Maddy summarySB 501, known as the Campus Awareness Initiative, requires public colleges and universities in Louisiana to display specific signs in student health centers. These signs, which must feature the message "Worried about STIs? Just Check!" along with a link to state resources, aim to promote awareness of sexually transmitted infection prevention, screening, and treatment. The Louisiana Department of Health or a designated nonprofit organization is responsible for designing and producing these durable signs, though the department may use donated funds or accept donated signs to cover costs. This bill directly affects public postsecondary institutions and their health services by mandating the placement of these informational displays in patient admission, waiting, and consultation areas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends a previous law to correct a drafting error by changing the word "Section" to "Subsection" within the text governing driver's licenses for individuals with brain injuries. The change does not alter the actual policy or the rights of people with brain injuries, as it only fixes a technical classification in the statute. Consequently, the bill has no direct impact on daily life or specific groups beyond ensuring the existing legal framework is written correctly. It is a procedural measure intended to maintain the accuracy of the state's vehicle and emergency codes.
Maddy summaryHB 1092 renames the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities within the Louisiana Department of Health to the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Supports. This change updates the official name of the agency across multiple state laws and statutes to reflect its current focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill also makes technical adjustments to ensure the new name is consistently used in legal documents related to disability benefits, voting assistance, and service administration. Directly affected parties include the Louisiana Department of Health, state agencies, and individuals who receive services through this office. The legislation does not alter existing programs or funding but primarily updates terminology to align with modern naming conventions.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits health insurance companies and Medicaid managed care organizations from requiring prior authorization for certain generic medications when prescribed by board-certified physicians. The law defines a board-certified physician as a doctor certified by a recognized medical specialty board and a generic medication as a drug chemically equivalent to a brand-name drug approved by the FDA. Under this legislation, insurers must cover these specific generic prescriptions without needing additional approval from the insurance company before dispensing or reimbursing them. The restrictions apply to new insurance policies and contracts starting January 1, 2027, with existing plans required to comply by January 1, 2028.
Maddy summaryHB 126 allows courts in Louisiana to permit facility dogs to accompany specific witnesses during testimony. It directly affects minors under 18, individuals with developmental disabilities (as defined by law), and victims of sex offenses (as defined in state law). The bill requires courts to permit a facility dog if available while these witnesses testify, aiming to help reduce anxiety. The provision applies during court proceedings and does not change existing legal standards or outcomes.
Maddy summaryThis Louisiana bill creates a specific offense for battery against school teachers, defined as battery committed when the perpetrator knows the victim is a teacher or targets them due to their job. It sets harsher penalties for non-student offenders (up to 5 years in jail or $5,000 fine) versus students (up to 1.5 years jail with 72 hours mandatory for minor cases, or up to 1 year for injuries requiring medical care). Juvenile offenders under 17 are handled under the Children's Code, requiring court-approved counseling (costs borne by the family) and secure detention for teens 14+ who commit this crime. The law applies to all school teachers during work duties and modifies juvenile court procedures for such offenses.
Maddy summaryHB 222 requires Louisiana Medicaid to cover dental procedures when they are medically necessary for a patient to safely receive another Medicaid-covered medical treatment. This directly affects Medicaid enrollees who need dental care as a prerequisite for other covered medical procedures, such as surgeries or chronic condition management. The bill mandates the Louisiana Department of Health to update the state’s federal Medicaid plan, create necessary administrative rules, and submit required amendments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It does not expand general dental coverage but targets specific cases where dental treatment is a medical necessity for other covered care.
Maddy summaryHB 218 requires Louisiana public schools to screen all students in grades K-12 for food insecurity at enrollment and once per semester, plus during school health clinic visits. The bill mandates using a free, age-appropriate screening tool selected by the state Department of Education and Health, with results kept confidential except for parents/guardians or authorized school staff. Schools must refer identified students to resources like meal programs, food pantries, and public assistance. Charter schools are exempt from this requirement under Section 3996(B)(24), but the bill applies directly to public school students and their families.
Maddy summaryHB 205 increases pay for Louisiana election day workers, directly affecting commissioners who serve at polling places. It sets new compensation rates: $350 for a commissioner-in-charge, $345 for those managing multiple precincts, $100 for certified commissioners, $230 for others with certification, and $35 for uncertified staff. The bill also allows an additional $100 per day during emergencies declared by the governor, upon parish board request. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, and apply to all election day work and required training.
Maddy summarySB 125 increases compensation for people wrongfully convicted in Louisiana. It raises the annual payment rate from $25,000 to $40,000 per year incarcerated, with a new maximum total of $600,000 starting August 1, 2026 (up from $400,000 previously). It also allows those convicted before July 2022 to apply for supplemental payments (up to $40,000 annually) by August 1, 2027, and offers a $250,000 lump sum option for new claims filed after July 2022. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents who were wrongfully imprisoned and seek financial redress under state law.