Sen. Franklin Foil

Maddy summaryHB 684 restricts the use of seclusion and physical restraint for students with disabilities in schools, requiring staff to first implement behavioral interventions. The bill clarifies that such interventions must address the student's behavior before restraint is considered, with a minor technical amendment correcting wording from "Behavior" to "Behavioral" in the text. This is a procedural adjustment with no new costs or policy changes, as noted by "EN NO IMPACT," and it directly affects school staff and students with disabilities in public education settings. The bill passed the House unanimously (99-0) and is now pending in the Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 378 lowers the required ACT score for students completing approved home study programs to qualify for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award. It directly affects students in home study programs who previously needed a higher ACT score for initial TOPS eligibility. The bill amends the program's eligibility criteria by reducing the minimum ACT score threshold for this specific group. The change adjusts the policy without altering the program's core structure or funding amounts.

Maddy summarySR 208 is a Louisiana Senate resolution expressing heartfelt condolences for the passing of Oscar Earl Carter III, recognizing his 35-year leadership as executive director of the Dr. O.E. Carter, Jr. Memorial Foundation (a nationally accredited opioid treatment center in New Orleans) and his service as a legislative aide for Senator Joe Bouie. The resolution commemorates his life of compassion, community advocacy, and dedication to underserved populations through his work with organizations like VERTCART, Inc. and the Knights of St. Peter Claver. It was unanimously adopted by the Senate on June 12, 2025, and transmitted to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact but formally honors his legacy.

Maddy summarySR 209 is a resolution requesting the Louisiana Department of Health to study the effects of banning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies. It directs the department to analyze how such a prohibition would impact costs for health plans, patient access to medications (including specialty drugs), employment in the pharmacy sector, and other key areas like Medicare network adequacy. The study must produce a report by March 2026, covering eight specific points including cost estimates, employment changes, and access to limited-distribution medications. This resolution does not change current law but seeks factual analysis to inform future legislative decisions on vertical integration in healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SR 207) that formally commends Tina Vanichchagorn for 20 years of public service in Louisiana. It recognizes her career path, including roles as a prosecutor, Drug Court Coordinator, legislative attorney, and current special counsel to Senate President Cameron Henry. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it solely expresses the Senate’s appreciation through a formal statement. It passed unanimously (37-0) on June 12, 2025, and was enrolled for official transmission.

Maddy summarySCR 36 is a concurrent resolution requesting Louisiana's Division of Administration, Patient's Compensation Fund, and Patient's Compensation Fund Oversight Board to study implementing an e-filing system for medical review panel requests and an e-payment system for filing fees. It directly affects claimants, healthcare providers, and state agencies handling malpractice claims under Louisiana law (R.S. 40:1231.8 and R.S. 40:1237.2), which currently require paper/fax submissions and manual fee payments. The resolution specifies the study must assess feasibility, costs, and potential convenience fees, with a report due to the legislature by December 31, 2025. This is a procedural request for study, not an enacted policy change.

Maddy summarySB 112 creates a tax deduction for dealers and remote sellers who collect and remit sales and use taxes in the state. This deduction directly affects businesses that already handle sales tax collection, providing them a specific tax benefit. The bill's key provision is authorizing this deduction as a form of compensation for their tax collection role, effective July 1, 2025. The deduction applies to eligible businesses meeting the defined criteria under the bill's provisions.

Maddy summarySCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution commending the LSU Shreveport Pilots Baseball Team for winning the 2025 NAIA Baseball National Championship. It recognizes their historic 59-0 undefeated season, which broke the previous college baseball record and marked the program's first national title. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Louisiana Legislature, formally congratulates the team, coach, and university for their achievements and individual honors. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or impact on policy, regulations, or any specific individuals beyond the stated recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 74 requires vehicle manufacturers to create a clear process for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking to disconnect remote vehicle tracking services. The bill mandates that manufacturers include a prominent, visible website link titled "HOW TO DISCONNECT REMOTE VEHICLE ACCESS" on their official sites. This direct policy change ensures victims can easily terminate unwanted vehicle monitoring without needing court intervention for these specific safety concerns.

Maddy summarySR 174 is a procedural resolution directing the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the Louisiana Governmental Claims Act and related laws governing lawsuits against state entities, political subdivisions, and employees. It authorizes the Institute to review current claims procedures, risk management rules, and judicial interpretations, with a report due to the legislature by March 1, 2026. This resolution does not change existing law but sets the stage for potential future legislative recommendations. It directly affects how the state administers claims against government entities, though no policy changes are enacted by this bill itself.