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 133 increases Louisiana's earned income tax credit (EITC) to 5.10% of the federal EITC amount for which an individual qualifies. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income Louisiana residents who claim the federal EITC, providing them with a larger state tax refund. The bill sets this credit rate for tax years starting January 1, 2026, through 2030, aligning Louisiana's credit with federal eligibility rules. The policy change takes effect in 2026, with the credit amount calculated based on the federal EITC calculation. This is a substantive tax policy change, not a procedural measure.
Maddy summaryHB 337 establishes a $500 annual income tax credit for Louisiana taxpayers who claim a dependent child under six years old on their state tax return. It directly affects low-income families, limiting eligibility to those with adjusted gross income under $30,000 (single/head of household) or $60,000 (married-joint/qualified surviving spouse). The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers can receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability. This policy change applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, and is designed to reduce tax burden for qualifying parents with young children.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes violence prevention in Louisiana as a public health and safety crisis, requiring the state to address it using data-driven methods. It directs the Louisiana Department of Health to review factors contributing to violence, such as poverty, lack of education, and untreated trauma, while also examining community conditions like the safety of streets, parks, and schools. The department must then submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2026, outlining current prevention efforts, strategies for conflict resolution, and ways to improve social determinants of safety in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill allows the department to partner with universities and non-governmental organizations to gather information and develop recommendations for reducing violence.
Maddy summarySB 300 clarifies how health insurance policies must cover pregnancy-related and postpartum care, specifically ensuring these services are treated as preventive benefits under the Affordable Care Act. The bill establishes a specific list of professional certifications for lactation support, including breastfeeding counselors and certified lactation consultants, to define who qualifies as a qualified provider. By updating the definitions of these roles, the legislation aims to standardize the qualifications required for individuals providing breastfeeding counseling and education. This change directly affects insurance plans and healthcare providers by setting clear standards for who can deliver these postpartum services.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires local public school boards in Louisiana to mandate that school nurses complete at least one hour of training on sickle cell disease. The training must cover symptoms, treatments, and specific accommodations for students, using instructional materials developed by the Louisiana Sickle Cell Commission. Additionally, the law extends this mandatory sickle cell training requirement to school nurses employed by charter schools, ensuring consistent education across different types of public schools.
Maddy summaryHB 525 amends the rules for billing by the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board to allow customers to opt out of a fixed billing program. Under this change, customers will not be automatically placed on a fixed plan unless they specifically choose to enroll in one. The bill gives residents more control over how their water and sewerage charges are calculated, ensuring they are not forced into a set payment schedule without their consent.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires physicians and physician assistants to complete one hour of continuing education on treating sickle cell disease, a requirement that was originally set at three hours but was reduced by an amendment. The legislation also mandates that the educational materials used for this training be made available on the state board's website for public access. These changes directly affect medical professionals who treat patients with sickle cell disease by updating their training obligations and improving resource availability.
Maddy summaryHB 694 creates the Louisiana Music Commission as a new entity within the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The bill establishes a thirteen-member commission, with most members appointed by the lieutenant governor and two appointed by the secretary of state, all subject to Senate confirmation. These appointments must include at least one member from a minority group, and the lieutenant governor selects the commission's chairman. The legislation also outlines how vacancies on the commission will be filled by the official who originally made the appointment.
