Rep. Denise Marcelle

Maddy summaryHB 531 requires the attorney general to coordinate sexual assault nurse examiner services statewide, with a specific focus on improving access in rural areas. This bill directly affects sexual assault survivors, particularly those in underserved rural communities, by aiming to ensure consistent access to specialized forensic medical examinations. The key provision establishes a statewide coordination system funded through legislative grants or appropriations, directing the attorney general to manage this effort under new statutory language. The bill does not create new services but aims to better organize existing nurse examiner programs across the state.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a task force to study the feasibility of building a regional water purification facility serving Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Charles parishes. The task force, composed of appointed representatives from these parishes and the City Services Coalition, will assess strategies for operation and management and submit a report to local authorities by March 15, 2026. The effort specifically addresses challenges like saltwater intrusion impacting drinking water quality in the region.

Maddy summaryThe full text of HB 359 is not provided, making a complete summary difficult. However, based on the available information, Amendment No. 1 to HB 359 proposes to add an emergency medicine physician, selected by the president of the Louisiana State Medical Society, to a specific list or body within the bill. Given the bill's title, "MENTAL HEALTH: Provides relative to victims of human trafficking," this physician would likely be involved in efforts related to mental health support for human trafficking victims. The specific role or impact of this addition cannot be determined without the full bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 266 would increase personal needs allowances for residents in Louisiana nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The bill requires a separate legislative appropriation to fund these increased allowances before implementation, specifying that funding must be included in a future budget act. It does not change current allowances but sets a requirement for future funding to take effect. The bill has advanced to the Health and Welfare Committee for further review.

Maddy summaryHB 454 would require Medicaid to cover specific doula services for eligible enrollees. This bill directly affects Medicaid recipients who use certified doula services during pregnancy and postpartum care. The key provision mandates that Medicaid plans include coverage for these services, though the bill text does not specify exact service types or eligibility criteria beyond "certain" doula care. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Health and Welfare Committee unanimously. This policy change would expand access to doula support for low-income individuals under the state's Medicaid program.

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 summaryHB 402 adds a new income tax deduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as defined under existing law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction directly affects qualifying veterans by reducing their taxable income, with an estimated fiscal impact of $11.3 million in state general fund revenue. The bill amends the tax code to include this deduction within Section 47:293(9)(a)(xxvii), replacing outdated references to other sections. The change provides a concrete tax benefit for veterans meeting specific disability criteria established by current law.

Maddy summarySB 118 modifies Louisiana's tax code to exclude certain deposits into ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience Accounts) from state income tax. Starting in 2026, account owners can exclude up to $2,400 annually (single filers) or $4,800 (joint filers) per beneficiary for qualified disability expenses, with unused amounts rolling over to future years. This applies only to deposits made for beneficiaries with disabilities, excluding the funds from taxable income calculations. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents using ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. It takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 468 amends Louisiana Revised Statute 36:784 by adding a new subsection (A) related to the Civilian Honor Medal Program for veterans. This is a procedural bill that modifies an existing code section without introducing new benefits, eligibility criteria, or funding. The bill does not directly affect veterans or programs beyond a technical reference update. It has advanced through committee and is now at third reading in the legislature. (Note: The context does not specify the exact nature of the amendment to subsection (A).)

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.