Rep. Shaun Mena

Maddy summarySB 52 exempts grants from Louisiana's Fortify Homes Program from state individual income tax starting January 1, 2025. It directly affects Louisiana homeowners who receive these grants, which are designed to help strengthen homes against storms. The bill adds a specific exclusion to the state's tax code, ensuring these grant amounts are not counted as taxable income when calculating state income tax. This change applies only to grants received on or after the effective date, with no other policy changes described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHB 143 requires clerks of court in Louisiana to send a notice of arrest warrant to specific parties within 60 days if a defendant fails to appear in court. This notice must be sent to the defendant, bail agent or bondsman (via electronic means if they opted in), the personal surety, and the commercial surety (including their power of attorney number). If the notice isn't sent to the commercial surety or opted-in bail agent within 60 days, it releases them from all obligations under the bail agreement. The bill updates existing procedures to clarify who receives these notices and ensures timely communication to protect sureties' rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It expresses the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Phil Alexander Robertson, a Duck Commander founder and "Duck Dynasty" star who was a prominent figure in northeast Louisiana. The resolution honors his life, family values, faith, and economic impact through his business, highlighting his 60-year marriage to Kay and his role as a community leader. It has no effect on laws or regulations, serving solely as a symbolic gesture of respect.

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 summaryHB 265 prohibits ambulance employers from hiring or continuing employment with licensed or nonlicensed ambulance personnel who have been convicted of specific offenses, including violent crimes (e.g., R.S. 14:28.1, 30, 32.6) and certain thefts (e.g., theft over $500 or with prior convictions). The bill directly affects ambulance drivers whose criminal history includes these offenses, as revealed by mandatory background checks. Key provisions require employers to deny hiring or terminate employment for those convicted of listed crimes, with limited exceptions for prior approvals under existing law. This amendment updates existing employment restrictions in Louisiana law to expand prohibitions for ambulance personnel safety.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 57) passed by the Louisiana State Legislature to express condolences for Steven J. Miguez, a businessman and community member from Iberia Parish, following his death on February 24, 2025. The resolution recognizes his life of service, including founding businesses like Iberia Crew Boat & Marine Service and Miguez Fuel, his competitive shooting achievements, and his family. It has no policy provisions or direct effect on laws or constituents - it solely offers legislative condolences to his family. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate (34-0) and passed through the House without amendments.

Maddy summaryHCR 24 creates a special legislative committee to study the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and its operations. The bill specifically directs the committee to examine LHSAA's structure and impact on all Louisiana high schools, including public, private, and parochial institutions, as amended throughout the text. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) that establishes a fact-finding body, with no immediate policy changes or direct effects on schools. The committee's work will inform future legislative decisions but does not alter current athletic association rules or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 142 amends the composition of Louisiana's Advisory Council on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by adding the president of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (or their designee) to the council's membership. This procedural bill directly affects the council's structure by expanding who participates in advising state officials on HBCU-related matters. The change modifies the council's membership list without altering substantive policies or funding. The bill passed committee favorably and is now moving toward final passage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the U.S. Congress to provide federal funding that would help K-12 public schools prioritize purchasing American-grown agricultural products and remove ultra-processed foods (like sugary drinks and packaged snacks) from school meals. It requests support for school food programs to focus on locally sourced, nutrient-dense foods while reducing reliance on highly processed options. The resolution cites health benefits from shorter supply chains (e.g., fresher produce with higher nutrients) and economic advantages for domestic agriculture. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new law but formally requests congressional action.

Maddy summaryHB 174 designates a specific bridge on U.S. 167 in Winn Parish as the "Clayton Horne Memorial Bridge." This bill directly affects the location of the bridge and honors Clayton Horne through its official name. The bill contains no substantive policy changes or funding mechanisms - it solely updates the bridge's official designation. Amendments clarify the reference to the highway as "United States Highway 167" but do not alter the memorial purpose. As a naming resolution, it has no operational or financial impact beyond the ceremonial designation.