suggests alternatives would be less effective or harmful. The legislation directly affects health insurance companies and patients requiring ventilator support by ensuring these devices are covered without unnecessary hurdles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs a specific subcommittee within Louisiana's Children's Cabinet Advisory Board to study the needs of the state's child welfare system. The study will examine challenges faced by children and families receiving services from the Department of Children and Family Services and aim to provide recommendations for improving outcomes and protecting children. The subcommittee is required to submit a written report with its findings and suggestions by February 1, 2025, to the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the state's legislative research library.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana laws to allow licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists to receive supervision through virtual video conferencing. It requires the state board to create specific rules for this remote supervision, ensuring it meets the same standards as in-person training through secure technology. The legislation also modifies experience requirements for licensure, permitting candidates to count up to three thousand hours of supervised practice that includes this virtual format.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires every public and approved nonpublic secondary school in Louisiana to print the number "988" on the back of all student identification cards. The measure also mandates that schools post the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number on their websites to ensure easy access to help. Effective July 1, 2024, the law aims to make suicide prevention resources more visible to students and staff.