Sen. Jimmy Harris

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 171 is a non-binding resolution that formally expresses condolences to the family and friends of Troy Carter, the general manager of the Chicken Shack restaurant in Baton Rouge. The bill acknowledges Carter's life and his unique role in sharing inspirational messages with customers for over 17 years, noting his impact on the community and the restaurant staff. This measure serves as an official gesture of respect and appreciation from the Louisiana Senate rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 184 formally commends and congratulates Foster L. Campbell Jr. on completing fifty years of continuous elected service in Louisiana as a state senator and Public Service Commissioner. This procedural resolution honors his long career, which includes authoring significant legislation on rural electric cooperatives, consumer protection, and education funding, as well as his leadership in reforming the Public Service Commission. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of his contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana Senate concurrent resolution asks the U.S. Congress to ensure that all individuals linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case are fully investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable for alleged crimes such as child sex trafficking and bribery. The bill specifically targets high-profile figures mentioned in recently released documents, including Ghislaine Maxwell, and calls for their names to be disclosed and legal actions to be taken through every available process. It does not create new laws or penalties but serves as a formal request to the federal government to pursue these cases aggressively. The measure is intended to address public concerns about accountability following the initial release of unclassified files related to Epstein and Maxwell.

Maddy summarySB 56 reorganizes Louisiana's flood protection governance by renaming the "Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank and Lafitte Area Independent Levee District" to "Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West Bank." It directly affects Jefferson Parish residents within specific geographic boundaries (north of 29°17'52" N and south of 29°47'00" N latitude). Key changes include increasing the board of commissioners from 7 to 9 members, requiring specific geographic representation (e.g., 2 from Jefferson West Bank, 1 from Lafitte Area), and setting term limits. The reorganization takes effect on August 1, 2026, streamlining oversight for flood protection in the region.

Maddy summarySB 145 requires all licensed adult residential care facilities in Louisiana to install and maintain a backup generator or approved alternative power source. This system must provide continuous electricity for critical functions during outages, including life safety systems, medical equipment, water/sanitation systems, medication storage, and specific HVAC requirements (50% for pre-2026 facilities, 90% for post-2026 facilities). Facilities must have fuel for 72 hours of continuous operation, with fuel delivery agreements extending to 168 hours, and must submit annual emergency plans if granted a waiver for space constraints. The law applies directly to all licensed adult residential care providers in Louisiana, with compliance required by December 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 322 creates a new "Louisiana Youth Apprentice" category for workers under 24 in apprenticeship programs. It requires youth apprentices to complete at least 375 hours of employment combined with an approved training program leading to both a high school diploma or equivalent and an industry credential (like a certificate or technical certification). This defines a separate pathway from standard apprenticeships, which require 2,000+ hours, and applies specifically to young workers seeking job training and credentials. The bill amends existing Louisiana law to establish these youth-specific eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHB 354 renames the Magnolia Bridge (on Louisiana Highway 64 over the Amite River between East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes) as the "Caleb Easterling Memorial Bridge." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, with costs covered by local or private funds not exceeding $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes or direct impact on residents or services.

Maddy summarySB 385 updates governance and insurance rules for the New Orleans City Park Improvement Association. It requires specific state officials - such as the Senate president, House speaker, and local state legislators - to serve on the park's board of commissioners for their elected terms. The bill also clarifies that contractors managing park facilities (like golf or tennis operations) must carry their own insurance, exempting the association from state risk management for liability coverage when contractors handle employee insurance. This directly affects the park's governing board, state officials with ties to the park, and private entities operating park services.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Louisiana Economic Development agency to conduct a comprehensive study of the various government groups managing the Mississippi Riverfront and nearby areas in New Orleans. The study will map out who these groups are, what powers they hold, how they are funded, and how well they work together to maintain public spaces and support local growth. By reviewing these details, the agency will provide recommendations to improve coordination, ensure transparency, and clarify responsibilities among the different entities involved. The final report is scheduled to be submitted to the state legislature by February 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 74 proposes creating a "Spectrum Alert" system in Louisiana to assist law enforcement in locating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who go missing. The bill requires the Department of Public Safety to develop a public notification system that verifies a child’s missing status, issues community alerts via text/email/flyers, and coordinates with private entities. It also mandates specialized training for officers on ASD responses and de-escalation tactics, while granting legal immunity to participating law enforcement, broadcasters, and others. The bill directly affects children with ASD, their families, and law enforcement agencies across Louisiana.