Sen. Gary Carter

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana concurrent resolution asks the U.S. Congress to pass full-year funding bills for the military without delay. It specifically requests that these funding measures match the spending levels authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act to prevent uncertainty. The bill aims to ensure stable resources for military operations, construction, and support services for service members and their families in Louisiana. It does not change any laws or allocate money itself but serves as a formal request from the state legislature to the federal government.

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 259 creates a statewide online portal in Louisiana for filing civil protective orders in domestic violence cases. It allows victims to submit petitions electronically without needing to provide an "affirmation" (a sworn statement), simplifying the process. The portal will be developed by the judicial administrator's office and directly affects individuals seeking protection from domestic abuse. This change streamlines access to legal protection while maintaining the existing legal framework for protective orders.

Maddy summarySB 380 creates the Real Timbers Crime Prevention and Improvement District in a specific area of Orleans Parish bounded by Iowa Street, Amazon Street, Delaware Street, Memorial Park Drive, Kansas Street, and Hudson Street. The district, governed by a seven-member board appointed from the Real Timbers Homeowners Association and local residents, will collect an annual parcel fee (capped at $315 per property) approved by voters to fund security patrols, improved lighting, signage, and beautification projects. The fee is collected like property taxes and must be renewed via voter approval every five years. This district is explicitly designed to supplement, not replace, services provided by the New Orleans Police Department.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing statute regarding individual graduation plans for students, specifically by requiring that these plans be updated when applicable. The changes involve minor textual adjustments to the language used in the law, ensuring the requirement for updates is clearly stated. As a procedural amendment, it does not introduce new policies or directly affect student outcomes but rather refines the legal framework governing graduation planning. The legislation has passed the Senate and is now moving to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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 392 requires all Louisiana public and nonpublic secondary schools to post suicide prevention hotline information on their websites and print it on student ID cards. Specifically, schools must display the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number "988" (with instructions to call or text) and, if available, local and state suicide prevention hotline numbers. This bill updates existing requirements by broadening the scope to all secondary schools and standardizing the required information. The policy directly affects schools and students by ensuring immediate access to crisis resources through everyday school materials.

Maddy summaryHB 380 authorizes Sowela Technical Community College to create a pilot program partnering with local public school systems in Louisiana. The program aims to increase awareness and access to commercial driver's license (CDL), entry-level driver training, and transportation/logistics career programs for students. The partnership requires approval from both Sowela's governing board and the local school board before implementation.