Rep. Shaun Mena

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) passed by the Louisiana House of Representatives. It formally commends Robert Francis Prevost on his election as Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope and second American pope. The resolution highlights his New Orleans connections, his background as a missionary in Peru, and his recent papal message. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create any legal obligations or affect policy.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family and friends of Arwin Patrick Bascle upon her passing. It also honors her life, legacy, and contributions to the political fabric of Louisiana.

Maddy summaryHCR 34 is a concurrent resolution by the Louisiana Legislature. It expresses the legislature's profound condolences on the death of Eric Anthony, Jr., who passed away on September 24, 2024. The resolution acknowledges his life, family, and his work as a motorist assistance patrol operator with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of former state representative Billy Wayne "Coach" Montgomery, acknowledging his contributions as an educator, coach, and public servant.

Maddy summaryHR 20 is a resolution that expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Steven "Steve" Joseph Miguez. It acknowledges his life, business career, competitive shooting achievements, and family.

Maddy summaryHR 13 is a resolution from the Louisiana House of Representatives expressing official condolences on the death of Aurelio Martínez. It honors his life as a musician, cultural ambassador for the Garifuna people, and former member of the National Congress of Honduras.

Maddy summaryHB 217 creates automatic court delays for Louisiana legislators and specific legislative staff (including clerks, secretaries, and full-time bureau employees) when their presence is required for legislative work during sessions or conventions. It allows them to file for continuances electronically up to 5 days before a court date, with a 72-hour presumption of approval unless proven improper (e.g., for harassment) or causing irreparable harm to the opposing party. The bill explicitly excludes civil prescriptive deadlines, criminal statutes of limitation, and death penalty cases from this provision. Denials require written justification, and parties may appeal directly to the Supreme Court at no cost.

Maddy summaryHB 587 establishes a progressive tax on sports wagering revenue in Louisiana, with rates increasing as revenue grows (20% on first $30 million, up to 40% for revenue over $200 million). It directly affects licensed sports betting operators (both physical locations and mobile apps) by requiring them to pay these taxes monthly. The bill allocates 25-30% of the collected tax revenue - up to $30 million annually - to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund. This creates a dedicated funding stream for early childhood programs without changing existing lottery tax structures.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes violence prevention in Louisiana as a public health and safety crisis, requiring the state to address it using data-driven methods. It directs the Louisiana Department of Health to review factors contributing to violence, such as poverty, lack of education, and untreated trauma, while also examining community conditions like the safety of streets, parks, and schools. The department must then submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2026, outlining current prevention efforts, strategies for conflict resolution, and ways to improve social determinants of safety in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill allows the department to partner with universities and non-governmental organizations to gather information and develop recommendations for reducing violence.