Sen. Valarie Hodges

Maddy summarySB 200 allows Louisiana to take over (expropriate) land within 50 miles of military bases if owned or controlled by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by U.S. Treasury lists) or their agents. It directly affects property owners in that zone who meet the bill’s definitions of foreign adversaries or their agents. The law requires the state to prove the ownership poses a threat to public health and safety before proceeding, using procedures similar to existing eminent domain laws but with added documentation. Property owners would receive relocation assistance under Louisiana’s existing laws. The bill aims to protect military bases by removing potential security risks from foreign-controlled land.

Maddy summarySB 307 would authorize the display of the Ten Commandments as a historical monument on Louisiana State Capitol grounds, alongside other documents like the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence. The bill requires that such displays include context documents explaining their historical significance to the legal and cultural heritage of Louisiana and the U.S., and mandates that private donations fund the monument without state cost. It references Supreme Court rulings (Van Orden v. Perry and American Legion v. American Humanists Association) that permit religious historical displays on government property when privately funded. The commissioner of administration would oversee the installation, with the bill explicitly prohibiting state funding for the monument.

Maddy summarySB 399 creates the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to protect the state's colleges and universities from foreign adversaries. The law requires institutions to report and restrict gifts, contracts, research partnerships, and academic collaborations with entities from countries or groups designated as foreign adversaries, while prohibiting certain travel and gifts from such sources. It defines key terms like "foreign adversary" and "foreign source," and includes penalties for violations, such as the theft of trade secrets. The bill directly affects all Louisiana institutions of higher education that grant degrees or have a physical presence in the state.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution asks the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study whether it is possible to add hunting, conservation, and shooting sports classes to public school curricula for students in grades five through twelve. The study, which must be completed by March 1, 2027, will explore how these courses could fit into existing physical education programs or be offered as electives, covering topics like firearm safety, wildlife identification, and outdoor survival skills. The bill also considers whether completing such a course could lead to official Hunter Education Certification for students. Ultimately, the resolution directs the state education board and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to investigate this idea and report their findings to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution from the Louisiana Senate expressing condolences for the death of Katherine "Katy" Wells, a longtime employee of the Livingston Parish Public School System and Sheriff's Office who passed away at age 74. The measure formally acknowledges her service as a school crossing guard and paraeducator, noting her dedication to protecting students and her community over nearly forty years. The resolution extends appreciation for her contributions and directs that a copy be sent to her family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 145 recreates the Task Force on Protecting Louisiana's Critical Infrastructure from Foreign Adversaries to study threats to state assets such as military bases, energy facilities, and agricultural lands. The task force will consist of state legislators and designated representatives from various law enforcement and security agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and National Guard. Members will serve without pay but may receive travel expenses, and the group must submit its final report to the Senate by February 15, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 142 formally commends Braxton Whitesell, a resident of Walker, Louisiana, for winning the reserve champion title at the 2026 Hondo Rodeo Fest in New Orleans. The resolution highlights his extensive achievements in both high school and professional rodeo competitions as a way to recognize his accomplishments. This document serves as an official acknowledgment of his success and directs that a copy be sent to him.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests the Louisiana state retirement systems to review their investment portfolios for any holdings in companies controlled by the Chinese government or its military. The bill directs these systems to identify such investments, assess the associated risks, and create a plan to sell them off in a careful and orderly way. Trustees must also establish rules to prevent future investments in Chinese-linked entities and submit a detailed report to the Senate by December 1, 2026, listing the specific assets, their values, and the percentage of each portfolio they represent.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study the D.R.I.V.E. Initiative for improving Interstate 12 and its interchange with Interstate 55. The bill specifically requests an evaluation of shoulder improvements, merging lane safety, and the potential removal of ramp metering devices and surveillance cameras to reduce congestion. It directs the department to create a comprehensive, shovel-ready plan and submit quarterly updates to local legislators, with a final report due by August 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that encourages the state of Louisiana to strengthen economic ties and friendship with Taiwan. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change government policy, but rather serves as an official expression of support for the relationship. The text includes minor grammatical corrections and clarifications to the original wording regarding the partnership between Louisiana and the United States. Because it is a House Concurrent Resolution, it has no legal effect and does not require the signature of the governor to take action.