Rep. Beth Billings

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Louisiana's legislative auditor to examine how local governments and other nonstate entities spend money on new construction projects funded by the state. The law specifically targets entities that receive capital outlay funds and mandates that they follow existing financial rules when building new projects. If an entity fails to comply with these spending requirements, the auditor must record the violation as a finding of noncompliance. This change aims to increase oversight of state-funded construction projects to ensure proper use of public money.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the installation and use of newborn safety devices at designated infant relinquishment sites under the state's Safe Haven Law. It directly affects hospitals and other facilities that serve as safe drop-off locations for parents wishing to surrender their newborns anonymously. The legislation allows these sites to use specific safety devices to facilitate the safe transfer of infants to medical professionals. This change aims to provide a secure and standardized method for handling newborn surrenders at these locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies regulations for college athletes by restricting their ability to sign contracts for using their name, image, or likeness if those deals conflict with their team's existing contract, unless the athletic department approves. It also requires schools to provide annual financial literacy and life skills workshops lasting at least two and a half hours during an athlete's first and third academic years. Additionally, the legislation limits liability for university staff and officials regarding damages to an athlete's potential earnings from name, image, or likeness contracts, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. These changes directly affect postsecondary institutions and intercollegiate athletes participating in sports programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Louisiana Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative, a state program designed to support pregnant women and newborns. It requires the relevant state department to create specific rules that ensure the program is clinically effective, financially stable, and held to high performance standards. The legislation also mandates that the department report its annual progress to the legislature, including details on oversight and penalties for failing to meet program goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Louisiana election laws to allow state senators and representatives who are nominated for President or Vice President to also run for their current state office in the same election. Currently, state officials must choose between their federal campaign and their state seat, but this change permits them to hold both positions if they win. The law specifically applies only to members of the U.S. Congress who are seeking the highest federal offices, leaving other dual candidacy rules unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes sanctuary policies in California, which limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The law directly affects police officers, jails, and other local agencies by prohibiting them from inquiring about a person's immigration status or detaining individuals solely based on immigration violations. Key provisions include restrictions on sharing information with federal immigration officials and barring local jails from holding people without a valid court order. The text also includes minor grammatical corrections to ensure consistent language throughout the statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to create a process for doctors to request exceptions when health insurance plans restrict access to certain medications. Specifically, it allows physicians to bypass standard approval steps for drugs used to treat postpartum depression if the medication's specific indication is not yet approved by the FDA. The law requires insurance companies to provide an easy online way for doctors to apply for these overrides and to grant them quickly when supported by sound clinical evidence. Although the bill includes language about this provision, it currently has no impact because it was recalled from committee and did not advance to a vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates financial support for police officers in Louisiana who are injured while performing their duties and cannot work as a result. It allows these officers to attend college or university without paying tuition, fees, or room and board charges, provided they meet academic standards and maintain a C average. The state will also provide a $250 per semester cash grant for books, covering the time needed to earn a bachelor's degree but not exceeding ten semesters. Funding for these benefits comes from the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies an existing law to expand the list of specific medical treatments covered when a governor declares a state of emergency. It directly affects residents who need to seek care outside their home state during such emergencies by adding chemotherapy, radiotherapy, dialysis, and heart surgery to the list of covered services. The change ensures that these critical procedures are recognized under the same out-of-state coverage rules already in place for other treatments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires candidates for certain elected offices in Louisiana to file financial disclosure statements within three business days after their candidacy qualifying period ends. It applies to individuals running for positions where the current officeholder is already mandated to submit these reports under existing state laws. The legislation also clarifies that if a candidate already holds a job requiring a similar financial report, submitting that existing document satisfies the new filing requirement.