Sen. Mike Fési

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 90 prohibits betting or wagering on election outcomes in Louisiana. It directly affects anyone who makes, accepts, or facilitates bets related to elections, including offering bets, taking shares, or providing funds for such wagers. The bill adds specific prohibitions to election offense laws, banning actions like placing bets on election results or acting as a party to election-related wagers. This creates a clear legal ban on gambling activities tied to elections, effective August 1, 2025.

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 94 clarifies the legal definition of "waters of the state" in Louisiana law. It specifically excludes certain wetlands classified as "fastlands" under state law (R.S. 49:214.23(6)) if they lack a continuous surface connection to other waters. The bill amends existing statutes to remove outdated references and formally define this exclusion, primarily affecting how state water regulations apply to specific wetland areas. This is a technical clarification of legal definitions, not a new policy affecting residents or businesses.

Maddy summarySB 46 prohibits intentionally releasing or dispersing chemicals into Louisiana's environment with the purpose of altering temperature, specifically limiting this ban to activities occurring below 1,000 feet above ground level. The bill directly affects individuals or entities seeking to use chemical dispersal for weather modification within the state. Key provisions include the 1,000-foot altitude restriction (added via amendments) and authorization for state environmental departments to use Louisiana Air National Guard surveillance capabilities for enforcement. The bill passed the Senate (27-12) on April 28, 2025, and now moves to the House for consideration.

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 summaryThis is a symbolic condolence resolution (SR 155), not a policy bill. It expresses the Louisiana Senate's sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil Alexander Robertson following his passing on May 25, 2025. The resolution details his life as a Louisiana native, entrepreneur (creator of the "Duck Commander" brand), reality TV figure ("Duck Dynasty"), and community contributor, highlighting his family values and faith. It has no legislative effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 156) that formally commends Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry for receiving the 2025 David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. The resolution recognizes his 27-year judicial service, leadership as the first African American Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal, and his lifelong commitment to pro bono legal work benefiting underserved communities. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, regulations, or government operations - it is purely a symbolic honor. The Senate passed it on June 1, 2025, and transmitted a copy to Justice Guidry.

Maddy summaryHB 648 increases the qualifying fees for candidates running for elected office in the state. The additional funds collected from these higher fees are specifically dedicated to a new "Campaign Sign Recycling Fund." This bill directly affects candidates seeking office by raising their initial filing costs, while the recycled materials fund aims to manage post-election campaign signage. The key provision is the fee increase and the mandatory allocation of the extra revenue to the recycling program, rather than general state funds. The bill was recently discharged from the Appropriations Committee after committee amendments.

Maddy summarySB 190 designates specific road segments in certain parishes to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing road descriptions to clarify the designated sections (e.g., changing "overpass to" to "overpass and"). It has no funding requirements or new obligations - it solely provides a commemorative name for existing roadways. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and is now moving to the House for consideration.