Sen. Jimmy Harris

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 72 commends the Downtown Development District (DDD) of New Orleans on its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the DDD's historical role as the nation's first assessment-based business improvement district and its contributions to urban development, public safety, and economic enhancement in downtown New Orleans since its creation in 1974.

Maddy summarySCR 12 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates St. Patrick's Day. It also acknowledges the cultural and historic ties between Ireland and Louisiana, and the establishment of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. The resolution directs that copies be sent to the national co-chairs of the caucus.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 45 commends Dr. Jeffrey Carter and the LSU Health New Orleans burn team for their leadership in burn and blast injury care. It specifically recognizes their recent $9.7 million Department of Defense grant supporting research and field training to improve outcomes for military and civilian trauma victims.

Maddy summarySR 46 is a resolution from the Louisiana Senate commending Dr. Nicolas Bazan, a neuroscientist and director at LSU Health New Orleans. It recognizes his groundbreaking discovery of Elovanoids and his pioneering contributions to the understanding and treatment of critical brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Maddy summarySR 50 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes Monday, April 28, 2025, as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution celebrates the contributions and achievements of Louisiana's eight HBCUs.

Maddy summarySR 47 is a resolution that commends Dr. Lucio Miele on his appointment as the director of the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center. It recognizes his leadership and contributions to cancer research and care for the citizens of Louisiana.

Maddy summarySR 26 is a resolution that commends the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for its contributions to education and culture in the state. It also celebrates the 2025 Bright Lights Awards Honorees, recognizing individuals and organizations for their significant impact on Louisiana's cultural, educational, and historical landscape.

Maddy summarySB 194 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Louisiana by prohibiting them from charging fees tied to drug prices, savings, or patient costs. It requires PBMs to charge fixed "pharmacy benefit management fees" for services like drug pricing negotiations and claims processing, and mandates annual compliance certifications to the insurance commissioner. The bill also grants insurers and the commissioner annual audit rights to review PBM reimbursement data, including differences between payments to affiliated and unaffiliated pharmacies. This directly affects PBMs operating in Louisiana and the insurers/health plans they contract with, aiming to increase transparency in PBM compensation practices.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to establish a special master for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. The special master is an independent official appointed to oversee specific legal or administrative matters involving the board. The legislation makes minor technical corrections to the legal citations and formatting within the relevant statutes. This change affects the board's operational procedures by providing a mechanism for dispute resolution or oversight through the special master role.