Rep. Dodie Horton

Maddy summaryHB 116 establishes the Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund to provide annual grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving veterans and their families. The bill allows the fund to issue up to $10,000 per grant (with a total annual limit of $100,000) for projects specifically addressing education, mental health, or housing needs. Organizations must submit detailed proposals, use funds strictly for approved purposes (not for general operations or debt), and submit final reports with financial records for four years. Grants not used as intended must be repaid within 30 days, and grantees face audits to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 64 modifies state law regarding settlement agreements involving the Attorney General. It prohibits future settlement terms that require continuing federal court oversight beyond 60 days, making such terms unenforceable against the state government or successor officials. The bill specifically targets agreements creating binding future obligations exceeding this timeframe without requiring consent from the Attorney General or Governor. This change aims to limit long-term federal judicial oversight in state settlements. The bill was reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee with a 15-0 vote.

Maddy summaryHB 120 corrects outdated references in Louisiana law regarding death benefits for Louisiana State Guard members. It removes specific statutory citations (like R.S. 29:26.1(G)) that no longer apply, ensuring the law accurately references current provisions. The bill directly affects families of deceased Louisiana State Guard members by maintaining their eligibility for existing death benefits without changing the benefit amount or eligibility criteria. This is a technical correction to the legal text, not a policy change.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 531 requires the attorney general to coordinate sexual assault nurse examiner services statewide, with a specific focus on improving access in rural areas. This bill directly affects sexual assault survivors, particularly those in underserved rural communities, by aiming to ensure consistent access to specialized forensic medical examinations. The key provision establishes a statewide coordination system funded through legislative grants or appropriations, directing the attorney general to manage this effort under new statutory language. The bill does not create new services but aims to better organize existing nurse examiner programs across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 681 amends a public records law to expand who qualifies as a "public official" whose personal information (like contact details) is subject to public record requests. It adds three new categories: current state legislators, statewide elected officials, and current public service commission members. This change directly affects those three groups by making their personal information accessible under existing public records procedures. The bill updates the statute without creating new policies or altering other record access rules. (Summary based solely on the bill's text and amendments.)

Maddy summaryHB 125 amends Louisiana law to prohibit insurers from using genetic research or testing participation (including clinical research) when deciding coverage, premiums, or other underwriting decisions, unless the genetic results are in the individual's medical record or explicitly provided by them. This directly affects individuals who have undergone genetic testing and insurers who underwrite health coverage. The bill replaces existing language to clarify that insurers cannot consider participation in genetic research as a factor in coverage decisions, while allowing use of documented genetic results. It is currently pending after passing committee unanimously (16-0) and awaiting further legislative action.

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 56 is a technical amendment to clarify that flag size is included in provisions regarding the display of the U.S. flag. The bill adds "size" to the existing language, ensuring flag display regulations explicitly cover dimensions. It does not create new restrictions or rights but refines existing wording for clarity. The bill was reported favorably by the committee (9-0) and is moving forward in the legislative process. This is a procedural adjustment with no substantive policy change or direct impact on any specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 402 adds a new income tax deduction for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as defined under existing law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction directly affects qualifying veterans by reducing their taxable income, with an estimated fiscal impact of $11.3 million in state general fund revenue. The bill amends the tax code to include this deduction within Section 47:293(9)(a)(xxvii), replacing outdated references to other sections. The change provides a concrete tax benefit for veterans meeting specific disability criteria established by current law.