Sen. Bob Owen

Maddy summaryHB 54 designates postsecondary education institutions as "Purple Star Campuses" to recognize schools supporting military-connected students. This voluntary program does not require state funding or create new obligations for institutions. It provides a formal recognition process for colleges/universities meeting specific criteria related to military-family support services. The bill has no fiscal impact on state resources, as noted in its summary.

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 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 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 summaryLouisiana's SCR 14 is a resolution urging Congress to reform the H-2A visa program's wage rules. It directly affects Louisiana farmers who rely on temporary agricultural workers, as current rules require them to pay higher wages based on non-farm wage data, increasing costs significantly. The bill requests Congress rescind the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) system and instead mandate that all H-2A wage calculations use only the Farm Labor Survey data, which reflects actual agricultural wages. This change would align wage requirements with the specific needs of farm labor, reducing financial strain on growers who spend nearly 40% of cash expenses on labor. The resolution aims to make H-2A workers more affordable and accessible for Louisiana's agricultural workforce.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 149) formally commends the Chalmette High School 2025 Management Team for winning the National ProStart Invitational, a national competition for high school culinary and restaurant management students. It specifically recognizes their victory over 47 teams, their "La Strada" Creole-Italian fusion restaurant concept, and the $200,000+ in scholarships earned. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative praise for the students' achievement and their teacher's leadership.

Maddy summarySB 196 creates new Louisiana law (R.S. 40:581.1-581.3) to regulate public camping and homelessness. It prohibits overnight camping in non-designated public areas (except in legal motor vehicle camping or recreational zones) and allows local governments to temporarily designate specific public property for camping under strict conditions, such as lack of shelter beds and no impact on residential areas. Local governments must establish safety, sanitation, and health service standards for designated sites, and nearby residents, businesses, or nonprofits can sue to stop unapproved camping near their property. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summarySCR 33 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Covington Fire Chief Gary Blocker Jr.'s 27 years of service and expressing condolences to his family following his passing on May 6, 2025. It formally honors his contributions to the Covington Fire Department, including founding the Fire Prevention Bureau and improving community safety, without creating any new laws or affecting any individuals or entities beyond the symbolic recognition. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Louisiana Legislature on May 13, 2025, and transmitted to his family.

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 summarySenate Resolution 85 (SR 85) is a commemorative resolution that commends the St. Tammany Parish School System for achieving first place in the 30th Annual Elementary State Championship Fitness Meet of the Louisiana Governor's Games. It recognizes the students, faculty, coaches, and parents for their accomplishment in this statewide athletic competition.