SR 55 Louisiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

CONDOLENCES: Expresses sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Joseph Miles Cotton Sr.

Senate Resolution 55 expresses the Louisiana State Senate's condolences to the family of Joseph M. Cotton Sr., who passed away in August 2025. The resolution honors Cotton's legacy as a lifelong educator, counselor, and community leader who served for over five decades in roles ranging from school teacher to university administrator. It formally recognizes his professional achievements and personal contributions before transmitting a copy of the resolution to his surviving family members.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2026

Committee Review

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Apr 1, 2026 Last action Apr 13, 2026

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What changed between versions

SR55 Original → SR55 Enrolled · 4 edits · Apr 13, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was converted from an original draft to its final enrolled version, resulting in significant formatting improvements and the addition of specific biographical details about the deceased. The changes include adding the full name of the Senate resolution, expanding the 'Whereas' clauses to detail Mr. Cotton's education, career, community service, and family survivors, and correcting a grammatical error in the final resolution clause. These updates ensure the final document provides a comprehensive and respectful tribute suitable for official record.

Scope change

The scope of the resolution remains a condolence measure for Joseph M. Cotton Sr., but the enrolled version expands the scope of the tribute by including detailed biographical information and a complete list of survivors that were absent in the original draft.

TECHNICAL

Added the full title 'A RESOLUTION' and the specific name of the presiding officer ('PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE') to the enrolled header.

Corrected a grammatical error in the final 'Be It Resolved' clause, changing 'recognize and commend... and extend' to 'recognize and commend... and extends its' for proper subject-verb agreement.

Removed the 'DIGEST' section and legislative services disclaimer found at the bottom of the original draft, as these are not part of the final enrolled law.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded the 'Whereas' clauses to include specific details about Mr. Cotton's education, professional achievements, community leadership, and a complete list of surviving family members.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Read by title and adopted.

upper

Apr 1, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in the Senate. Read by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors