Rep. Candace Newell

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the state code to update the citation for the section prohibiting certain disciplinary actions against students in elementary and secondary schools. The change corrects a reference from "17:416(B)(2)" to "17:416.1(B)(2)" to ensure the law is accurately cited in legal documents. By fixing this numbering error, the legislation helps maintain the integrity of the existing rules that govern how schools must treat student discipline. The update does not alter the actual disciplinary restrictions but ensures the legal framework is properly referenced.

Maddy summaryHB 888 is a procedural amendment that removes the word "authorities" from a specific line in the Social Work Licensure Compact legislation. This change does not alter the actual rules or requirements for social workers but serves as a minor text correction within the bill. The amendment affects the legislative record of the compact, which governs how social workers can practice across state lines, but it does not create new obligations or rights for practitioners.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws regarding pharmaceutical reimbursements to apply only to contracted pharmacists or pharmacies that do not own more than five shares or a five percent interest in a pharmaceutical wholesale group purchasing organization or vendor. The key provision restricts the scope of the reimbursement rules to ensure they target independent pharmacies rather than those with significant ownership stakes in drug supply chains. By adding this specific limitation, the legislation clarifies which entities must comply with the current reimbursement requirements without changing the underlying financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates the existing Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Lake Charles as the state's Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The primary change is adding a new section to the state code to formally recognize this specific location with that official title. The legislation does not alter the physical memorial or its funding, but rather establishes its legal status as the designated memorial for the state.

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 summaryThis bill amends state laws to limit the liability of the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association and the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation in property insurance disputes. Specifically, it prevents these entities from being sued as part of a class action and restricts the amount of damages they can be ordered to pay. Additionally, the legislation mandates that property insurance rates for 2025 and later must be at least ten percent higher than the highest rates charged by other insurers in the same area, with some exceptions for specific zones. These changes aim to shield these two organizations from certain legal penalties and ensure higher insurance premiums for policyholders in the coming years.

Maddy summaryHB 380 is a technical amendment bill that modifies the language of an existing statute regarding electronic court filings. The legislation makes specific word changes, such as adjusting the number of committee members from seven to six and clarifying that attorneys must use the filing system they choose. These adjustments refine procedural details without introducing new policies or altering the core function of the electronic filing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing election laws to clarify rules regarding prohibited political materials and establishes specific criminal penalties for violations. It primarily affects media organizations and online service providers by creating exceptions that protect them from liability when they host content without controlling or influencing it. The legislation also defines key terms such as "known candidate," "media entity," and "interactive computer service" to ensure clear application of these new protections. By referencing federal definitions for internet services, the bill aims to align state regulations with established national standards for online content moderation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the deadline for parishes to request a waiver of matching funds for capital outlay projects, extending the eligibility period through June 30, 2027. It directly affects parishes in Louisiana that seek financial assistance for infrastructure and construction projects without having to provide matching funds. The key provision is a simple date adjustment in the existing law, allowing these requests to be made for a longer timeframe than previously allowed. This change does not alter the requirement for a waiver itself, only the window during which a parish can apply for one.