Maddy summarySB 126 adds a specific exemption for charter schools from reporting school mapping data requirements under Louisiana law (R.S. 17:416.16.1). The bill directly affects charter schools operating under Louisiana's Chapter 3996, exempting them from this data collection mandate unless otherwise required by their approved charter. Key provisions clarify that charter schools are exempt from "all statutory mandates" applicable to public schools, with this mapping data requirement explicitly listed as one of the exempted provisions. This change modifies existing law to remove a specific reporting obligation for charter schools, while public schools remain subject to the mapping data requirement. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for charter schools within existing legal frameworks.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 640 creates the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction within the state Department of Transportation. The bill grants this new office authority to use emergency procurement procedures for highway projects until January 1, 2026, mirroring existing rules for the broader transportation department. This directly affects state transportation operations by establishing a dedicated unit with specific buying powers for highway construction needs. The bill focuses on administrative structure and procurement processes, not on changing road standards or funding levels.
Maddy summaryHB 653 transfers administration of Louisiana's sound recording investor tax credit program from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and extends the program's duration. The bill establishes tax credits of 18-25% on investor base investments exceeding $10,000-$25,000 for sound recording productions, plus payroll-based credits (10-20%) for new jobs paying $35k-$200k annually. It sets annual caps of $2.16 million total credits and $100,000 per project, with 50% reserved for Qualified Music Companies (QMCs). The program directly affects sound recording producers, investors funding these projects, and QMCs hiring Louisiana residents.
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 466 requires Louisiana public school systems to provide a permanent salary increase for teachers and other school employees using savings from the state's payment of certain pension liabilities. It directly affects all public school systems and their covered personnel, including teachers (certificated) and support staff (noncertificated) as defined by specific job codes. The bill mandates schools incorporate this increase into salary schedules and extend it to employees on approved leave (e.g., medical, military, maternity/adoptive leave), with schools required to report implementation to the state Department of Education by December 31. Charter schools participating in the Teachers' Retirement System must comply with this provision, though they remain exempt from most other public school mandates.
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 summaryThis resolution (SR 184) urges the Louisiana Supreme Court to amend its continuing legal education (CLE) rules to allow licensed legislative staff attorneys to earn eight hours of CLE credit annually, similar to what legislators and certain legislative clerks currently receive. It directly affects full-time legislative staff attorneys who perform year-round legal work drafting bills, conducting research, and advising lawmakers. The bill cites that these attorneys conduct critical legal work central to the legislative process but are excluded from the existing CLE credit exemption under Supreme Court rules. The resolution requests the Court take action to align the credit policy with the current exemption for legislators and chief clerks. This is a procedural request, not a binding law, and does not change the Court's existing rules.
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.