Sen. Valarie Hodges

Maddy summarySB 117 prohibits public schools from serving or selling ultra-processed foods - defined as foods high in additives and low in nutrients, like many packaged snacks and sugary drinks. The bill includes an exemption for certain foods (though specific exclusions aren't detailed in the current text). This change would directly affect school meal programs, cafeteria offerings, and student nutrition choices in all public schools across the state. The legislation aims to improve dietary standards in educational settings through this specific food service restriction.

Maddy summarySB 126 adds a specific exemption for charter schools from reporting school mapping data requirements under Louisiana law (R.S. 17:416.16.1). The bill directly affects charter schools operating under Louisiana's Chapter 3996, exempting them from this data collection mandate unless otherwise required by their approved charter. Key provisions clarify that charter schools are exempt from "all statutory mandates" applicable to public schools, with this mapping data requirement explicitly listed as one of the exempted provisions. This change modifies existing law to remove a specific reporting obligation for charter schools, while public schools remain subject to the mapping data requirement. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for charter schools within existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryHB 378 lowers the required ACT score for students completing approved home study programs to qualify for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award. It directly affects students in home study programs who previously needed a higher ACT score for initial TOPS eligibility. The bill amends the program's eligibility criteria by reducing the minimum ACT score threshold for this specific group. The change adjusts the policy without altering the program's core structure or funding amounts.

Maddy summaryHCR 44 is a non-binding resolution urging the Louisiana State University School of Public Health to reconsider its recommended age for routine breast cancer screening. It does not change any current guidelines or mandate action; it simply asks the school to review its recommendations. The resolution is currently pending floor debate after passing committee review, but it has no legal effect on healthcare policies or patient care. This type of resolution expresses legislative opinion but does not alter medical practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 191) requests three Louisiana state agencies - the Commission on Law Enforcement, the Department of Education, and the Supreme Court - to regularly send truancy reports to the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. It directly affects these agencies by requiring them to transmit existing truancy data they already collect. The key mechanism is a formal request for these agencies to share their current truancy statistics, which the committee would use for oversight and policy discussions. This is a procedural resolution, not a law, and does not change truancy enforcement or reporting requirements.

Maddy summarySR 208 is a Louisiana Senate resolution expressing heartfelt condolences for the passing of Oscar Earl Carter III, recognizing his 35-year leadership as executive director of the Dr. O.E. Carter, Jr. Memorial Foundation (a nationally accredited opioid treatment center in New Orleans) and his service as a legislative aide for Senator Joe Bouie. The resolution commemorates his life of compassion, community advocacy, and dedication to underserved populations through his work with organizations like VERTCART, Inc. and the Knights of St. Peter Claver. It was unanimously adopted by the Senate on June 12, 2025, and transmitted to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact but formally honors his legacy.

Maddy summarySR 209 is a resolution requesting the Louisiana Department of Health to study the effects of banning pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies. It directs the department to analyze how such a prohibition would impact costs for health plans, patient access to medications (including specialty drugs), employment in the pharmacy sector, and other key areas like Medicare network adequacy. The study must produce a report by March 2026, covering eight specific points including cost estimates, employment changes, and access to limited-distribution medications. This resolution does not change current law but seeks factual analysis to inform future legislative decisions on vertical integration in healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a task force to study threats to Louisiana's critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries, specifically focusing on military bases, oil/gas facilities, manufacturing plants, energy infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The task force, composed of state officials and federal representatives, will analyze real-world threats like those cited by FBI and homeland security officials and propose recommendations by February 15, 2026. It does not enact new laws but directs a study to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SR 207) that formally commends Tina Vanichchagorn for 20 years of public service in Louisiana. It recognizes her career path, including roles as a prosecutor, Drug Court Coordinator, legislative attorney, and current special counsel to Senate President Cameron Henry. The resolution has no policy impact or legal effect - it solely expresses the Senate’s appreciation through a formal statement. It passed unanimously (37-0) on June 12, 2025, and was enrolled for official transmission.

Maddy summarySCR 64 is a concurrent resolution continuing the Comite River Diversion Canal/Amite River Basin Task Force, which was established in 2014 to advance flood control efforts. The task force directly serves communities in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and Ascension parishes, which face recurring flooding from the Amite and Comite rivers. Its key role is to advise state and federal agencies on completing the Comite River Diversion Canal Project - designed to divert floodwaters and reduce flooding risks - while addressing land acquisition, environmental mitigation, and floodplain planning. The resolution specifies the task force’s composition (including local officials, agencies, and community representatives) and requires it to submit recommendations to the legislature by 2027.