Rep. Stephanie Berault

Maddy summaryHB 268 amends outdated legal terminology in Louisiana law regarding pornography involving juveniles, specifically correcting references from "Articles" to "Sections" in two code sections (R.S. 14:81.1 and 14:648(B)(3)(i)). The bill does not change legal definitions, penalties, or protections; it only updates how these provisions are cited in legal documents. This technical correction directly affects court records, legal filings, and law enforcement documentation referencing these specific statutes. The changes streamline legal references without altering the underlying criminal law.

Maddy summarySB 70 amends a definition related to remote patient monitoring services for healthcare coverage. It specifically clarifies that an "infant" eligible for these services includes a child discharged after requiring neonatal intensive care. The bill makes minor technical corrections to the bill text (removing a reference to "woman" and adding the infant definition). This is a procedural amendment affecting the bill's language, not a new policy change. The bill does not alter coverage rules or funding but ensures the definition aligns with healthcare needs.

Maddy summaryHR 292 is a resolution urging Louisiana's Department of Health to study expanding Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) services to all gestational diabetes patients - not just those requiring insulin. It requires the department to analyze feasibility, costs (estimated $500,000-$1 million), and health impacts, with a report due by January 2026. This would directly affect Louisiana Medicaid enrollees with gestational diabetes who currently lack CGM access under existing policy. The resolution does not change coverage but requests a study to inform potential updates.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 31) requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to avoid scheduling games during Easter weekend (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday). It directly addresses the LHSAA, asking them to pause athletic events to allow student athletes and families time for religious observance of the Lenten season's end. The resolution cites that families in Louisiana often observe these days and that athletes deserve uninterrupted family time without choosing between sports and religious traditions. It is a non-binding request, not a law, and does not require the LHSAA to comply.

Maddy summaryHB 93 is a technical amendment to clarify the tax authority of the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District. It corrects references in the tax code (specifically removing "and (D)" from sections 15:1109.5(C) and (D)) to ensure the district's existing power to levy certain local taxes remains properly defined under current law. The bill does not create new taxes or change tax rates; it only updates statutory language for accuracy. This procedural change affects the district's administrative authority but has no direct impact on taxpayers or new policy. The bill is currently pending introduction.

Maddy summaryHB 16 protects nonprofits from civil lawsuits when they donate medical supplies that are in proper working condition and have not been recalled. It directly affects nonprofit organizations providing medical equipment, ensuring they aren't held liable for issues arising after donation if the supplies met these conditions. The bill adds specific requirements: supplies must be functional at donation and free from prior recalls, and the liability protection extends to the nonprofit's employees and agents. This change clarifies legal safeguards for nonprofits supporting healthcare access during emergencies or community needs.

Maddy summaryHB 37 requires online platforms to exercise a duty of care when entering binding contracts with minors. This means platforms must take reasonable steps to protect minors during these agreements, such as ensuring terms are understandable and avoiding exploitative practices. The bill directly affects companies offering digital services, apps, or content that contract with users under 18. It recently passed a committee with amendments (11-0) and now has an effective date set for June 1, 2026, after a deadline change from March 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 241 is a resolution requesting the Louisiana legislative auditor to update a 2024 report on integrating public assistance programs. It specifically asks for a follow-up report before the 2027 legislative session, building on findings that Louisiana spent $3.2 billion on programs like SNAP, TANF, WIOA, and child care assistance to serve about 1 million people. The resolution emphasizes improving coordination among these programs to enhance outcomes, referencing recommendations from a 2025 task force report. The update would assess progress toward better integration, whether or not related legislation (HB 624/HB 617) is enacted.

Maddy summaryHR 296 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Louisiana's House of Representatives to commemorate St. Patrick's Day. It formally recognizes Louisiana's historical Irish cultural ties, including the 1806 St. Patrick's Day celebration in New Orleans and Irish immigrants' role in building the New Basin Canal (1832-1838). The resolution also acknowledges the American Irish State Legislators Caucus, which fosters U.S.-Ireland relations. As a non-binding commemoration, it does not create new policies or affect any specific group legally.

Maddy summaryHR 329 is a resolution (not a binding bill) passed by the Louisiana House urging the Attorney General and Louisiana Department of Insurance to investigate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for potential violations of existing laws. It specifically requests that these agencies examine whether PBMs are violating rules by owning or financially benefiting from pharmacies, which critics argue creates conflicts of interest that disadvantage independent pharmacies. The resolution also urges the Louisiana legislature to pass new laws prohibiting PBMs from owning or having financial interests in pharmacies. This would aim to prevent PBMs from steering patients to their own affiliated pharmacies and ensure fair reimbursement practices for all pharmacies. The resolution highlights concerns about rising drug costs, reduced competition, and threats to rural pharmacy access, referencing similar actions taken by other states.