Rep. Tim Kerner

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 349), not a substantive bill. It formally commends Clancy DuBos, a New Orleans journalist and former Gambit newspaper owner, on his retirement after 50 years in journalism. The resolution recognizes his career spanning ownership of Gambit, political commentary, and numerous journalism awards. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws or constituents - it is purely an expression of legislative appreciation for his contributions to New Orleans media.

Maddy summaryHR 214 is a Louisiana state House resolution (not a federal bill) urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to ban imported seafood until testing and inspections improve. It cites a study finding banned substances like malachite green, oxytetracycline, and nitrofurantoin in imported shrimp, along with widespread failure to label sulfite presence. The resolution requests HHS to implement a temporary import ban to address gaps in current FDA seafood safety protocols. This is a non-binding request to a federal agency, not a law, and focuses on procedural changes to testing requirements. The Louisiana legislature plans to debate it further in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 652 allocates $240,608 in state funding to support seafood safety testing programs. The bill establishes a framework for testing seafood products for contaminants before they reach consumers. This affects seafood processors, retailers, and distributors who must use these testing services, while consumers benefit from enhanced food safety standards. The funding is specifically designated for testing under state oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Louisiana's Firefighters' Retirement System to allow surviving spouses to designate disabled or minor children as beneficiaries for a portion of their survivor benefits. Specifically, spouses must make this designation within 30 days of the firefighter's death and must ensure the total benefit value remains equivalent to what the spouse would otherwise receive (verified by an actuary). The change directly affects surviving spouses of firefighters who currently receive survivor benefits under the system. It modifies existing rules to provide structured options for sharing benefits with dependents while maintaining the spouse's primary benefit amount.

Maddy summaryHB 357 requires health insurance plans to cover integrative cancer treatments like acupuncture, directly affecting cancer patients seeking these services and health insurance issuers. The bill limits coverage for acupuncture treatment during active cancer care to fifteen visits per year, unless additional treatments are recommended by nationally recognized cancer guidelines and the treating physician. It also modifies prior authorization requirements by adding "prior authorization" to the list of coverage conditions. This bill is currently under review by the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Insurance Committee with amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 260 is a procedural bill that names itself "The Segus Jolivette Act" and adjusts section numbering within the legislation. It does not change any substantive homicide laws or affect specific individuals or policies. The bill’s sole provisions are administrative: naming the act after Segus Jolivette (a person likely recognized for contributions to criminal justice) and correcting section numbering. This is a commemorative measure with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 273 establishes the official state children's Christmas book, designating a specific title as a state symbol. The bill’s amendments (Amendment No. 1 and 2) corrected minor drafting errors, such as removing unnecessary "the" before "Cajun" in the text. This is a symbolic procedural bill with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on residents or state programs. It focuses solely on naming a children’s Christmas book for official recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 18 increases funding by $5.7 million for supplemental benefits within the Firefighters' Retirement System. This directly affects active and retired firefighters covered by the system, ensuring their supplemental retirement benefits are fully funded. The bill adjusts the state budget to provide this additional funding, with no new requirements or changes to eligibility. It is a straightforward budgetary appropriation, not a new policy or benefit expansion.

Maddy summaryHB 223 increases pay for Louisiana election workers, including polling place commissioners and parish board commissioners who serve during elections. It sets new daily rates: $300 for a polling place supervisor (commissioner-in-charge), $400 for supervisors in multiple precincts, $150 for some certified workers, $250 for others, and $85 for untrained staff. Parish board commissioners will receive $150 for high-turnout elections (with secretary of state approval), $100 for regular elections, and an additional $100 during declared emergencies. The bill also allows for an extra $150 per day for election commissioners during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson, a Duck Commander founder and "Duck Dynasty" star who was a prominent figure in northeast Louisiana. The resolution honors his life, family values, faith, and economic impact through his business, highlighting his 60-year marriage to Kay and his role as a community leader. It has no effect on laws or regulations, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of respect.