Sen. Brach Myers

Maddy summaryHB 652 allocates $240,608 in state funding to support seafood safety testing programs. The bill establishes a framework for testing seafood products for contaminants before they reach consumers. This affects seafood processors, retailers, and distributors who must use these testing services, while consumers benefit from enhanced food safety standards. The funding is specifically designated for testing under state oversight.

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 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 78 exempts rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS) and specific drug testing devices from being classified as "drug paraphernalia" under state law. This directly affects individuals who use these tools to test substances for fentanyl (a dangerous opioid), harm reduction organizations, and first responders. The bill explicitly states that FTS, FDA/National Institute of Justice-certified kits, and accredited lab devices (like gas chromatograph-mass spectrometers) cannot be considered illegal paraphernalia. However, it clarifies these tools cannot be used to manufacture or distribute controlled substances. The law aims to remove legal barriers to using these safety tools while maintaining restrictions on drug trafficking.

Maddy summarySB 98 increases penalties for the retail sale of nitrous oxide, a substance sometimes misused recreationally. It requires retail sellers to be at least 21 years old (amending existing age requirements) while removing the age limit for medical practitioners selling it. The bill directly affects businesses selling nitrous oxide for non-medical purposes, such as whipped cream chargers, by imposing stricter age verification and higher fines for violations. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (37-0) 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 211 modifies Louisiana's tax credit for firearm safety device purchases by clarifying that an "eligible transaction" must involve buying these devices (like gun locks) from a federally licensed dealer who collects sales tax. It explicitly excludes purchases of firearms themselves from qualifying for the credit. The bill applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and defines eligibility based on the dealer's licensing and tax collection requirements. This change affects Louisiana taxpayers seeking the credit for safety device purchases, not firearm buyers.

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.