Sen. Regina Barrow

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to study road hazards (like potholes and damaged signage) on state highways and their impact on residents, particularly low-income and rural communities. The study must analyze current claim data, response times, financial burdens from road damage, and compare Louisiana's approach to policies in other states like New York and Florida. DOTD must submit a report with policy recommendations for improving hazard response and compensation by February 2026. The bill does not change laws but requires a data-driven review to inform future decisions.

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 89 requires the Louisiana Senate to confirm all future appointments to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners. This change applies only to members appointed on or after August 1, 2025, meaning current board members remain unaffected. The bill modifies existing law (R.S. 34:2) to add Senate confirmation as a step before appointments take effect. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and now moves to the House for consideration.

Maddy summarySB 66 defines "military status" to clarify protections against discrimination in education, employment, public accommodations, and housing. It specifically includes active/reserve U.S. military members and their dependents (with a defined 180-day support requirement) under existing anti-discrimination law. The bill adds this definition to Louisiana Revised Statute 23:322(10), making it explicit who qualifies for these protections. The Senate unanimously passed the bill (39-0) in April 2025, sending it to the House for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 118 modifies Louisiana's tax code to exclude certain deposits into ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience Accounts) from state income tax. Starting in 2026, account owners can exclude up to $2,400 annually (single filers) or $4,800 (joint filers) per beneficiary for qualified disability expenses, with unused amounts rolling over to future years. This applies only to deposits made for beneficiaries with disabilities, excluding the funds from taxable income calculations. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents using ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. It takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 58 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law called "child grooming" (defined under R.S. 14:81.7), making it illegal to commit or attempt to commit acts intended to build a relationship with a minor for sexual purposes. This bill directly affects individuals who engage in such grooming behavior and law enforcement handling related cases. The key provision adds "child grooming" as a specific sexual offense against minors under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:541(25)(o)), and also treats equivalent crimes committed in other jurisdictions as if they occurred in Louisiana (R.S. 15:541(25)(p)). The bill amends existing criminal codes to formally define and criminalize this conduct.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana bill amends capital case procedures by requiring death sentences to be carried out between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. within 60-90 days of a court-issued warrant. It specifies that inmates must have a spiritual advisor present and allows 5-7 additional witnesses at executions. The bill also updates rules for rescheduling executions after legal stays or reprieves, mandating a 30-45 day window from the reset date. These changes directly affect Louisiana death row inmates and officials managing capital punishment proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 100 regulates how bail enforcement agents (licensed professionals who track down defendants who skip court) may use cellular tracking devices. It requires agents to obtain court approval before using such devices and mandates that they report all collected data to the court. The bill also imposes penalties: first-time violations result in fines and license suspension, while repeat offenses lead to permanent license revocation. This directly affects bail agents (through licensing consequences) and defendants (whose tracking is now subject to specific legal procedures).

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 363) is a technical amendment to correct the reference to an existing statute (R.S. 14:93.4) within the criminal code regarding cruelty and exploitation of the elderly. It does not create new laws or change policy; it only updates the statute citation to match the correct reference. The bill directly affects legal references used by courts and law enforcement in cases involving elder abuse. It is procedural in nature, with no substantive changes to the law governing elder exploitation.

Maddy summarySB 104 is a procedural bill that modifies the leadership structure of the "Empowering Families to Live Well Louisiana Council." It adds a provision requiring the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) secretary (or designee) and a Senate member appointed by the Senate president (or designee) to serve as co-chairs of the council. The bill does not create new programs or funding but changes the administrative oversight of an existing council focused on family services. It passed unanimously in the Senate (38-0) and is now pending in the House. This bill directly affects the council's governance but does not alter its purpose or services.