Sen. Franklin Foil

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 summarySR 176 is a non-binding resolution recognizing Louisiana's acknowledgment of a nationwide retirement security crisis affecting workers, particularly older adults. It highlights factors like rising healthcare costs, declining pension plans, and data showing 80% of households aged 60+ face financial insecurity. The resolution urges federal and state policymakers to pursue solutions - such as promoting lifetime income investment options in retirement plans and increasing financial education - without creating new laws or funding. It does not directly affect individuals or alter existing retirement systems, as it serves only to formally recognize the issue and call for action.

Maddy summarySR 168 is a Louisiana Senate resolution expressing sincere condolences to the family and friends of James Hardy "Jimmy" Gill Jr. following his passing on June 13, 2024. The resolution honors his life of service as a veteran, attorney, educator, and community leader who contributed to Baton Rouge and Louisiana through his work in law, business, academia, and ministry. It specifically recognizes his military service, legal career, teaching at LSU, and dedication to faith-based community initiatives. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his legacy.

Maddy summarySB 66 defines "military status" to clarify protections against discrimination in education, employment, public accommodations, and housing. It specifically includes active/reserve U.S. military members and their dependents (with a defined 180-day support requirement) under existing anti-discrimination law. The bill adds this definition to Louisiana Revised Statute 23:322(10), making it explicit who qualifies for these protections. The Senate unanimously passed the bill (39-0) in April 2025, sending it to the House for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 118 modifies Louisiana's tax code to exclude certain deposits into ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience Accounts) from state income tax. Starting in 2026, account owners can exclude up to $2,400 annually (single filers) or $4,800 (joint filers) per beneficiary for qualified disability expenses, with unused amounts rolling over to future years. This applies only to deposits made for beneficiaries with disabilities, excluding the funds from taxable income calculations. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents using ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. It takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 58 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana law called "child grooming" (defined under R.S. 14:81.7), making it illegal to commit or attempt to commit acts intended to build a relationship with a minor for sexual purposes. This bill directly affects individuals who engage in such grooming behavior and law enforcement handling related cases. The key provision adds "child grooming" as a specific sexual offense against minors under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:541(25)(o)), and also treats equivalent crimes committed in other jurisdictions as if they occurred in Louisiana (R.S. 15:541(25)(p)). The bill amends existing criminal codes to formally define and criminalize this conduct.

Maddy summarySCR 63 is a concurrent resolution commending Coach Claney Duplechin for his 50 years of coaching at the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. It recognizes his 68 state championships, 25 consecutive boys' cross country titles, national coaching awards, and induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. The resolution formally congratulates him for his contributions to Louisiana high school athletics and character development. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySCR 65 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge for its athletic achievements in multiple sports during the 2024-2025 season. It specifically recognizes state championship and runner-up finishes in cross country, swimming, track and field, powerlifting, golf, and tennis. The resolution has no policy impact or financial effect; it serves solely to acknowledge the school's athletic programs through formal legislative praise. This procedural resolution passed unanimously in the Senate (32-0) and is now awaiting final legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution commemorates the 175th anniversary of Louisiana's Old State Capitol opening as the home of the Louisiana Legislature in 1850. It recognizes the building's historical significance as a site that housed state government until 1932 and now operates as a museum. The resolution honors the Capitol's role in educating the public about Louisiana's political history through its museum, Youth Legislature program, and annual visits by over 50,000 people. It does not create new laws or affect specific policies, but formally celebrates this historic site's enduring educational mission.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 165) expresses the Louisiana Senate's heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Harold Lee Price, a Baton Rouge resident who died on February 5, 2025, at age 86. It honors his life, including his service in state government under multiple governors, his marriage to Pat Price, and his community involvement. As a purely ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups beyond this symbolic expression of sympathy. The Senate formally adopted it on June 3, 2025.