Sen. Brach Myers

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 94 commends Air Med Flight RN Joannie Sanchez, EMT Alison Cagle, and the entire Acadian Medical Team of Acadian Companies. It recognizes them for being honored as 2025 Medics of the Year, acknowledging their exceptional service and dedication in emergency medical care.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 199 clarifies and expands the authority of the Department of Insurance concerning individuals or entities not licensed by the department who are believed to be engaging in the business of insurance and committing unfair trade practices. The bill empowers the Commissioner of Insurance to issue cease and desist orders, impose fines, or take other actions against such unlicensed persons. It also establishes a process for these unlicensed individuals or entities to appeal the commissioner's decisions to a district court for a new review. Filing an appeal generally pauses the commissioner's action, unless a court determines it would harm the public. Additionally, the bill clarifies that lawfully practicing law or assisting patients with healthcare prior authorizations and appeals are not considered part of the "business of insurance."

Maddy summarySR 65 is a resolution that commends the Home Care Association of Louisiana for its service and designates Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as Home Care Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It recognizes the association's role in promoting home health care and serving the people of Louisiana.

Maddy summarySCR 16 is a concurrent resolution that commends Camey Joseph Doucet for his lifelong contributions to Cajun music, Louisiana culture, and community broadcasting. It recognizes his career as a musician, radio disc jockey, and cultural ambassador.

Maddy summarySB 45 exempts certain veterans and their spouses from paying sales and use taxes on motor vehicle purchases. It also provides an exemption for these individuals from the vehicle registration and license tax. An amendment clarifies that this tax exemption extends to military honor personalized or special prestige license plates. These provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 26 is a resolution that commends the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for its contributions to education and culture in the state. It also celebrates the 2025 Bright Lights Awards Honorees, recognizing individuals and organizations for their significant impact on Louisiana's cultural, educational, and historical landscape.

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 authorizes pharmacists in Louisiana to dispense up to a 30-day supply of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and a 28-day course of post-exposure prophylaxis to individuals aged 17 and older without a traditional prescription. It also permits pharmacists to perform rapid HIV tests or order laboratory testing for these patients, provided the testing occurs in a private, secured location within the pharmacy to ensure confidentiality. To support these changes, the state Department of Health must create specific rules outlining how pharmacists can administer these medications and tests, including requirements for discussing results with patients and coordinating with health insurance plans. An unpaid expert panel comprising health officials, physicians, pharmacists, and board representatives will assist in developing these operational guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 899 is a technical amendment to the Hope for Louisiana Patients Law that updates specific legal citations and removes a provision regarding the treatment of unemancipated minors. The bill does not introduce new policies or directly affect any individuals or organizations. Instead, it modifies existing text to align with current legal references and streamline the statute's language.