Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Louisiana State Forester to create a training program focused on post-traumatic stress and emotional support for wildland firefighters. The legislation aims to help these workers manage the psychological stress associated with their demanding jobs by establishing an educational initiative. It does not allocate specific funding but rather mandates the state forester to develop this support system as part of their duties. The law applies specifically to individuals who fight wildfires and does not extend to other types of emergency responders.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires adult detention facilities in Louisiana to offer both a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) training program and at least one vocational training program as options for inmates. The law also states that participation in specific pilot or reentry programs satisfies this requirement only if those programs include both a GED and a vocational component. By mandating these educational opportunities, the legislation aims to ensure that incarcerated individuals have access to basic academic and job skills training while in custody.

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 bill officially renames two specific sections of state highways in Louisiana to honor two individuals. It designates a part of Highway 175 in Mansfield as the "Jerius Marshall Highway" and a segment of Highway 133 in Start as the "Luke Letlow Memorial Highway." The legislation applies only to the named road sections within their respective parishes and does not alter any traffic laws or funding. By changing the official names of these roads, the bill serves as a commemorative measure rather than introducing new operational rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows insurance companies to use satellite imagery to inspect properties that already have active insurance policies. The change permits insurers to assess the condition of the property itself rather than just the repairs, potentially using this data to evaluate risk or adjust coverage. It directly affects insurance providers and property owners by expanding the methods available for policy verification. The amendment ensures the language accurately reflects that the inspection applies to the property as a whole.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Children's Code to clarify how academic and transitional plans are handled for children committed to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. It mandates that individualized learning plans for these minors must explicitly include vocational training options. Additionally, the law requires the department to provide a copy of the child's academic plan and progress reports to their parents or guardians upon release. The bill also establishes a requirement for the department to create a comprehensive transitional plan at least six months before a child is released, covering areas such as education, health, living arrangements, and employment.

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 requires hospitals and birthing centers in Louisiana to give new mothers and their families a list of warning signs and local resources before they leave after giving birth. The Louisiana Department of Health will create this information and make it available online so medical facilities can use it. The goal is to ensure parents know what symptoms to watch for and where to get help if something goes wrong with their newborn or themselves.

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 summaryThis bill amends state laws governing the conversion of mutual health insurance companies into stock companies or other organizational forms. It requires the insurance commissioner to conduct independent valuations and financial reviews of any proposed acquisition before a public hearing, with the results published online. The legislation also mandates that advertisements sent to policyholders must be pre-approved by the department to prevent false or misleading information. Additionally, the bill clarifies rules for how the reorganization plan must be voted on by the company's members and ensures that sensitive documents obtained during the review process are handled according to existing confidentiality laws.