Rep. Marcus Bryant

Maddy summaryHR 241 is a resolution requesting the Louisiana legislative auditor to update a 2024 report on integrating public assistance programs. It specifically asks for a follow-up report before the 2027 legislative session, building on findings that Louisiana spent $3.2 billion on programs like SNAP, TANF, WIOA, and child care assistance to serve about 1 million people. The resolution emphasizes improving coordination among these programs to enhance outcomes, referencing recommendations from a 2025 task force report. The update would assess progress toward better integration, whether or not related legislation (HB 624/HB 617) is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 310), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes the Catholic High School of New Iberia Panthers baseball team for winning the 2025 Louisiana High School Athletic Association Division III Select state championship. The resolution specifically commends the team's victory, highlights key players and coaches, and encourages continued athletic excellence. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or direct impact on any policies or individuals beyond expressing legislative praise.

Maddy summaryHR 309 is a symbolic resolution commending the Catholic High School of New Iberia Panthers football team for winning the 2024 Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Division III Select championship. The resolution specifically highlights their championship victory over Dunham High School (31-28), recognizes quarterback Luke Landry as the game's Outstanding Player, and notes key team achievements including multiple Louisiana Football Coaches Association All-State honorees. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as an official expression of legislative recognition. The bill was adopted by the Louisiana House of Representatives in June 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 184 creates a new tax deduction for Louisiana residents diagnosed with a terminal illness (or their spouse in joint returns) who withdraw funds from retirement accounts due to immediate financial need. The bill allows these "qualifying taxpayers" to deduct hardship distributions from their taxable income, as defined in Louisiana law (R.S. 47:297.26). This deduction applies only to withdrawals made because of a terminal illness diagnosis, not general financial hardship. The policy takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. It directly affects Louisiana taxpayers with terminal illness who access retirement funds early.

Maddy summaryHB 385 eliminates fees for recording public officials' oaths or affirmations, making this administrative process free for all state or local government officials who take such oaths. The bill directly affects elected and appointed public officials by removing a potential cost associated with their official swearing-in. This is a procedural change that modifies administrative requirements without altering substantive laws or policies. The bill passed committee and advanced to third reading in April 2025.

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 325 adjusts the tax rate for certain cigars sold in the state. This bill directly affects cigar manufacturers and retailers by changing how much tax they must collect on specific cigar products. The key mechanism is amending the existing tax provision to modify the rate, as reflected in the bill's text amendment changing "increase" to "change." The fiscal note estimates this adjustment would reduce state revenue by approximately $10 million.

Maddy summaryHB 357 requires health insurance plans to cover integrative cancer treatments like acupuncture, directly affecting cancer patients seeking these services and health insurance issuers. The bill limits coverage for acupuncture treatment during active cancer care to fifteen visits per year, unless additional treatments are recommended by nationally recognized cancer guidelines and the treating physician. It also modifies prior authorization requirements by adding "prior authorization" to the list of coverage conditions. This bill is currently under review by the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Insurance Committee with amendments.

Maddy summarySB 46 prohibits intentionally releasing or dispersing chemicals into Louisiana's environment with the purpose of altering temperature, specifically limiting this ban to activities occurring below 1,000 feet above ground level. The bill directly affects individuals or entities seeking to use chemical dispersal for weather modification within the state. Key provisions include the 1,000-foot altitude restriction (added via amendments) and authorization for state environmental departments to use Louisiana Air National Guard surveillance capabilities for enforcement. The bill passed the Senate (27-12) on April 28, 2025, and now moves to the House for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 373 requires the Workforce Investment Council to annually analyze the return on investment for industry-based credentials earned by high school students. It mandates collecting and sharing student data - including social security numbers - with the Council to evaluate these credentials' effectiveness in preparing students for careers. The bill directly affects high school students pursuing industry certifications and the Workforce Investment Council, which must use the data to assess program value. Key provisions include standardized data collection, annual reporting, and specific sharing protocols for student information. The bill aims to inform policy decisions about high school career pathways without specifying fiscal impacts.