Rep. Joy Walters

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes Kathy Taylor as she retires from Windsor Village Houston. It highlights her career as a musician, minister of music, and community activist, noting her past performances with notable figures and her leadership of a singing ensemble. The measure does not create any new laws or policies but serves solely to express appreciation for her contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects faculty members at Louisiana's public colleges and universities from retaliation when they report concerns about misconduct, abuse, or other improprieties, or when they exercise their academic freedom or free speech rights. It defines retaliation to include actions like firing, demotion, suspension, or negative evaluations, and explicitly states that faculty do not need to give prior notice before reporting issues or speaking out. The law imposes civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, allows faculty to sue for damages including lost wages and emotional harm, and requires institutions to adopt uniform reporting and investigation policies. Additionally, the bill mandates that colleges submit annual reports to the legislature on any complaints received regarding retaliation and removes sovereign immunity protections for institutions that violate these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes the AmeriCorps Seniors Southern University at Shreveport Caddo/Bossier Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program for its forty-six years of service to children. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but instead formally honors the program's work and designates May 1, 2026, as AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Volunteer Day in Louisiana. The resolution highlights the program's role in connecting older volunteers with economically disadvantaged youth to provide mentorship and support. Because this is a ceremonial measure rather than a policy change, it has no direct impact on funding, regulations, or public services.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution expresses condolences for the death of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, a dentist who practiced in Virginia. The bill formally acknowledges her professional achievements and personal character, noting her education at Duke University and Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as her roles as a mentor and community member. It serves as an official statement of sympathy from the legislature to her family and friends following her passing in April 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the condolences of the Louisiana House of Representatives on the death of Kirby Shawn Dawson, a law enforcement officer from Caddo Parish. The bill honors his career in the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and Shreveport City Marshal's Office, as well as his leadership in the D.A.R.E. Program and his dedication to his family. It formally acknowledges his service and extends wishes for comfort to his wife, three children, and other loved ones.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana resolution designates April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week to raise awareness about maternal health disparities in the state. The measure formally acknowledges the work of community organizations and healthcare providers while reaffirming a commitment to improving care for Black mothers. It does not alter laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the need for equitable healthcare access and policy action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 15, 2026, as HIV and Hepatitis C Education, Prevention, and Treatment Awareness Day at the Louisiana state capitol. It also formally recognizes the Louisiana Commission on HIV and Hepatitis C Education, Prevention, and Treatment for its work in improving public health outcomes. The measure does not change laws or allocate funding but serves to honor the commission's efforts and raise awareness about these health issues among state officials.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as Stuffed Shrimp Day at the Louisiana state capitol. It honors the history of the dish in Shreveport, Louisiana, and its connection to local restaurants and civil rights history. The resolution has no legal effect on laws or regulations; it simply sets aside a specific date for commemorative purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana House resolution expresses condolences for the death of Nancy Metayer, a former vice mayor of Coral Springs, Florida. The bill highlights her achievements as the first Black and Haitian-American female city commissioner and recognizes her work in environmental justice and disaster response. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of her public service legacy rather than proposing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution from the Louisiana House of Representatives that formally recognizes the Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival on its twenty-fourth anniversary. It honors the festival's founders, Stephanie and Floyd Rance, for creating a platform that showcases Black filmmakers and contributes to cinema, culture, and education. The resolution does not change any laws or allocate funding; instead, it serves as a symbolic commendation to be sent to the festival's founders.