Rep. Roger Wilder

Maddy summaryHB 642 proposes to repeal the state's earned income tax credit, which currently provides a tax benefit to individuals with lower to moderate incomes. If enacted, this bill would eliminate the credit by repealing R.S. 47:297.8. The repeal would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a resolution that expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Steven "Steve" Joseph Miguez. It acknowledges his life, business career, competitive shooting achievements, and family.

Maddy summaryHB 418 prohibits Louisiana financial institutions (banks with over $100 billion in assets or payment processors handling over $100 billion in annual transactions) from taking adverse actions (like refusing services) based on protected activities. It specifically bans discrimination tied to religious exercise, political speech, refusal to discuss climate policies, refusal to conduct diversity audits, refusal to facilitate abortions/gender transition services, or refusal to do business with fossil fuel/firearms companies (unless based on disclosed financial risk standards). The bill requires institutions to provide written, specific reasons for adverse actions within 30 days of a request and allows affected individuals to sue for $10,000 per violation (or tripled for willful violations). It directly affects large financial institutions and consumers who believe their services were denied due to protected conduct.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new 15.1% state tax on the net proceeds from sports betting placed online through websites or mobile apps in Louisiana. It defines "net gaming proceeds" as total bets minus winnings and eligible promotional payouts, while explicitly excluding racehorse wagering from these rules. The legislation also removes existing provisions related to promotional play. Although the bill was referred to a committee, it was ultimately withdrawn from the House files in November 2024 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws regarding pharmaceutical reimbursements to apply only to contracted pharmacists or pharmacies that do not own more than five shares or a five percent interest in a pharmaceutical wholesale group purchasing organization or vendor. The key provision restricts the scope of the reimbursement rules to ensure they target independent pharmacies rather than those with significant ownership stakes in drug supply chains. By adding this specific limitation, the legislation clarifies which entities must comply with the current reimbursement requirements without changing the underlying financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 418 amends the state severance tax law to lower tax rates on oil and gas extracted from inactive wells and orphan wells. The bill applies these reduced rates to taxable periods starting on or after October 1, 2024, and ending on September 30, 2028. This change directly affects the revenue collected by the state from these specific types of well production.

Maddy summaryHB 467 is a procedural bill that amends the state code to update references regarding the sale of raw milk and commercial animal feeds. The legislation modifies existing sections to include new requirements for monthly salmonella testing, record-keeping, and labeling standards for raw milk producers. It also grants the commissioner of agriculture the authority to temporarily suspend the sale of raw milk if it poses an immediate health threat, while allowing legislative committees to review and override such suspensions. Because the bill text indicates no impact on current laws and primarily serves to align statutory references, it functions as a technical update rather than introducing new substantive policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits government agencies and businesses from requiring employees or students to receive COVID-19 vaccines or take experimental drugs that lack full FDA approval. It also bans mandates for wearing face coverings to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the law includes specific exceptions for healthcare facilities, nursing homes, correctional institutions, and other medical settings where federal guidelines require vaccination. Additionally, the state attorney general has the authority to seek court orders to stop any entity that violates these new restrictions.