Sen. Thomas Pressly

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes St. Patrick's Day and acknowledges the historical and cultural connections between Ireland and Louisiana. It highlights the significant role Irish immigrants played in Louisiana's development, particularly in New Orleans, and celebrates the establishment of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of appreciation and recognition to be shared with state and national Irish leaders.

Maddy summarySB 74 defines "Authority" in Louisiana medical malpractice law as the Residual Malpractice Insurance Authority established under Section 1231.7 of the Revised Statutes. This bill amends the definition section (R.S. 40:1231.1(A)(2)) to clarify that "Authority" refers specifically to this established entity. The change directly affects the legal framework governing medical malpractice insurance, ensuring consistent reference to the Residual Malpractice Insurance Authority in related statutes. It does not create new policy but standardizes terminology for clarity within the existing system.

Maddy summarySB 158 amends Louisiana's Medicaid managed care program statute to exempt specific entities contracted by the Louisiana Department of Health from administrative requirements. These entities, which process healthcare provider claims as fiscal intermediaries, will no longer need to comply with the program's standard rules. The bill does not change Medicaid eligibility, benefits, or core program structure but streamlines operations for these contractors. It was prefilled on February 25, 2026, and referred to the Health and Welfare Committee.

Maddy summarySB 187 creates a dedicated subfund within Louisiana's Parish Transportation Fund, requiring 5% of state oil and gas severance tax revenue (starting July 2026) and all annually appropriated funds to be deposited there. The money can only be used to repair and maintain public roads and bridges in parishes where oil and gas operations occur, directly affecting those parishes' infrastructure budgets. It explicitly prohibits using these funds for bond issuances or other purposes outside this specific transportation use. The subfund will be distributed proportionally to qualifying parishes based on established formulas.

Maddy summarySB 188 amends Louisiana law to clarify that waste of oil or gas is prohibited during extraction, directly affecting oil and gas producers who must comply with this requirement. The bill reenacts Section 30:2 of the state code to explicitly state that waste - defined as inefficient or unnecessary loss during production - is banned. This change provides clearer regulatory language for the Department of Conservation and Energy to enforce conservation standards. The bill is procedural, focusing on defining prohibited practices rather than creating new programs or funding. It is currently under review by the Natural Resources committee.

Maddy summarySB 266 creates a new legal process allowing individuals seeking occupational licenses (like for cosmetologists, plumbers, or healthcare workers) to challenge license requirements in court. It lets applicants petition a court to determine if a license rule is unnecessarily burdensome for entering a profession or if it’s narrowly tailored to protect public health, safety, or welfare. The bill does not change existing license rules but provides a judicial review mechanism for those who believe requirements are excessive. This affects anyone needing a state-issued license to work in a regulated occupation in Louisiana. The bill is currently pending referral to a legislative committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 3) is a concurrent resolution directing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to amend rules governing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It requires increased spacing between signs (500-1,000 feet on most highways), bans stacked signs after July 31, 2025, and prohibits new permits for stacked configurations. The changes aim to reduce driver distractions and preserve scenic highway views, directly affecting billboard companies, property owners, and businesses that operate signage near roads. The resolution modifies existing DOTD rules to align with safety and beautification goals under the Highway Beautification Act. Note: The bill’s title incorrectly references SNAP benefits; the actual content addresses outdoor advertising regulations.

Maddy summarySB 134 amends health care definitions to explicitly include "managerial capacity" alongside "administrative" roles in relevant provisions. This technical change clarifies which positions fall under specific health care regulatory definitions. The bill does not create new requirements or funding; it only adjusts terminology for consistency. It directly affects how health care regulations interpret job titles in administrative and managerial roles. (1 sentence)

Maddy summarySB 97 creates the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation (CURENT) Authority to coordinate state efforts across recreation, economic development, navigation, and transportation. The bill requires the legislature to appropriate funds for the authority's operations, making funding a prerequisite for its implementation. This procedural bill establishes a new state entity but does not mandate specific policy changes or directly affect citizens or businesses until funding is approved. The authority would operate under legislative budget decisions, with no current votes or detailed policy provisions beyond the funding requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 624 transfers specific family and support programs currently managed by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. It also renames the Workforce Commission to "Louisiana Works" and removes references to DCFS in related statutes. This change directly affects the agencies involved and the individuals receiving these services, such as those accessing workforce development or family support programs. The bill modifies legal references to ensure seamless program transfer without altering the core services provided.