Sen. Regina Barrow

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution expressing condolences to the family of former Louisiana State Senator Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka, who passed away on January 10, 2026. The resolution formally acknowledges his legacy of public service as a district attorney, judge, and legislator, while also recognizing his contributions to his community and family. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as an official statement of respect from the Louisiana Senate. The document will be sent to Kostelka's family as a gesture of appreciation for his life and career.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a procedural step for the Louisiana Senate by creating a five-member committee to formally notify the House of Representatives that the Senate has officially convened and is ready to conduct business. The committee's role is administrative, ensuring proper inter-chamber communication before legislative work begins. It does not create new laws or policies but facilitates the standard opening of the legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural resolution that invites Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to speak to both the House and Senate together on March 9, 2026. It directs the two legislative chambers to meet in a single session in the House chamber for this purpose. The measure does not change laws or policies but simply schedules and authorizes the joint address event.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a committee of five senators to work with a similar House committee in notifying the governor that the legislative session has officially begun and is ready to receive his communications. It creates a formal procedural step to coordinate between the Senate and House regarding the official convening of the legislature. The resolution does not change substantive laws or policies but rather sets up an administrative process for inter-branch communication at the start of the legislative session.

Maddy summaryHB 86 creates a statewide registry for individuals convicted of two or more domestic abuse offenses in Louisiana, directly affecting repeat offenders convicted under specific laws (such as battery, aggravated assault, stalking, or violating protective orders). The bill requires these individuals to register with local law enforcement upon release or as a probation/parole condition, providing detailed personal information including addresses, employment, vehicles, and physical descriptions. Offenders must pay a $250 annual fee ($100 of which funds domestic abuse programs), and failure to register or provide false information is punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The registry, maintained by the state bureau, will be publicly accessible to enhance community safety awareness.

Maddy summarySB 231 requires Louisiana's state housing agency to maintain a statewide online database of blighted properties using a "housing locator system." This system must be updated regularly and made publicly accessible via the agency's website. The bill directly affects the state housing agency (which must implement the system) and the public (which gains online access to the blighted property list). It creates a concrete mechanism for transparency by standardizing how blighted property data is collected and shared, replacing previous methods with a centralized, public digital resource.

Maddy summarySB 240 creates a new "Type IV" license for prekindergarten programs attached to public schools in Louisiana, exempting these centers from certain licensing requirements that apply to other early learning centers. Specifically, Type IV centers are exempt from mandatory criminal background checks for staff (per Section 407.42(A)(3)) and from employee training requirements on shaken baby syndrome (per Section 407.40(A)(7)). The bill also requires Type IV centers to be inspected by the Louisiana Department of Health under school regulations and mandates their representation on advisory councils and the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission. This affects school-based prekindergarten programs, ensuring they operate under streamlined rules while maintaining overall safety standards for all early learning centers.

Maddy summarySB 247 requires parish voluntary councils on aging in Louisiana to submit their bank statements to the legislative auditor by the last day of each month. This bill directly affects all 64 parish voluntary councils on aging, mandating monthly financial transparency. The key provision amends state law to specify that these councils must provide bank statements monthly for audit, replacing a previous requirement for less frequent submissions. The bill focuses solely on streamlining financial reporting to the legislative auditor, with no substantive policy changes to council operations.

Maddy summarySB 265 would abolish Louisiana's Department of Children and Family Services by repealing all statutes that reference or govern the department. This includes removing the department's name and structure from over 200 sections across Louisiana Revised Statutes and the Children's Code, effectively eliminating the agency. The bill directly affects the department's operations, staff, and all programs previously managed under its authority. Key mechanisms involve repealing specific provisions (like R.S. 15:587.5 and R.S. 17:407.51) that defined the department's role, rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summarySB 309 requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety to establish rules governing pricing for prelicensing driving courses. It directly affects licensed driving schools (Class D/E providers) and adult students (18+) who take these courses instead of standard driver education. The bill mandates the department create rules covering course fees, classroom size, and facilities, without setting specific price points. These rules will be developed through administrative processes and reviewed by transportation committees. The legislation standardizes pricing oversight for this specific type of driver training.