Rep. Matt Willard

Maddy summarySB 42 is a technical amendment to clarify which state office oversees perinatal behavioral health treatment services. It corrects the reference from "office of group benefits" to the properly capitalized "Office of Group Benefits" in the bill text. This change affects administrative processes within the state's health care system but does not alter eligibility, funding, or patient access to perinatal mental health services. The bill focuses solely on updating terminology for clarity in existing policy language.

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 106 amends the name of a street within the Gentilly Development District in Orleans Parish, changing "Robert E. Lee Boulevard" to "Allen Toussaint Boulevard." The bill directly affects the geographic designation of this specific district area. It contains no substantive policy changes, only a technical correction to the street name referenced in the district's description. This is a procedural renaming bill with no new regulations or funding impacts.

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 summaryHCR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging the Louisiana State University School of Public Health to reconsider its recommended age for routine breast cancer screening. It does not change any current guidelines or mandate action; it simply asks the school to review its recommendations. The resolution is currently pending floor debate after passing committee review, but it has no legal effect on healthcare policies or patient care. This type of resolution expresses legislative opinion but does not alter medical practices.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a legislative bill) adopted by the Louisiana House of Representatives. It formally expresses appreciation for Chris Frink upon his retirement as executive director of the Democratic Caucus, recognizing his 17.5 years of service and prior roles as a journalist and state public servant. The resolution highlights his contributions to the caucus and the legislature, without enacting any new policy or affecting any laws. It serves as a non-binding gesture of gratitude from the House.

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 summarySCR 9 is a concurrent resolution creating a Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement to study ways Louisiana can increase fathers' involvement in their children's lives. The task force, composed of state agency representatives and community organizations, will research best practices and develop recommendations for agencies like Children and Family Services, Education, and Health by February 2026. It focuses on identifying policy changes, funding opportunities, and programs to support fathers, particularly those in incarcerated populations or seeking employment. The resolution does not enact new laws but directs the task force to report findings to the legislature, aiming to improve father engagement across state systems.

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 summaryHR 289 is a ceremonial resolution commending Victoria D. Grant for graduating with a juris doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center in May 2025. It recognizes her educational background (including degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University), professional experience as a law clerk and Louisiana Professional Counselor, leadership in law school (e.g., first part-time student elected vice president of the Student Bar Association), and community involvement. The resolution does not create any legal obligations or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Louisiana House of Representatives. This procedural resolution was adopted by the House on June 4, 2025.