Rep. Kathy Edmonston

Maddy summaryHB 410 requires anyone recording an in-person conversation to inform all participants beforehand that the conversation is being recorded. It directly affects individuals, businesses, and organizations conducting private in-person discussions, such as meetings or personal conversations. Key exceptions include public gatherings, law enforcement activities, emergencies, and recordings of public officials in public spaces. Violating this law could lead to civil liability for damages, court costs, and attorney fees. The bill aims to protect privacy by ensuring people know when their conversations are being digitally preserved.

Maddy summarySB 237 requires schools in Louisiana to immediately report allegations of physical or sexual abuse against school employees to the state Department of Education. It creates a database tracking these reports and mandates schools check this database before hiring new employees to identify potential patterns of abuse. The bill also requires the Department of Children and Family Services to notify the state child ombudsman within three business days of child abuse or neglect fatalities or near-fatalities, including specific details like prior department involvement. Additionally, it directs the child ombudsman to notify legislators within 24 hours of any child death linked to abuse or neglect investigations. These provisions directly affect schools, school employees, child welfare agencies, and state legislators.

Maddy summaryHB 342 requires local education agencies (LEAs) in Louisiana to prove the appropriateness of a student's special education program or placement during due process hearings, shifting the burden of proof from parents to the school district. This directly affects parents of students in special education and the LEAs (like school districts) involved in these disputes. The bill specifies that LEAs must meet this burden by showing the program or placement is appropriate "by a preponderance of the evidence" (more likely than not). The change applies to both current and proposed educational plans in formal due process hearings.

Maddy summaryHB 782 regulates vapor products and alternative nicotine products in Louisiana by establishing new definitions, increasing permit fees, and adding enforcement mechanisms. It requires retail businesses selling these products to obtain permits (increasing annual fees from $25 to $100 for retailers), mandates wholesale dealers to verify retailers have valid permits, and prohibits remote sales. Violations can result in fines up to $4,000 for repeat offenses, and unpermitted products may be seized and forfeited. The bill directly affects retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers operating in this market within Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 352 requires Louisiana public school districts to create and publish policies enabling behavioral health services for students during school hours. It allows services in classrooms during instructional time (including core subjects) if parents provide a provider-approved evaluation and treatment plan showing medical necessity, with in-person supervision by certified behavior analysts required. The bill defines key terms like "medically necessary services" and mandates that schools collaborate with providers to schedule services without disrupting school operations or testing. It directly affects public school students needing behavioral health support, their parents, school administrators, and behavioral health providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the text of a Senate resolution regarding the removal of judges for serious offenses like malfeasance or incompetence. The changes involve correcting a spelling error in the word "canons" and adding the preposition "of" to clarify the reference to United States laws. These adjustments do not alter the substantive policy or the process for addressing judicial misconduct but ensure the legislative document is accurate. The bill is currently in the final stages of passage after being referred to a committee and amended.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases survivor benefits for families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who die while performing their official duties. It establishes a base payment of $350,000 to the surviving spouse, or to the children or estate if no spouse exists, with an additional $50,000 for each dependent child. The law requires officers and firefighters to complete beneficiary designation forms and specifies that payments come from the state's Self-Insurance Fund. These changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to deaths resulting from injuries sustained while protecting life and property during official activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the rules governing the Special School District of Louisiana by clarifying how its board of directors is appointed and what powers it holds. It requires the governor to appoint at least one board member from each public health region and mandates that organizations submit nominee lists by August 1st each year. The legislation also reorganizes the board's authority over property transactions, contract approvals, and hiring, while giving the district superintendent more responsibility for selecting instructional materials and managing daily operations. Additionally, the bill establishes an annual evaluation process for the superintendent and clarifies how the board can delegate administrative duties to support efficient district management.

Maddy summaryHB 775 modifies Louisiana law to expand when minors can consent to medical care without parental permission. It allows minors aged 13-17 to consent to treatment for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, substance misuse, and certain emergencies (like abuse or neglect), while requiring parental access to medical records. The bill also prohibits schools or facilities from providing preventive care to minors without parental consent and shields healthcare providers from liability for following these rules. It repeals prior provisions that permitted broader minor consent or school-based care without parental involvement. This directly affects minors, parents/guardians, healthcare providers, and schools in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 944 creates the Louisiana Women's Health Consortium within the Louisiana Department of Health to address women's health needs across the state. The consortium will include 15 voting members representing health institutions (like Tulane School of Medicine and Woman's Hospital), government agencies (such as the surgeon general's office), and community stakeholders, plus nonvoting members from additional health organizations. Its core duties include developing a state funding plan for women's health initiatives, creating a comprehensive Women's Health Agenda focusing on issues like perimenopause and menopause, and identifying systemic barriers to care. The consortium must hold quarterly public meetings, submit an annual report to the legislature, and coordinate an online resource hub for evidence-based women's health information.