Rep. Matt Willard

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Louisiana House of Representatives' condolences for Lillian Boutte, a New Orleans singer and member of the Boutte musical family. It honors her career, including her 30+ years performing in Europe and her role in promoting New Orleans music internationally. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a formal, symbolic gesture extending condolences to her family and community.

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 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 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 summaryHB 52 requires Louisiana high schools to include scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options for college in their mandatory high school financial literacy courses. This affects all Louisiana public high school students starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill amends existing law to add this specific topic to the required curriculum, ensuring students learn about funding sources for postsecondary education. It has no state cost impact ("EN NO IMPACT") and was recently reported favorably by the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 558 amends the eligibility requirements for Louisiana's M.J. Foster Promise Program, which provides tuition assistance for college students. The bill adds specific violent and property crimes to the list of offenses that would disqualify applicants, including aggravated battery, second-degree robbery, and aggravated criminal damage to property. These changes directly affect students with certain criminal convictions who seek to qualify for the state-funded tuition program. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Education after recent committee amendments.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 238) passed by the Louisiana House of Representatives to commend Reverend Linus James, SSJ, on his priestly ordination. It formally recognizes his ordination under Bishop Roy Campbell, Jr., and acknowledges his educational background in philosophy and theology. The resolution has no policy impact or financial provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the individual's religious service.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 65) is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of John "Jay" Batt, Jr., a former New Orleans City Council member, businessman, and community leader. It formally honors his life, service, and legacy without creating any new laws or affecting specific policies or groups. The resolution acknowledges his career, family, and contributions to New Orleans, including his time on the City Council and leadership roles in organizations like the Sugar Bowl Committee. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect beyond this symbolic gesture of remembrance.