Sen. Larry Selders

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies and school districts to provide more detailed reports on how federal and state funds are used for mental health services. The key change mandates that these reports include specific information such as the budget unit, program description, funding sources, and demographic data including the number of individuals with disabilities. By standardizing these reporting requirements, the legislation aims to increase transparency regarding the allocation and use of public money for mental health programs.

Maddy summaryHB 340 requires public school governing authorities to establish a tracking system for parental complaints. The bill mandates that schools record and monitor these complaints to ensure they are addressed consistently. This measure directly affects school districts and the parents who file grievances regarding school policies or operations. By creating a formal log, the legislation aims to improve transparency and accountability in how schools handle parental concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Lafayette Consolidated Government to choose how it handles payments for its employee retirement system. It gives the government two options: it can spread out payments for past certifications over a twenty-year period starting July 1, 2024, or it can set new certifications to be paid off over twenty years with monthly installments. These changes apply specifically to the city-parish consolidated government and its employees, aiming to adjust how retirement funds are amortized.

Maddy summarySB 342 is a technical amendment that updates a reference within the Louisiana Tumor Registry law to point to a different section of the state statutes. This change does not alter the registry's operations or affect patients, but rather corrects a citation to ensure legal consistency. The bill moves a specific provision from one legal code to another, a common procedural step to maintain accurate legislative records.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to create a process for doctors to request exceptions when health insurance plans restrict access to certain medications. Specifically, it allows physicians to bypass standard approval steps for drugs used to treat postpartum depression if the medication's specific indication is not yet approved by the FDA. The law requires insurance companies to provide an easy online way for doctors to apply for these overrides and to grant them quickly when supported by sound clinical evidence. Although the bill includes language about this provision, it currently has no impact because it was recalled from committee and did not advance to a vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates financial support for police officers in Louisiana who are injured while performing their duties and cannot work as a result. It allows these officers to attend college or university without paying tuition, fees, or room and board charges, provided they meet academic standards and maintain a C average. The state will also provide a $250 per semester cash grant for books, covering the time needed to earn a bachelor's degree but not exceeding ten semesters. Funding for these benefits comes from the state's general fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Louisiana Highway 171 in Leesville as the "Claude 'Buddy' Leach Memorial Highway" to honor an individual. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation and Development to install official signs marking this name, but only if local or private funds cover the full cost of materials and installation. Each sign must not exceed a cost of $550, and the state will not pay for the signage itself. The change is limited to the road segment between Boone Street and East Louisiana Street within the city limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows schools to administer specific medications to students under defined conditions. It requires the state Department of Education to create and share a list of approved medications and permits training for administration to be provided by medical emergency organizations, registered nurses, or licensed physicians. The legislation directly impacts school administrators, staff, and students by establishing a formal process for managing student health needs during the school day.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana's Healthy Food Retail Act to expand financial support for grocery stores and markets in underserved areas. It allows the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry to offer grants and loans to retailers that help increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The legislation removes previous restrictions on how often a single project can receive funding and eliminates specific caps on the program's budget. By making these changes, the law aims to provide more flexible and sustained resources for improving food availability in communities that need them most.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a state statute to require school nurses to receive in-service training on caring for students with sickle cell disease. The change directly affects school nurses by updating the legal reference in the relevant code section from R.S. 17:236.5 to R.S. 17:436.5. While the text indicates the bill has no practical impact, it formally modifies the existing law to ensure the correct citation is used for the training requirement.