Sen. Regina Barrow

Maddy summaryHB 163 modifies Louisiana law concerning victims of certain sex-related crimes by amending specific sections (R.S. 15:539.1(F)(3) and 539.2) to clarify how courts handle fines and forfeitures from related cases. It directly affects victims in these cases by ensuring court-ordered financial penalties remain unchanged under the revised provisions. The bill’s key mechanism adds a specific statement that court dispositions of fines under R.S. 15:571.11 are not altered by these changes. As of May 2025, it has passed committee amendments and is pending third reading in the legislature.

Maddy summarySCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution commending the LSU Shreveport Pilots Baseball Team for winning the 2025 NAIA Baseball National Championship. It recognizes their historic 59-0 undefeated season, which broke the previous college baseball record and marked the program's first national title. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Louisiana Legislature, formally congratulates the team, coach, and university for their achievements and individual honors. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or impact on policy, regulations, or any specific individuals beyond the stated recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 56 is a technical amendment to clarify that flag size is included in provisions regarding the display of the U.S. flag. The bill adds "size" to the existing language, ensuring flag display regulations explicitly cover dimensions. It does not create new restrictions or rights but refines existing wording for clarity. The bill was reported favorably by the committee (9-0) and is moving forward in the legislative process. This is a procedural adjustment with no substantive policy change or direct impact on any specific group.

Maddy summaryHB 74 requires vehicle manufacturers to create a clear process for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking to disconnect remote vehicle tracking services. The bill mandates that manufacturers include a prominent, visible website link titled "HOW TO DISCONNECT REMOTE VEHICLE ACCESS" on their official sites. This direct policy change ensures victims can easily terminate unwanted vehicle monitoring without needing court intervention for these specific safety concerns.

Maddy summaryHB 454 would require Medicaid to cover specific doula services for eligible enrollees. This bill directly affects Medicaid recipients who use certified doula services during pregnancy and postpartum care. The key provision mandates that Medicaid plans include coverage for these services, though the bill text does not specify exact service types or eligibility criteria beyond "certain" doula care. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Health and Welfare Committee unanimously. This policy change would expand access to doula support for low-income individuals under the state's Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 180) is a ceremonial commendation by the Louisiana Senate honoring Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a young man who has battled brain and spinal cancer since age six, and his family. It recognizes DJ's resilience, his dream of becoming a police officer inspired after Hurricane Harvey, and his honorary appointments with over 1,300 law enforcement agencies, including a 2025 swearing-in as a U.S. Secret Service agent. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create any legal obligations or affect policies - it serves solely to publicly acknowledge DJ's story and his family's support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 175) formally commends five Southern University students - Loren Sullivan, Verbon Muhammad, Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, and Erich White, known as "The Dream Team" - for winning an Emmy Award for their documentary *The Hidden Sport*. The film highlights the dedication, cultural significance, and athleticism of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands, specifically Southern University’s Human Jukebox. The resolution recognizes their achievement in the Sports Emmy Awards category and their use of a Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant to produce the work. It serves as a ceremonial honor, celebrating their national recognition and contributions to elevating HBCU culture.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 171) continues the existing Task Force on the Regulation of Community-Based Residential Settings through July 1, 2026. It maintains the task force's current membership, responsibilities, and focus on studying regulations for community-based residential settings, requiring a final report by March 1, 2026. The Louisiana Department of Health will continue providing staff support, and task force members serve without pay beyond standard per diem or expense reimbursement. This is a procedural continuation, not a new policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 132) requires Louisiana's Office of Juvenile Justice to report to Senate committees on complaints, investigations, and lawsuits at six specific juvenile care facilities (including Acadiana Center, WARE Youth Center, and others) from 2020-2025. The report must detail incidents like assaults, sexual battery, and rape complaints; investigation outcomes; and settled lawsuits, itemized by facility and year. It must be submitted to the Senate Committees on Finance and Judiciary B by February 1, 2026. This is a transparency measure focused on facility-level data, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Senate's Select Committee on Women and Children to study whether parents should have equal time with their children when feasible, referencing Senate Bill 267 (2024) which proposed related custody programs. It focuses on examining the potential benefits of equal custodial arrangements for children's well-being, while acknowledging concerns about parental alienation or interference with court orders. The study will involve input from child welfare agencies, legal advocates, and judges, but does not create new law or change existing custody procedures. The committee must report findings by March 2026, with no direct impact on current custody cases or legislation.