Sen. Mike Fési

Maddy summarySCR 54 is a non-binding legislative resolution commending Glenn Guilbeau for receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism and being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It formally recognizes his professional achievements, including decades of coverage of SEC sports and multiple awards from sports journalism organizations. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Louisiana Legislature.

Maddy summarySB 57 would create a new income limit for seniors aged 65+ who qualify for a homestead property tax exemption. Specifically, it prohibits individuals with adjusted gross income over $250,000 (as reported on federal tax returns) from receiving the special assessment, with the limit adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index starting in 2027. This applies to both single and married filers (where combined income is used for "married filing separately"). The bill directly affects older homeowners seeking property tax relief under the homestead exemption program, effective for tax years beginning in 2027.

Maddy summarySCR 34 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Louisiana Legislature to formally commend Peggy Feehan, Executive Director of CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana), for receiving France's Order of Academic Palms. The resolution recognizes her career-long work advancing French language education, preserving Francophone cultural heritage, and fostering international partnerships in Louisiana and globally. Key provisions include the Legislature's official expression of praise for her contributions and the commitment to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Feehan. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of her achievements in cultural diplomacy.

Maddy summarySCR 33 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Covington Fire Chief Gary Blocker Jr.'s 27 years of service and expressing condolences to his family following his passing on May 6, 2025. It formally honors his contributions to the Covington Fire Department, including founding the Fire Prevention Bureau and improving community safety, without creating any new laws or affecting any individuals or entities beyond the symbolic recognition. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Louisiana Legislature on May 13, 2025, and transmitted to his family.

Maddy summarySCR 26 is a concurrent resolution that urges and requests the Louisiana Secretary of State, Nancy Landry, to review the state's election efforts. The resolution specifically asks her to consider presidential executive orders (EO 14248 and EO 13873) related to election integrity, foreign interference in information technology, and citizenship requirements for federal elections. The purpose of this review is to ensure fair, free, and unbiased state elections and to recommend any necessary changes to the Election Code.

Maddy summarySCR 12 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates St. Patrick's Day. It also acknowledges the cultural and historic ties between Ireland and Louisiana, and the establishment of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. The resolution directs that copies be sent to the national co-chairs of the caucus.

Maddy summarySB 45 exempts certain veterans and their spouses from paying sales and use taxes on motor vehicle purchases. It also provides an exemption for these individuals from the vehicle registration and license tax. An amendment clarifies that this tax exemption extends to military honor personalized or special prestige license plates. These provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2 is a technical amendment to existing public water system regulations, correcting wording in legal references (changing terms like "Subparagraph (a)" to "Paragraph (1)" and "Section 3" to "Section 2"). It does not create new requirements or affect water system operators directly; it only updates the phrasing of current law. The bill passed the Senate on April 30, 2025, with 24 votes in favor and 10 against, and is now pending in the House. As a procedural correction, it has no substantive policy impact.

Maddy summarySR 50 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes Monday, April 28, 2025, as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution celebrates the contributions and achievements of Louisiana's eight HBCUs.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.