Rep. Stephanie Berault

Maddy summaryHB 533 establishes a tax credit for businesses that hire apprentices, interns, or youth workers, directly benefiting employers in these sectors. The bill sets an annual credit cap starting at $1 million for 2026, increasing by $1 million each year (up to $7.5 million total) if 80% of the prior year’s cap is used. Businesses must apply by February 28 each year for credits earned the previous year, with approvals based on a first-come, first-served system that may involve proportional allocation if demand exceeds available funds. The credit is expected to cost approximately $1.1 million in state funds annually.

Maddy summaryHB 617 updates the legal references within Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) by changing titles and terminology. It replaces terms like "administrator" with "administrator assistant secretary," removes "child welfare" references, and updates them to "Louisiana Works" in multiple sections of the law. The bill has no financial or operational impact on services, as noted in the bill's "EN NO IMPACT" designation. This is purely an administrative adjustment to align legal language with current department structure and program naming.

Maddy summaryHCR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging the Louisiana State University School of Public Health to reconsider its recommended age for routine breast cancer screening. It does not change any current guidelines or mandate action; it simply asks the school to review its recommendations. The resolution is currently pending floor debate after passing committee review, but it has no legal effect on healthcare policies or patient care. This type of resolution expresses legislative opinion but does not alter medical practices.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution urges the EPA to fast-track testing and approval of a feral hog toxicant developed by LSU AgCenter. It specifically requests the EPA use an existing exemption (Limited Replicated Field Trials) to bypass the typical 10-year review process, directly affecting Louisiana agriculture which faces over $90 million in annual damages from feral hogs. The resolution does not create new law but formally asks federal agencies to expedite safety testing for a sodium nitrite-based solution to address the invasive species threat.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana state resolution (HR 369) urges Congress and federal health agencies to maintain current Medicaid funding levels for hospitals in Louisiana. It specifically requests that the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services avoid policy changes that would reduce reimbursements, which could lead to hospital service cuts or closures - particularly affecting rural facilities serving medically underserved communities. The resolution also calls for immediate approval of pending payment plans for Louisiana hospitals and physicians. Adopted unanimously by the Louisiana House on June 12, 2025, it is a formal request to federal officials, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to improve oversight of its Medicaid Managed Care Incentive Payment (MCIP) program, which funds services like food boxes, transportation, and care navigation for Medicaid recipients. It responds to a 2024 audit identifying $2.5 billion in program spending without clear metrics to track health outcomes or return on investment. LDH must submit quarterly progress reports to the House Health Committee starting October 2025, detailing how it will refine metrics to measure program effectiveness and align with Medicaid goals. The resolution directly affects LDH, managed care organizations (MCOs) receiving funds, and Louisiana’s Medicaid beneficiaries, aiming to ensure public funds achieve measurable health improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 358 allows pharmacy technicians to work remotely under specific circumstances, directly affecting pharmacy technicians employed in licensed pharmacies. The bill amends existing law to permit technicians to perform duties from locations outside a physical pharmacy, provided they use secure remote systems. The state board of pharmacy must create implementing rules to govern this remote work arrangement, ensuring compliance with safety and licensing standards. This change modifies current regulations without altering core pharmacy operations or patient care requirements.

Maddy summarySCR 20 is a resolution urging Congress to direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reinstate and fund the Local Food for Schools Program with approximately $3 million annually. It directly affects schools participating in the program by seeking to restore access to locally sourced food for student meals. The resolution requests Congress to specifically allocate funding to reinstate this program, which provides fresh, locally grown food to schools. As a memorial resolution (not a binding law), it does not change current policy but formally asks Congress to act.

Maddy summarySCR 32 is a Louisiana Senate resolution urging Congress to oppose federal Medicaid funding cuts. It emphasizes that over 1.6 million Louisiana residents - including children, seniors, rural healthcare providers, and nursing home residents - depend on Medicaid for essential care, with nearly 70% of nursing home residents relying on it. The resolution requests Congress work with states to strengthen Medicaid instead of implementing cuts that would worsen health outcomes, increase hospital financial strain, and raise costs for all residents. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it does not change policy but formally expresses Louisiana’s position to federal lawmakers.

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a concurrent resolution creating a Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement to study ways Louisiana can increase fathers' involvement in their children's lives. The task force, composed of state agency representatives and community organizations, will research best practices and develop recommendations for agencies like Children and Family Services, Education, and Health by February 2026. It focuses on identifying policy changes, funding opportunities, and programs to support fathers, particularly those in incarcerated populations or seeking employment. The resolution does not enact new laws but directs the task force to report findings to the legislature, aiming to improve father engagement across state systems.