Rep. Roger Wilder

Maddy summaryHB 624 transfers specific family and support programs currently managed by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. It also renames the Workforce Commission to "Louisiana Works" and removes references to DCFS in related statutes. This change directly affects the agencies involved and the individuals receiving these services, such as those accessing workforce development or family support programs. The bill modifies legal references to ensure seamless program transfer without altering the core services provided.

Maddy summaryThe provided context does not include the substantive provisions or policy details of HB 371. While the bill title references "free exercise of religion" and it has progressed through committee and legislative stages, the bill text, summary, and specific mechanisms are missing from the given information. Without details on what the bill actually changes or who it affects, a factual summary of its policy content cannot be created. Procedural details (like amendments and committee actions) are noted, but not the concrete policy changes required for this summary.

Maddy summaryHB 575 amends liability provisions to allow the biological or legal father of an unborn child to sue for damages if a pregnancy is terminated unlawfully. This bill directly affects fathers who may now pursue legal action against those responsible for an unlawful pregnancy termination. The key change, reflected in the Senate amendment, expands the group eligible to file such lawsuits beyond current provisions. The bill is pending further legislative action after passing committee amendments. (Note: This summary reflects the bill's current proposed language, not enacted law.)

Maddy summarySB 137 requires insurance companies to notify the state Department of Insurance when they stop, pause, or restart selling policies in a specific geographic region. This applies directly to all insurers operating within defined areas of the state. Insurers must provide written notice of these changes in policy availability, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2026. The bill creates a clear reporting mechanism to track shifts in insurance market access.

Maddy summarySB 126 adds a specific exemption for charter schools from reporting school mapping data requirements under Louisiana law (R.S. 17:416.16.1). The bill directly affects charter schools operating under Louisiana's Chapter 3996, exempting them from this data collection mandate unless otherwise required by their approved charter. Key provisions clarify that charter schools are exempt from "all statutory mandates" applicable to public schools, with this mapping data requirement explicitly listed as one of the exempted provisions. This change modifies existing law to remove a specific reporting obligation for charter schools, while public schools remain subject to the mapping data requirement. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for charter schools within existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 640 creates the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction within the state Department of Transportation. The bill grants this new office authority to use emergency procurement procedures for highway projects until January 1, 2026, mirroring existing rules for the broader transportation department. This directly affects state transportation operations by establishing a dedicated unit with specific buying powers for highway construction needs. The bill focuses on administrative structure and procurement processes, not on changing road standards or funding levels.

Maddy summaryHB 145 increases the maximum amount homeowners can deduct from their income tax for construction code retrofits and expands the deduction to cover costs associated with meeting "fortified home" standards. This bill directly affects homeowners who make qualifying retrofits to their properties, including those upgrading to meet fortified home requirements for disaster resilience. Key provisions include raising the deduction limit and adding fortified home compliance costs to eligible expenses. The bill is currently moving through the legislative process after passing committee approval.

Maddy summaryHB 556 is a technical correction bill that updates outdated legal references in Louisiana law regarding the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). It revises specific statute citations (such as R.S. 48:23, 76(C), 92, and 94) to align with current code sections, ensuring DOTD's operational procedures reference the correct laws. This procedural bill does not change DOTD's duties, funding, or public-facing policies - it only corrects statutory language for administrative accuracy. The bill affects the DOTD's internal operations by ensuring its legal framework matches current state statutes. (Note: This is a technical amendment, not a substantive policy change.)

Maddy summaryHB 559 updates appointment requirements for members of human services districts and boards. It requires appointees to both live in the district they serve and be registered voters in that district for at least one year prior to appointment. These changes apply specifically to individuals seeking board positions within human services districts. The bill modifies existing eligibility rules without altering service delivery or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 690 is a procedural bill that amends Louisiana law to include specific state boards in the process for administering Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) medical activities. It directs the Surgeon General to draft rules involving the Louisiana State Law Institute, State Board of Medical Examiners, Board of Pharmacy, and State Board of Nursing. The bill does not create new policy but clarifies which entities must be consulted when implementing EUA protocols for healthcare providers. It directly affects these four state boards by designating their role in EUA rulemaking. The bill passed the Senate with strong support (73-22) in May 2025.