Rep. Dodie Horton

Maddy summaryHB 122 amends existing education laws to clarify that public school teachers are not required to provide classroom instruction on topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill explicitly defines "classroom instruction" to exclude activities such as answering student questions, grading, discussing literature, or implementing anti-bullying programs. By narrowing the scope of required teaching, the legislation aims to prevent schools from being mandated to teach these specific subjects as part of their standard curriculum.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes pharmacists in Louisiana to dispense up to a 30-day supply of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and a 28-day course of post-exposure prophylaxis to individuals aged 17 and older without a traditional prescription. It also permits pharmacists to perform rapid HIV tests or order laboratory testing for these patients, provided the testing occurs in a private, secured location within the pharmacy to ensure confidentiality. To support these changes, the state Department of Health must create specific rules outlining how pharmacists can administer these medications and tests, including requirements for discussing results with patients and coordinating with health insurance plans. An unpaid expert panel comprising health officials, physicians, pharmacists, and board representatives will assist in developing these operational guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Office of the Surgeon General within the Louisiana Department of Health to establish a formal leadership role for public health advocacy. The legislation primarily involves administrative text changes to ensure the title is consistently written as "office of the surgeon general" throughout the law. Additionally, the bill clarifies the effective date of the act, specifying when it becomes law upon the governor's signature or approval. These provisions aim to organize the state's health infrastructure without altering existing operational powers or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 782 provides supplemental funding for the Louisiana state government for the 2023-2024 fiscal year by adjusting specific budget line items. The bill authorizes money for various projects, including $1 million for improvements at Greenwell Springs Park and $500,000 for depot renovations in the city of Plaquemine. It also allocates funds to the city of Shreveport, a project named Project Seek, and Southern University while reducing a separate appropriation by $100,000. Additionally, the legislation includes several technical edits to the budget document, such as removing certain funding requests and clarifying which streets receive infrastructure support.

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 directs the state Office of Motor Vehicles to accept proof of vehicle insurance issued by other states. It removes language that previously required insurance to be from the state where the vehicle is registered. The change allows drivers to legally prove their insurance coverage using documents from any other state. This update simplifies the process for vehicle owners who travel or live near state borders.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals from picketing directly in front of a person's home or dwelling, specifically within fifty feet of the property. It updates existing laws to clarify that the restriction applies to the immediate vicinity of a residence rather than a broader area nearby. The legislation also expands the scope to include situations where the picketing interferes with an individual's control over their property or use of their home. These changes aim to provide clearer legal boundaries for what constitutes prohibited picketing behavior near private residences.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana's laws regarding driving under the influence by clarifying implied consent rules for chemical tests involving alcohol, drugs, and their combinations. It applies to drivers of cars, watercraft, and locomotives, requiring them to submit to blood, breath, or urine tests if arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired. The legislation specifically mandates that coroners perform toxicology screens on victims of traffic fatalities and ensures these results can be used as evidence in court. Additionally, it defines "drug" broadly to include any substance that impairs a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program to help prisoners transition from prison to mental health care. It requires the corrections department to allow incarcerated individuals to join the program, removing the previous requirement that they must apply for it. The legislation aims to streamline access to mental health services for inmates as they prepare for release.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state crime for unlawfully entering or reentering Louisiana as an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States. It defines "alien" to include anyone unlawfully present in the state and specifies that lawful presence covers U.S. citizens, permanent residents, visa holders, and those with asylum status. The legislation establishes penalties for the offense and includes an exemption for aliens who are victims or necessary witnesses to serious crimes such as domestic violence, rape, and human trafficking. Additionally, the bill authorizes the governor to negotiate an interstate compact with other states to deter unlawful entry and reentry.