Rep. Kathy Edmonston

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Louisiana Medical Freedom Act, prohibits businesses, schools, and government entities from denying services, employment, or access to individuals based on their refusal to undergo medical interventions such as vaccines or testing. It also bans employers from requiring medical interventions as a condition of employment and prevents schools from mandating such interventions beyond existing immunization laws. The legislation allows for reasonable accommodations and existing legal exemptions while repealing previous requirements related to immunization and school attendance. Violations of the act can be prosecuted by state or local prosecutors, with potential awards of attorney fees and court costs.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 4) suspends Louisiana’s rules restricting supplemental feeding and baiting for deer hunting in chronic wasting disease (CWD) control areas for 18 months. It directly affects hunters, landowners, and local businesses in CWD zones by temporarily lifting bans on baiting and feeding practices that were previously prohibited in "Enhanced Mitigation Zones" and restricted in "Buffer Zones." The suspension aims to support traditional hunting methods and reduce economic impacts on rural communities while allowing further study of CWD management. The resolution requires the state register to publish a summary of this change in the Louisiana Register.

Maddy summaryHB 306 requires domestic violence perpetrators in Louisiana to pay all court costs, attorney fees, enforcement fees, evaluation fees, expert witness fees, and medical/psychological care costs for victims (adults or children) related to the abuse. This applies during the initial phase of domestic abuse cases, before the first hearing. After the initial hearing, standard civil rules apply, and each party covers their own attorney fees. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims (by reducing their financial burden) and perpetrators (by shifting cost responsibility to them).

Maddy summaryHB 366 limits court delays in domestic abuse cases by restricting the maximum continuance (postponement) of temporary restraining order hearings to 15 days, unless "good cause" is shown for an extension. This directly affects domestic abuse victims seeking immediate protection through temporary restraining orders. The bill amends Louisiana law to require courts to justify longer delays, preventing indefinite postponements. It focuses on streamlining the process for victims to secure safety orders without unnecessary delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 22, 2026, as Ascension Parish Day at the Louisiana State Capitol to honor the parish's history and economic contributions. It recognizes the collaborative efforts of local businesses, government agencies, and community groups that drive growth and development in the region. The resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment of Ascension Parish's achievements and encourages citizens to celebrate its progress. This measure is a commemorative action with no impact on laws, budgets, or public services.

Maddy summaryHB 919 requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) plus the state's professional dispensing fee per prescription, with a minimum $12 per prescription. It prohibits PBMs from owning or contracting with pharmacies (including subsidiaries) and mandates annual transparency reports detailing foreign subsidiaries and financial arrangements with drug manufacturers. PBMs violating these rules face fines up to $100,000 per violation for executives, with unlimited liability for large PBMs ($500M+ revenue). The law applies retroactively to prescriptions filled between January 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025, and becomes fully effective for new requirements in 2027. These provisions directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, and PBMs operating in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHB 7, the Louisiana Landowners Protection Act, prohibits private entities from using eminent domain (taking private property without consent) for carbon dioxide pipelines or underground storage projects. It directly affects landowners whose property might be sought for such infrastructure and private companies seeking to build CO2 pipelines or storage facilities. The bill removes existing expropriation authority for these purposes, defines "private entities" broadly to include corporations and partnerships, and eliminates the secretary of the Department of Energy and Conservation’s power to issue related certificates of public convenience. This replaces prior provisions allowing forced takings for CO2 projects with a clear ban on such actions without owner consent.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of Guaranty Corporation, a Louisiana-based company founded in 1926 by George A. Foster Sr. The resolution highlights the company's history, its founder's legacy, and its contributions to Louisiana through various business sectors including media, healthcare, and real estate. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official legislative acknowledgment of the company's century-long presence and impact on the state. The measure was passed by the House and Senate without opposition and was signed into effect by the Speaker of the House.

Maddy summaryHB 221 proposes naming a new Mississippi River bridge connecting Louisiana Highways 1 and 30 as the "President Donald J. Trump Expressway." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage once construction is complete, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $750 per sign. It does not change transportation laws, funding, or affect any policies beyond the bridge's official designation. The bill is currently pending in committee and has not been enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Louisiana political subdivisions like police juries, city councils, and school boards to choose either a newspaper or their official website as their official journal for publishing public notices and proceedings. The law requires these groups to select their journal each June and notify the secretary of state of their choice, while also permitting them to publish required information in a newspaper even if they select a website as their official journal. Municipalities must select a newspaper published within their boundaries if they choose a newspaper option, and the bill updates related statutes to reflect these new publication choices.