Sen. Blake Miguez

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 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 279 requires all student organizations at Louisiana colleges and universities to provide annual anti-hazing education to members, prospective members, and volunteers. The bill mandates organizations adopt their institution's hazing prevention policy - including sanctions for hazing incidents - and deliver at least one hour of hazing prevention education each year through in-person or digital methods. Organizations must submit annual reports verifying participation, and institutions may terminate non-compliant groups, reporting terminations to education committees. This directly affects campus student organizations, not individual students or faculty. The legislation focuses on preventing hazing through mandatory education and institutional accountability.

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 9 expands restrictions on drone use by adding federal and state military installations and facilities to the list of locations where unmanned aircraft systems (drones) are prohibited. This directly affects drone operators, including hobbyists and commercial users, who would now be barred from flying drones near military bases and related facilities. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include these sites in the prohibited zones, updating the legal definition without changing penalty terms. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate and is now moving to the House for further consideration.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 92 authorizes the Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission to name the new laboratory building after former commission president Martin Bofill "Bo" Duhé. The bill honors Duhé for his service on the commission (2015-2021) and his role in securing funding for the 40,000-square-foot facility. It does not change policies or affect residents, but formally designates the building's name. The measure is purely commemorative, with no substantive legislative impact.