Sen. Regina Barrow

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Coach Pat Collins, who passed away in February 2026. The document honors his life by briefly outlining his extensive coaching career, which included leading teams to a national championship and serving in various educational and administrative roles. It also acknowledges his personal legacy as a devoted family man and mentor before officially transmitting a copy of the resolution to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal commendation that does not change any laws or create new policies. It recognizes the Louisiana Lottery Corporation for its 35th anniversary and highlights its role in funding public education through the Minimum Foundation Program. Additionally, the resolution honors Rose Hudson for her 20 years of service as the corporation's president and CEO. The measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the organization's contributions and leadership rather than establishing new legal requirements.

Maddy summarySB 282 creates a special economic development district around Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) in East Baton Rouge Parish, excluding all residential properties (except hotels/motels) as of January 2026. The district, governed by a board appointed by the college president and business representatives, can levy taxes, issue bonds, and use tax revenue growth to fund projects like infrastructure and business development. It directly affects property owners within the defined district boundaries, businesses operating there, and BRCC, enabling collaborative economic growth without residential areas. The district functions as a local government authority with powers to acquire property, regulate fees, and pursue public improvement projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Wednesday, April 15, 2026, as Child Care Association of Louisiana Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It aims to honor the work of childcare business owners, early childhood educators, and support staff in the state. The resolution specifically commends the Child Care Association of Louisiana and its president, Tara Emery, for their efforts to improve early childhood education. This is a ceremonial measure that recognizes the importance of quality childcare services rather than changing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Jerry O. Arledge, a former high school football coach from West Monroe. The resolution formally acknowledges Arledge's contributions to high school athletics, noting his coaching career that included leading West Monroe High School to multiple championships and compiling a 104-22-1 record. It also records his honors from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in 2021 and directs a copy of the resolution to be sent to his wife, Sally Lytton Arledge.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Louis S. Reine for his retirement as president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO. It recognizes his nearly three decades of service to the labor organization, including his work as legislative assistant, director of political activities, and secretary-treasurer. The resolution highlights his extensive involvement in state boards, commissions, and community organizations, as well as his long history as a union member and family man. This document serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to workers and the state rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the duties of Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services to include setting minimum education and experience standards for state employees. A key provision requires that anyone investigating child abuse or neglect must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The legislation also directs the department to establish child protection centers across the state to provide emergency care, investigation, and rehabilitation services for abused and neglected children. Additionally, the bill empowers the department to create rules for local agencies and private partners while coordinating funding from various sources to support these centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Louisiana's child welfare laws to clarify how neglect is defined and how reports of abuse or neglect are handled. It directly affects parents, caregivers, and the Department of Children and Family Services by establishing clearer standards for what constitutes neglect. The bill specifies that neglect involves a parent or caregiver failing to provide necessary care that threatens a child's health or safety, while explicitly stating that poverty alone does not qualify as neglect. It also adds protection for children receiving treatment based on well-recognized religious healing methods, though courts can still order medical care if there is a substantial risk of harm. Additionally, the bill requires the department to assign a risk level to each report upon receipt before investigating whether abuse or neglect actually occurred.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Dr. Norman C. Francis following his death on February 18, 2026. It honors his life as a civil rights advocate, educator, and community leader who served as president of Xavier University for 47 years and played a key role in rebuilding Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The resolution formally acknowledges his legacy and directs a copy of the document to be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Saturday, March 21, 2026, as World Down Syndrome Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It recognizes the annual observance of this day, which honors individuals with Down syndrome and raises awareness about the condition. The resolution also commends the Down Syndrome Awareness Group and the Buddy Walk events held throughout Louisiana for their advocacy and community support efforts. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but instead acknowledges the contributions of people with Down syndrome to society.