Sen. Gerald Boudreaux

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates legal protections for victims of human trafficking who committed prostitution-related offenses. It establishes an affirmative defense allowing victims (both minors and adults) to avoid prosecution for crimes like prostitution (R.S. 14:82) or solicitation (R.S. 14:83) if those acts resulted directly from trafficking. The bill also presumes children engaged in prostitution are trafficking victims, exempting them from prosecution and requiring referral to specialized services for sexually exploited children. Adults determined to be trafficking victims must be notified about available support services, while children automatically qualify for existing victim assistance programs under Louisiana law.

Maddy summaryHB 584 requires Louisiana's local social services districts to provide foster children aged 14-18 with durable, reusable luggage (such as backpacks, boxes, or suitcases) instead of garbage bags when they move between foster homes. This policy change directly affects youth in foster care by ensuring their belongings are transported safely and with dignity. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of garbage bags for this purpose and defines the responsibility of social services districts to provide the required luggage. It amends Louisiana law to guarantee this specific right for older foster youth during placement transitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific limits on how many legislative proposals individual lawmakers can submit during a single annual session. It restricts non-committee leaders to ten prefiled bills, while committee vice chairs and chairs are allowed up to twelve and fifteen bills, respectively. The legislation also caps the number of resolutions a member can introduce at ten, excluding routine or perfunctory items. Certain essential bills, such as those for state appropriations and capital projects, are exempt from these counting limits to ensure critical funding measures can be proposed without restriction.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 171 is a non-binding resolution that formally expresses condolences to the family and friends of Troy Carter, the general manager of the Chicken Shack restaurant in Baton Rouge. The bill acknowledges Carter's life and his unique role in sharing inspirational messages with customers for over 17 years, noting his impact on the community and the restaurant staff. This measure serves as an official gesture of respect and appreciation from the Louisiana Senate rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 165 is a ceremonial measure that formally commends the filmmakers and contributors of the documentary film 'Built on Zydeco.' The resolution recognizes the film as a significant Louisiana-made work that celebrates the history, music, and cultural legacy of Zydeco. It does not create new laws or alter state policy but serves to honor the artists and the private screening event in Lafayette.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes and commends the Lewisburg-Bellevue Water System for its long-standing service to residents of St. Landry Parish. The resolution highlights the system's role in providing safe, reliable water and fire protection since its establishment in 1969, replacing older private wells with modern infrastructure. It expresses appreciation for the system's board members, employees, and community leaders who have maintained compliance with state and federal health standards. The bill has no legal effect on laws or budgets and serves only as an official statement of gratitude from the Louisiana Senate.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a study on improving access to breast pumps for Medicaid recipients. The proposed study would examine the impact of raising the state's Medicaid reimbursement rate for breast pumps from $80 to $140. Key areas of investigation include current usage rates, how other states handle reimbursement, supplier participation, and the potential health and financial effects of better access. The department is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by February 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 184 formally commends and congratulates Foster L. Campbell Jr. on completing fifty years of continuous elected service in Louisiana as a state senator and Public Service Commissioner. This procedural resolution honors his long career, which includes authoring significant legislation on rural electric cooperatives, consumer protection, and education funding, as well as his leadership in reforming the Public Service Commission. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of his contributions to the state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 183 is a commemorative measure that formally congratulates blues legend George 'Buddy' Guy on his 90th birthday. The resolution recognizes his lifelong contributions to music and culture, highlighting his origins in Louisiana and his influence on artists worldwide. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official expression of gratitude from the Louisiana Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that asks the American Sugarcane League, LSU AgCenter, and Southern University Agricultural Center to keep researching new equipment that reduces the need to burn sugarcane fields after harvest. The request specifically targets these organizations and agricultural manufacturers to develop technology that addresses air quality and soil health concerns while maintaining efficient farming practices. As a procedural measure, the resolution does not create new laws or regulations but instead formally encourages ongoing collaborative work on this specific agricultural issue.