Sen. J.P. Coussan

Maddy summarySB 410 amends the membership rules for the Louisiana Energy and Power Authority's board by adding a provision to establish an effective date for the changes. The bill does not alter the number of directors or their specific roles but focuses solely on clarifying when the new board composition takes effect. It specifies that the law becomes active upon the governor's signature or if the governor does not act, and it also sets a start date if the governor vetoes the bill and the legislature overrides that veto. This procedural update ensures the authority's governance structure transitions smoothly without changing the core operational powers of the agency.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to include alternative imaging methods as options alongside standard mammograms. The law applies to all health coverage plans and ensures these non-mammography screening choices are available to policyholders. By mandating the inclusion of these alternatives, the legislation aims to expand the range of diagnostic tools accessible through insurance coverage. The measure was passed by the Senate and is awaiting further action in the House.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution from the Louisiana Legislature urges President Biden's administration to end the temporary pause on approving pending liquefied natural gas export permits. The bill highlights the state's significant economic reliance on the oil and gas industry, which contributes billions in tax revenue and supports thousands of jobs. It argues that halting these approvals could disrupt global supply chains, increase energy costs, and harm national security. The measure does not change any laws but serves as a formal request to the federal government to resume its review of LNG export projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the northern bascule section of the U.S. Route 11 Maestri Bridge in St. Tammany Parish as the "Jimmy Buffett 'Changes in Latitude' Memorial Crossing." It directs the Department of Transportation and Development to install and maintain signs for this designation, provided that local or private funds cover the costs of materials and installation, with a limit of $550 per sign. The signage will be placed near the bridge's service building and, if additional funding is available, on the opposite side of the pier to be visible to boats.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Tianeptine to Schedule I of Louisiana's Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. By doing so, it classifies the substance as a drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, making its possession, sale, and distribution illegal under state law. The change applies to Tianeptine in any form, including its salts and isomers, unless it is part of a pharmaceutical product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This legislative action directly affects individuals who manufacture, distribute, or possess the substance and law enforcement officers who enforce these regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 61 is a procedural bill that amends the text of an existing state law regarding National Guard death and disability benefits. The legislation does not create new benefits or change how benefits are calculated; instead, it simply updates the legal citation within the current statute to include a specific introductory paragraph. Because the bill only corrects a reference and contains no new policy provisions, it has no direct impact on veterans or their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the rules for correcting errors on motor vehicle titles in the state. It specifically allows title clerks to use the word "or" when fixing mistakes where the original text is illegible, rather than being limited to using the word "is." The change applies to vehicle owners and officials processing title corrections to provide more flexibility in handling unclear documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Uniform Collaborative Family Law Act in Louisiana to create a voluntary, contract-based process for resolving family disputes outside of court. It directly affects individuals involved in matters such as divorce, child custody, and support who choose to work with specially trained collaborative lawyers instead of traditional litigation. The key provisions require parties to sign an agreement committing to a process where their lawyers cannot represent them in court if negotiations fail, while also defining specific rules for confidentiality and the scope of issues that can be addressed. By prioritizing out-of-court settlements, the legislation aims to encourage peaceful resolutions and reduce the need for judicial intervention in family law cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends the CGI Lafayette Center of Excellence on the occasion of its tenth anniversary. It highlights the center's success in creating over 700 jobs and its role in training local IT professionals through partnerships with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and various economic development agencies. The document serves as an official recognition of the center's contributions to the local economy and its commitment to community development rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the Louisiana Senate's condolences for the passing of former State Senator James David Cain. It acknowledges his long career in public service, which included serving in the state House and Senate and holding various committee leadership roles. The document highlights his legislative achievements, such as introducing the first hazardous waste regulation bill, and honors his personal legacy as a coach, educator, and community leader. Ultimately, the resolution formally extends sympathy to Cain's family and friends while recognizing his contributions to the state.