Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new crime called coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud, which prohibits anyone from knowingly giving an abortion-inducing drug to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent. It also amends existing laws to explicitly classify attempted abortions as a crime and adds the specific act of using drugs to cause an abortion to the state's list of racketeering activities. Under the new provisions, offenders face prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years and fines between ten thousand and one hundred thousand dollars, depending on the gestational age of the pregnancy and the risk to the woman's health. The law applies to any person who engages in these actions, not just medical professionals, and ensures that a conviction under this bill does not prevent further prosecution for more serious offenses like murder if the woman is harmed or killed.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Louisiana Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative, a state program designed to support pregnant women and newborns. It requires the relevant state department to create specific rules that ensure the program is clinically effective, financially stable, and held to high performance standards. The legislation also mandates that the department report its annual progress to the legislature, including details on oversight and penalties for failing to meet program goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires local public school boards in Louisiana to conduct state and federal fingerprint background checks on any chaplain they employ or accept as a volunteer. The new rule applies to both paid staff and unpaid volunteers who serve in schools under the existing chapter governing school chaplains. Before a chaplain can begin their duties, the school must verify they have passed the background screening outlined in state law. This measure aims to ensure safety and compliance by mandating a standardized vetting process for all religious leaders working in public education settings.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana laws to restrict how students can use electronic devices like cell phones and pagers in public schools. Starting in the 2003-2004 school year, students were prohibited from using these devices on school property unless the principal gave permission. A new rule beginning in the 2024-2025 school year requires students to either turn off and store their devices or leave them behind for the entire instructional day. The changes apply to all public elementary and secondary schools, including school buses used for student transport.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends state law to create a process for doctors to request exceptions when health insurance plans restrict access to certain medications. Specifically, it allows physicians to bypass standard approval steps for drugs used to treat postpartum depression if the medication's specific indication is not yet approved by the FDA. The law requires insurance companies to provide an easy online way for doctors to apply for these overrides and to grant them quickly when supported by sound clinical evidence. Although the bill includes language about this provision, it currently has no impact because it was recalled from committee and did not advance to a vote.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally expresses the condolences of the Louisiana Legislature on the death of James David Cain, a former state representative and senator. The document honors Cain's life and career by detailing his background as a basketball coach, his military service, and his decades of public service in both the House and Senate. It serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the state and extends sympathy to his surviving family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires automobile insurance companies in Louisiana to offer a 25% discount on liability premiums to active-duty military members, reservists, and National Guard personnel based in the state. To help cover the cost of these discounts, insurers receive a tax credit equal to the amount of the discount they provide, with any unused credit refunded without interest. The state insurance commissioner must create specific rules to define which military personnel qualify and to establish the process for verifying eligibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies existing rules regarding noncompetition agreements specifically for primary care physicians in Louisiana. It limits the geographic scope of such non-compete clauses to the physician's main practice location and no more than two neighboring parishes where the employer operates. Additionally, the bill caps the duration of these restrictions at two years following the end of employment and clarifies that physicians have the right to challenge these terms. These changes aim to provide greater clarity and protection for primary care doctors by defining the boundaries and time limits of post-employment non-compete clauses.
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 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.