Sen. Patrick Connick

Maddy summarySB 118 modifies Louisiana's tax code to exclude certain deposits into ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience Accounts) from state income tax. Starting in 2026, account owners can exclude up to $2,400 annually (single filers) or $4,800 (joint filers) per beneficiary for qualified disability expenses, with unused amounts rolling over to future years. This applies only to deposits made for beneficiaries with disabilities, excluding the funds from taxable income calculations. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents using ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. It takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 58 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law called "child grooming" (defined under R.S. 14:81.7), making it illegal to commit or attempt to commit acts intended to build a relationship with a minor for sexual purposes. This bill directly affects individuals who engage in such grooming behavior and law enforcement handling related cases. The key provision adds "child grooming" as a specific sexual offense against minors under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:541(25)(o)), and also treats equivalent crimes committed in other jurisdictions as if they occurred in Louisiana (R.S. 15:541(25)(p)). The bill amends existing criminal codes to formally define and criminalize this conduct.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic condolence resolution (SR 155), not a policy bill. It expresses the Louisiana Senate's sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil Alexander Robertson following his passing on May 25, 2025. The resolution details his life as a Louisiana native, entrepreneur (creator of the "Duck Commander" brand), reality TV figure ("Duck Dynasty"), and community contributor, highlighting his family values and faith. It has no legislative effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 156) that formally commends Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry for receiving the 2025 David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. The resolution recognizes his 27-year judicial service, leadership as the first African American Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal, and his lifelong commitment to pro bono legal work benefiting underserved communities. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, regulations, or government operations - it is purely a symbolic honor. The Senate passed it on June 1, 2025, and transmitted a copy to Justice Guidry.

Maddy summarySR 159 is a Senate resolution directing the legislative auditor and Louisiana Department of Insurance to study financial transactions between insurers operating in Louisiana, specifically focusing on residential property and auto insurance. The study will examine payments between insurers and affiliated companies (like MGAs and holding companies) from 2021-2024, including management fees, reinsurance, and commissions, to assess if these transactions affected insurers' financial stability or consumer rates. The report must analyze regulatory filings, categorize payment types, and evaluate impacts on reported losses and rate filings. The findings are due to the Senate by September 1, 2026, with no new laws created - only a factual study.

Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 11 requires drivers on multilane highways to stay in the right lane when traveling significantly slower than the posted speed limit, except when passing, turning, or entering a driveway. It establishes tiered fines for violations: $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second within 12 months, and $350 or up to 30 days in jail for a third within that period. The bill directly affects drivers who repeatedly fail to use the right lane while driving below the speed limit on highways. Key provisions include clear penalty levels and a 12-month window for counting repeat offenses, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety.

Maddy summarySB 190 designates specific road segments in certain parishes to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing road descriptions to clarify the designated sections (e.g., changing "overpass to" to "overpass and"). It has no funding requirements or new obligations - it solely provides a commemorative name for existing roadways. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and is now moving to the House for consideration.

Maddy summarySB 72 authorizes the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to issue bonds for capital projects like building renovations or equipment purchases. The bill requires colleges to provide a 12% match of the total project cost from their own funds, meaning the colleges themselves must cover at least one-eighth of each project's expenses. This directly affects the colleges within the system, as they must contribute financially to qualify for the bond financing. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (37-0) and is now moving to the House for further consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 180 redesignates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 425 in Richland Parish (between LA Hwy 132 and LA Hwy 584 in Archibald) as the "Sheriff Gary Lynn Gilley Memorial Highway" to honor a local sheriff. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this new name, funded by private contributions covering costs up to $550 per sign. This is a ceremonial designation with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting the highway segment and requiring signage updates.