Maddy summarySB 168 amends Louisiana's regulatory framework for addiction counseling by defining key terms and establishing new credentialing pathways for peer support specialists. It creates specific roles like "peer support specialist associates" and "supervisors," outlines their scope of practice (non-clinical support based on lived experience), and clarifies that peer services complement, but do not replace, clinical treatment. The bill also defines "addictive disorder," "behavioral health condition," and "core functions" (e.g., screening, assessment, case management) for addiction counselors. This procedural bill focuses on regulatory structure rather than direct service changes and is currently pending referral to the Health and Welfare Committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and recognizes the 2026 Bright Lights Awards Honorees for their contributions to Louisiana's culture and education. The bill formally acknowledges the organization's 55-year history of promoting education and preserving history, while celebrating specific individuals and groups honored at the annual awards dinner. Recognized honorees include musicians, educators, photographers, and historians who have advanced Louisiana's cultural identity through their work in the humanities. The resolution serves as an official expression of appreciation rather than establishing new laws or funding requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes St. Patrick's Day and acknowledges the historical and cultural connections between Ireland and Louisiana. It highlights the significant role Irish immigrants played in Louisiana's development, particularly in New Orleans, and celebrates the establishment of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of appreciation and recognition to be shared with state and national Irish leaders.
Maddy summarySB 327 designates the oldest French-language Bible in the Louisiana State Museum (a 1510s edition printed by Johannes Prevel and Jean Petit) as Louisiana's official state book. It also amends education law to formally recognize French immersion programs in K-12 schools, citing research that shows these programs improve English proficiency, academic achievement, and self-esteem for students. The bill emphasizes how French immersion preserves Louisiana's unique bilingual culture, history, and traditions. It does not create new funding or alter school operations but serves as a cultural acknowledgment. The bill is currently pending before the Education Committee (prefiled February 27, 2026).
Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.
Maddy summarySB 14 delays the implementation date for certain nutrition-related public health provisions from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects state public health programs implementing these nutrition standards. This amendment, adopted by the Senate with unanimous support, adjusts the timeline for compliance without altering the underlying policy requirements. The full bill's specific nutrition provisions are not detailed in the provided text.
Maddy summarySB 182 allows Louisiana's Department of Health to temporarily suspend Medicaid prior authorization and other utilization management requirements during a declared emergency. This applies broadly to all Medicaid recipients for essential healthcare services, removing prior restrictions that specifically mentioned cancer treatment or oncology care. The bill's key mechanism gives the Department authority to ensure uninterrupted access to medical services when emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises occur. It affects all Medicaid beneficiaries in Louisiana by streamlining access to necessary care during emergencies. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and is now pending in the House.
Maddy summarySB 41 is titled "CHILDREN: Provides relative to child welfare." Based on the provided information, the specific details of the bill's provisions, who it directly affects, and its key mechanisms are not available. The provided text only shows an amendment placeholder, not the full content of the bill.
Maddy summarySB 71 clarifies the administration of Louisiana's Charter School Start-Up Loan Fund and broadens the types of expenses the fund can cover. It directly affects Louisiana charter schools seeking startup loans by removing redundant references to "loan" in the fund's language and expanding eligible uses beyond current restrictions. The bill’s key change is updating the fund's authorized purposes to allow for more flexible financial support during a charter school's initial establishment phase. This is a procedural adjustment to the fund's rules, not a new funding source, and aims to streamline access for qualifying schools.
Maddy summarySB 221 amends Louisiana's massage therapy licensing laws to affect licensed therapists and massage establishments. Key provisions include requiring annual license renewals with proof of continuing education, mandating state/federal background checks for certain licensees (prior to April 2022 and August 2025), and prohibiting massage establishments from being used as residential housing unless zoned for it. The bill also adds board authority to adopt rules preventing fraud, abuse, or human trafficking related to the industry. These changes aim to strengthen licensing oversight and safety standards within the massage therapy profession.