Maddy summaryHB 237 addresses the use of seclusion and physical restraint for students with exceptionalities in schools. The bill defines specific terms like "seclusion" and "physical restraint" and outlines conditions for their use, primarily in situations posing an imminent risk of harm. It mandates that teacher preparation programs include training on crisis intervention and behavior management strategies for students with disabilities. Additionally, the bill requires the installation of cameras in special education classrooms and for schools to report and document instances where seclusion or physical restraint are used. Information regarding these practices must also be made available to parents of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
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Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of former state representative Billy Wayne "Coach" Montgomery, acknowledging his contributions as an educator, coach, and public servant.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 430 creates the Louisiana Lawyer Advertising and Unfair Trade Practices Act, regulating advertisements for services, particularly legal services. The bill prohibits individuals and entities (excluding media companies) from making false, misleading, or deceptive statements about the monetary results obtained for clients. A statement is considered misleading if it implies a client received a net amount of money that they did not actually receive after all expenses, including attorney fees, are deducted. Violations are classified as unfair trade practices, allowing the attorney general to pursue enforcement actions and recover associated costs and fees.
Maddy summaryHB 440, as amended, addresses insurance claims and the recovery process for claimants. The bill establishes new proceedings that specifically consider a claimant's failure to use their personal health insurance to mitigate damages. It also removes certain provisions related to subrogation concerning insurance payments. This legislation directly impacts individuals making insurance claims and the insurance companies involved in those claims.
Maddy summaryHB 34 revises how medical expenses are handled in civil lawsuits, impacting claimants seeking recovery for medical costs and parties involved in trials. It limits the recovery of medical expenses to amounts considered reasonable for the claim. The bill allows any party to introduce evidence of both the billed and paid amounts for medical services. Furthermore, agreements between healthcare providers and third parties, such as letters of protection with attorneys, will be admissible as evidence to ensure transparency.
Maddy summaryHR 20 is a resolution that expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Steven "Steve" Joseph Miguez. It acknowledges his life, business career, competitive shooting achievements, and family.
Maddy summaryHB 156 prohibits fentanyl-containing substances from entering Louisiana courthouses, except for specific exceptions. It requires parties introducing fentanyl as evidence to provide an authenticated photo and a lab certificate verifying its presence, while banning physical fentanyl from courtrooms unless handled solely by trained law enforcement officers under a judge's approval. The bill also allows prescription holders to bring medication into courthouses with a copy of their prescription. Currently pending before the Administration of Criminal Justice committee, this bill would directly affect courthouses, law enforcement, and legal proceedings involving fentanyl evidence.
Maddy summaryHB 444 imposes a $3 per metric ton tax on carbon dioxide injected into underground storage wells (Class VI) for geologic sequestration. It directly affects companies operating CO2 storage facilities, requiring them to report monthly injection volumes to the Department of Revenue and pay the tax electronically. Revenue collected flows directly to the parishes where storage occurs - allocated based on surface area above the storage site - and can be used for any local purpose. The bill establishes clear reporting requirements, certification processes, and revenue distribution without specifying how parishes must spend the funds.
Maddy summaryHB 139 requires real estate agents to obtain a written agreement from a client before submitting an offer to purchase property on their behalf. This procedural amendment directly affects real estate agents and their clients by clarifying a specific step in the transaction process. The bill makes a minor technical change to existing rules, replacing a line in the statute to explicitly state the agreement requirement. It does not create new policy or impact broader housing markets. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Commerce.
Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.