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.
Sponsored bills
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 The bill amends the tax code to include this deduction within Section 47:293(9)(a)(xxvii), replacing outdated references to other sections.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 81 requires Louisiana public schools to provide parents with free access to instructional materials, including online resources and printed copies upon request. Schools must establish reasonable in-person viewing hours and may charge only reasonable fees for physical copies made using school equipment - no fees apply for online access or in-person viewing without copies. The bill limits free access to curricula adopted under state law and allows in-person viewing of nonsecure tests, but not digital copies of assessments. School boards must submit their access policies to the state education department by March 2026, with reports to the legislature on compliance. This directly affects parents of students in Louisiana public schools and school districts implementing these policies.
Maddy summarySB 58 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law called "child grooming" (defined under R.S. 14:81.7), making it illegal to commit or attempt to commit acts intended to build a relationship with a minor for sexual purposes. This bill directly affects individuals who engage in such grooming behavior and law enforcement handling related cases. The key provision adds "child grooming" as a specific sexual offense against minors under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:541(25)(o)), and also treats equivalent crimes committed in other jurisdictions as if they occurred in Louisiana (R.S. 15:541(25)(p)). The bill amends existing criminal codes to formally define and criminalize this conduct.
Maddy summaryHB 111 amends language in a law regarding the unlawful presence of certain sex offenders. The bill specifically removes references to "school or a school-related activity" from the prohibited locations where sex offenders may not be present. Key changes include deleting redundant phrases and adjusting wording about behavior in public spaces (e.g., changing "to linger, remain, or prowl" to "lingering, remaining, or prowling"). The bill focuses on clarifying the legal language of the existing statute rather than creating new restrictions. It was favorably reported by the committee in April 2025.
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 121 amends Louisiana law (R.S. 22:1706(H)) to clarify prohibitions related to public adjusters and home improvement contractors. The bill specifically removes references to another section (R.S. 22:1693(G)) and updates the description of existing prohibitions. It directly affects public adjusters and home improvement contractors operating in Louisiana by modifying regulatory language. The bill passed committee favorably (13-0) on April 23, 2025, but the specific policy changes to the prohibitions are not detailed in the provided text.
Maddy summaryHB 291 shortens the statute of limitations for wrongful death and survival claims related to medical malpractice. Specifically, it sets a one-year deadline from the date of death to file such claims, replacing the previous standard timeframe. This change directly affects families seeking legal recourse after a death caused by medical negligence. The bill modifies the legal process by establishing a fixed, shorter window for filing these specific claims. The amendment was recently passed to third reading in the legislative process.
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.