Sen. Heather Cloud

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 summaryHB 617 updates the legal references within Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) by changing titles and terminology. It replaces terms like "administrator" with "administrator assistant secretary," removes "child welfare" references, and updates them to "Louisiana Works" in multiple sections of the law. The bill has no financial or operational impact on services, as noted in the bill's "EN NO IMPACT" designation. This is purely an administrative adjustment to align legal language with current department structure and program naming.

Maddy summaryHCR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging the Louisiana State University School of Public Health to reconsider its recommended age for routine breast cancer screening. It does not change any current guidelines or mandate action; it simply asks the school to review its recommendations. The resolution is currently pending floor debate after passing committee review, but it has no legal effect on healthcare policies or patient care. This type of resolution expresses legislative opinion but does not alter medical practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 191) requests three Louisiana state agencies - the Commission on Law Enforcement, the Department of Education, and the Supreme Court - to regularly send truancy reports to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. It directly affects these agencies by requiring them to transmit existing truancy data they already collect. The key mechanism is a formal request for these agencies to share their current truancy statistics, which the committee would use for oversight and policy discussions. This is a procedural resolution, not a law, and does not change truancy enforcement or reporting requirements.

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 201 is a Louisiana Senate resolution urging Congress and federal health agencies (HHS and CMS) to avoid Medicaid funding reductions that would harm Louisiana hospitals. It specifically requests they maintain current reimbursement levels for hospitals, approve pending payment requests, and prevent cuts that could lead to service reductions or closures, especially in rural areas. The resolution emphasizes that such funding is critical for sustaining healthcare access for vulnerable populations - including the elderly and chronically ill - and supporting local hospital employment and community economic stability.

Maddy summarySR 199 is a Louisiana Senate resolution commending David Sickey on his election as chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. It recognizes his 18 years of tribal government experience, including leading during the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, and his commitment to transparent, community-centered leadership. The resolution was adopted on June 12, 2025, expressing the Senate's congratulations and best wishes for his term. This is a symbolic gesture with no policy changes or direct legal effect.

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.