Rep. Stephanie Hilferty

Maddy summaryHB 610 modifies existing tax provisions for short-term rental lodging in New Orleans by removing specific statutory language from Louisiana Revised Statute 47:338.221(A)(1). The bill deletes references to the city's governing authority and certain procedural language, effectively streamlining how the city administers taxes on overnight rentals without creating new requirements or fiscal impacts. This procedural adjustment directly affects New Orleans' ability to manage short-term rental tax collection under current law. The bill passed committee with amendments (12-2) and is now advancing to its third reading in the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 622 creates an advisory board within Louisiana's Department of Insurance to review and recommend approval for new treatments for rare cancers, replacing the original focus on histotripsy coverage. The bill establishes a 14-member board including the insurance commissioner, health department officials, cancer research center directors, and two oncologists specializing in rare cancers. Key provisions require the board to hold quarterly public meetings, submit annual reports to the legislature, and allow the insurance commissioner to create implementing rules. This affects health insurers by mandating their review of new rare cancer treatments through this board, rather than directly requiring coverage for specific procedures. The bill is currently pending in committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryHB 535 requires the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to evaluate state tax incentive programs administered by state agencies. This bill directly affects state agencies that manage tax breaks for businesses or individuals, such as economic development or job creation programs. The key mechanism is repealing two existing statutes (R.S. 47:1517.1 and R.S. 51:935.1) to enable this new evaluation process. The bill aims to assess the effectiveness and cost of these tax incentives, with no specific changes to the programs themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 617 updates the legal references within Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) by changing titles and terminology. It replaces terms like "administrator" with "administrator assistant secretary," removes "child welfare" references, and updates them to "Louisiana Works" in multiple sections of the law. The bill has no financial or operational impact on services, as noted in the bill's "EN NO IMPACT" designation. This is purely an administrative adjustment to align legal language with current department structure and program naming.

Maddy summaryHB 467 creates a new benefit for full-time firemen and law enforcement officers in Louisiana, requiring the state to cover "extraordinary medical and dental expenses" not covered by workers' compensation or employer health insurance. It directly affects sheriffs, deputies, state police, municipal police, and campus police officers injured while on duty. Key provisions include a $50,000 maximum benefit per injury, a 60-day deadline for the Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen's Survivor Benefit Review Board to process claims, and a requirement that the state risk director pay approved expenses. The law applies to injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2023, and becomes effective July 1, 2025. (Note: The bill title's reference to "amino acid-based elemental formulas" appears to be an error, as the actual text addresses first responder medical coverage.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Clancy DuBos for retiring after 50 years in journalism. It formally recognizes his career as owner/editor of Gambit newspaper, his work at The Times Picayune, his political commentary, and his journalism awards. The resolution expresses the Louisiana House's appreciation for his contributions to New Orleans media and politics but contains no policy changes or direct effects on citizens or laws.

Maddy summaryHB 50 establishes the Lake Vista Crime Prevention District in New Orleans, defining its boundaries (bounded by Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Allen Toussaint Boulevard, Marconi Drive, Beauregard Avenue, and Lakeshore Drive) and authorizing it to enhance security through increased law enforcement presence. The bill allows the district to impose a parcel fee of up to $224 annually per residential or multi-family property, which requires voter approval via election and expires after eight years unless renewed by another vote. Funds collected must supplement, not replace, existing police services from the New Orleans Police Department or other entities, and must be used solely for district security. The district’s board must adopt an annual budget for these funds, subject to city approval, with all revenue maintained in a separate account for security purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana state resolution (HR 369) urges Congress and federal health agencies to maintain current Medicaid funding levels for hospitals in Louisiana. It specifically requests that the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services avoid policy changes that would reduce reimbursements, which could lead to hospital service cuts or closures - particularly affecting rural facilities serving medically underserved communities. The resolution also calls for immediate approval of pending payment plans for Louisiana hospitals and physicians. Adopted unanimously by the Louisiana House on June 12, 2025, it is a formal request to federal officials, not a binding law.

Maddy summaryHB 234 clarifies and strengthens Louisiana's definition of "criminal blighting of property," targeting property owners who intentionally or recklessly allow buildings to deteriorate into hazardous conditions. The bill amends statutes to define "blighted property" as vacant, uninhabitable, and dangerous structures (including those declared public nuisances by courts or administrative officers) and specifies that criminal blighting occurs when owners fail to address such conditions after official designation. It directly affects property owners of commercial or residential buildings that become public safety hazards, imposing criminal liability for neglecting repairs. The key mechanism establishes clear legal standards for prosecutors to charge owners who permit hazardous properties to remain unaddressed, aligning definitions across relevant laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Louisiana State University School of Health Sciences to study connections between environmental risks (like pollution or chemical exposures) and maternal health outcomes. It directs LSU to identify high-risk areas, health disparities, and monitoring gaps, with findings due to legislative committees by July 1, 2026. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to fill knowledge gaps in Louisiana’s limited research on environmental impacts on pregnancy and infant health.