Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of former state representative Billy Wayne "Coach" Montgomery, acknowledging his contributions as an educator, coach, and public servant.
Maddy summaryHB 388 focuses on the financial arrangements for housing state inmates. It specifically addresses the amount the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) pays to parish jails or institutions for accommodating these inmates. The bill modifies the payment structure related to the housing of state prisoners in local facilities.
Maddy summaryHB 34 revises how medical expenses are handled in civil lawsuits, impacting claimants seeking recovery for medical costs and parties involved in trials. It limits the recovery of medical expenses to amounts considered reasonable for the claim. The bill allows any party to introduce evidence of both the billed and paid amounts for medical services. Furthermore, agreements between healthcare providers and third parties, such as letters of protection with attorneys, will be admissible as evidence to ensure transparency.
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 11, titled "The Segus Jolivette Act," would change sentencing for repeat violent offenders in Louisiana. It requires that for a third conviction of a felony crime of violence (defined under state law), offenders receive at least 50% of the maximum sentence for a first offense; for a fourth or subsequent conviction, it mandates at least 75% of that maximum. The bill also requires juries to decide facts that increase penalties (other than prior convictions) before sentencing, rather than leaving that determination solely to judges. This directly affects individuals convicted multiple times of violent crimes, altering both the minimum sentences they face and the process for determining penalty levels. The bill is currently pending in committee review.
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 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 summaryThis bill requires public schools in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom by January 1, 2025. The legislation allows schools to use donated funds or donated physical displays to cover the cost, ensuring no money from public school budgets is spent on the items. Additionally, schools must include a historical statement explaining the long tradition of using the Ten Commandments in American education. While the primary focus is on the Ten Commandments, the bill also permits the display of other historical documents like the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the process for clerks of district courts in Louisiana to receive salary increases. It requires these officials to publish a notice of their intent to raise their pay in the official parish journal on two separate days, with the final publication occurring at least thirty days before the increase takes effect. The legislation directly affects district court clerks by establishing a specific public notification procedure they must follow before implementing higher compensation.
Maddy summaryHB 976 mandates that healthcare facilities allow in-person visitation for patients, with the exception of licensed forensic psychiatric hospitals where these rules do not apply. The bill changes the language regarding visitation from optional to required, ensuring that facilities must permit family and friends to visit patients physically rather than relying solely on virtual means. This legislation directly impacts hospitals, nursing homes, and other care providers by establishing a clear requirement for face-to-face visitor access.
