Rep. Shane Mack

Maddy summaryHB 15 adds three specific synthetic substances to Louisiana's controlled substances law: N-Desethyl isotonitazene, Etonitazepipne, and Ethylphenidate. These chemicals are formally placed into Schedule I (for opiates) and Schedule E (for stimulants) of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. The bill directly affects anyone possessing, distributing, or using these substances in Louisiana, making such activities illegal under existing controlled substance regulations. It does not create new penalties but updates the legal list to reflect current drug threats.

Maddy summaryHB 387 allows Louisiana's Department of Veterans Affairs to charge reasonable rates for maintenance and care at state veterans facilities to nonveteran residents who are financially capable of paying. It requires the department to establish a payment system considering the income and estate of nonveteran residents, similar to how veterans' payment capability is assessed. This bill directly affects nonveteran residents of state-run veterans facilities who meet the financial criteria for payment. The policy change modifies existing rules to explicitly include nonveterans in the facility care charging structure.

Maddy summaryHR 282 is a Louisiana House resolution formally commending Deputy Gregory Aydell of the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office for receiving the 2025 Deputy Valor Award from the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association. It specifically recognizes his 2024 actions, including three life-threatening acts saving three lives in a single month and two additional acts within 48 hours. The resolution highlights his military service (including combat deployments, the Purple Heart, and Ranger training) and his law enforcement career since 2019, noting his lifesaving efforts and three lifesaving awards. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policies - it solely offers symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 223 increases pay for Louisiana election workers, including polling place commissioners and parish board commissioners who serve during elections. It sets new daily rates: $300 for a polling place supervisor (commissioner-in-charge), $400 for supervisors in multiple precincts, $150 for some certified workers, $250 for others, and $85 for untrained staff. Parish board commissioners will receive $150 for high-turnout elections (with secretary of state approval), $100 for regular elections, and an additional $100 during declared emergencies. The bill also allows for an extra $150 per day for election commissioners during emergencies.

Maddy summaryHB 401 creates a dedicated "Insurance Fraud Investigation Dedicated Fund Account" by redirecting fees paid by insurers into this special fund. Insurers licensed to operate in Louisiana will pay these fees, with unspent funds at year-end refunded proportionally to each insurer based on their share of total fees collected. The bill repeals a previous fee reduction and specifies that funds in the account must be used exclusively for fraud investigation units, as authorized by the legislature. This bill directly affects all insurers conducting business in Louisiana by changing how their fees are collected and managed.

Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (HR 246), not a substantive bill. It designates Monday, June 2, 2025, as "The Arc Appreciation Day" in Louisiana to honor The Arc of Louisiana, a 70-year-old advocacy organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The resolution recognizes the organization's work through its 22 local chapters, advocacy efforts in state legislature, and services like early intervention and supported employment. It has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or services; it is purely a ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson, a Duck Commander founder and "Duck Dynasty" star who was a prominent figure in northeast Louisiana. The resolution honors his life, family values, faith, and economic impact through his business, highlighting his 60-year marriage to Kay and his role as a community leader. It has no effect on laws or regulations, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of respect.

Maddy summarySB 190 designates specific road segments in certain parishes to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing road descriptions to clarify the designated sections (e.g., changing "overpass to" to "overpass and"). It has no funding requirements or new obligations - it solely provides a commemorative name for existing roadways. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and is now moving to the House for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 24 amends Louisiana's Teachers' Retirement System to change the optional retirement plan's contribution rules. It requires teachers enrolled in the optional plan to pay the full annual actuarial cost of participation, rather than a portion. Additionally, the bill establishes that if a teacher elects to switch from the optional plan to the regular retirement plan, their contributions to the optional plan stop after the election month, and they immediately transition to the regular plan with employer contributions resuming. This directly affects current participants in the optional retirement plan who choose to switch or remain in the plan.