Act 319 of 2007: Recreational watercraft titling

This legislation was a result of boat theft during Hurricane Katrina. Watercrafts stolen during the storm were sold out of state and owners had no recourse to find their vessels. Now that the watercraft is titled there is a legitimate paper trail to determine watercraft ownership.

HB 478 of 2009: Recreational watercraft motor titling

This legislation is the second part to Act 319 from 2007. This bill permits the titling of outboard motors. The decided strategy was to attack this issue in two separate bills during two different sessions.

Act 305 of 2008: Increasing access to family and marriage counseling

This bill allows health insurance plans to provide benefits for services performed by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For the first time ever, insurance plans recognized the services provided by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Although this was not a mandate for coverage, it was the first step for allowing the coverage through a health plan.

Act 311 of 2009: 

After several years of licensure problems, the Marriage and Family Therapy Association (MFTA) clarified their licensure curriculum for the MFT program. In 2010, Act 613 was passed as a follow-up and cleanup piece. 

Act 736 of 2014: 

After many years of operating under an Attorney General’s opinion the La Association of Marriage and Family Therapists was finally able to expand their scope of practice to include the prevention and diagnosis of mental disorders. This came after a hard fought session with both phycologists and psychologists. 

Act 235 of 2017:

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Councilors now will have the authority to assess diagnose and provide treatment to individuals suffering from serious mental illness.

HB 1388 and HB 779 of 2009: Port Consolidation and Membership of Certain Boards of Commissioners

This legislation was an attempt by the Port of New Orleans to consolidate into their jurisdiction the Port of Plaquemines. In 2008, we were successful in holding the bill in conference committee until the Legislature adjourned Sine Die. The following year, we were successful in defeating the bill in the Senate as well.

Worked to secure Venture Global’s LNG plant to locate to Plaquemines Port. 

Act 410 of 2012: Mandates parity in the coverage of orally administered anti-cancer medication with intravenously administered or injected anti-cancer medication

Prior to 2012, orally administered anti-cancer drugs were gaining popularity as an option to IV and injected drugs, however, it was discovered most if not all medical insurance programs were not recognizing these drugs as a viable option. Act 410 made it the policy of the State of Louisiana to mandate the equal coverage of oral and intravenous anti-cancer drugs if said provider provides coverage for cancer treatment.

Act 18 of 2014: Amends the size limits for certain containers of alcoholic beverages

State law mandates the specific size of the container alcoholic beverages may be sold. Each time a new container is developed and introduced into the market place state law must be amended. This is significant because the wine industry is going through a great transformation in how the industry presents its packaging, including everything from more environmentally friendly boxes to smaller sizes that facilitate personal consumption. 

Act 637 of 2016: Expands the access of direct to consumer wine shipping to individuals in Louisiana.

New law now states any winery, which has a label, not assigned to a wholesaler may direct ship to a consumer.

Act 343 of 2015: Increases the lease rental rates and severances taxes on oysters. 

The passage of this act is significant because it was an increased tax. Although it was industry supported with the proceeds dedicated back to the development of oyster seed grounds, the posture of the legislature was not to pass any new or extending taxes. This did take some work but was successful.

Act 570 of 2016: Allows for the cultivation of oysters on dually claimed water bottoms.

The bill was linked to the passage of HB 902 (Act 595) that establishes the process by which oyster farmers can file for permits which will lead to the lifting of the “Oyster Lease Moratorium.”