Sen. Mark Abraham

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law by removing the word 'Title' from a specific section. The change is a minor technical edit that does not alter the substantive rules protecting underground infrastructure or the responsibilities of utility companies and construction crews. As a procedural amendment, it streamlines the legal text without introducing new policies or affecting public behavior.

Maddy summaryHB 401 designates the elevated section of U.S. Highway 190 over the Bogue Falaya River in Covington, St. Tammany Parish, as the "Corporal Justin D. McLeese Memorial Bridge" to honor a military corporal. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $2,250 per sign. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no substantive policy changes, solely commemorating an individual through a public infrastructure designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of Louisiana Highway 1090 in Slidell as the 'Louis 'Pat' Miramon Memorial Highway' to honor an individual. The law requires the Department of Transportation and Development to install signs marking this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the full cost of materials and installation. The bill does not change traffic rules or funding sources, as it relies on outside contributions to pay for the signage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a previous law to correct a drafting error by changing the word "Section" to "Subsection" within the text governing driver's licenses for individuals with brain injuries. The change does not alter the actual policy or the rights of people with brain injuries, as it only fixes a technical classification in the statute. Consequently, the bill has no direct impact on daily life or specific groups beyond ensuring the existing legal framework is written correctly. It is a procedural measure intended to maintain the accuracy of the state's vehicle and emergency codes.

Maddy summarySB 29 requires Louisiana coroners to perform autopsies on infants under one year and children under fifteen who die unexpectedly without explanation. The autopsies must include toxicology, microscopic exams, and review of immunization records from the state registry, with coroners documenting recent immunizations in the report. Coroner findings of sudden infant death (SIDS) or similar causes must be reported to local health units within 48 hours and to the CDC/NIH registry. Parents may object in writing to an autopsy, but coroners may override this if public health or safety requires it. The bill directly affects coroners, health departments, and the state immunization registry.

Maddy summarySB 125 increases compensation for people wrongfully convicted in Louisiana. It raises the annual payment rate from $25,000 to $40,000 per year incarcerated, with a new maximum total of $600,000 starting August 1, 2026 (up from $400,000 previously). It also allows those convicted before July 2022 to apply for supplemental payments (up to $40,000 annually) by August 1, 2027, and offers a $250,000 lump sum option for new claims filed after July 2022. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents who were wrongfully imprisoned and seek financial redress under state law.

Maddy summarySB 326 updates Louisiana's licensing definitions and requirements for contractors by amending multiple sections of state law related to the State Licensing Board for Contractors. The bill clarifies key terms like "contractor" (including commercial, residential, and home improvement categories), defines "project value" to include all labor and material costs, and sets specific thresholds: $50,000 for commercial projects, $7,500 for residential improvements or mold remediation. It also refines the role of "home improvement contractors" (for projects $7,500-$50,000) and excludes certain equipment-related work from licensing requirements. The bill focuses on standardizing terminology and scope of work for licensing enforcement, directly affecting contractors who perform construction, repairs, or installations above these financial thresholds.

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 summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the formal condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family of Carroll Wade Shaddock Jr., who passed away in November 2025. The document honors his life as a retired Army officer, educator, and community leader who served in Vietnam and dedicated his career to supporting scholarships in Southwest Louisiana. It acknowledges his specific contributions, such as originating scholarships at McNeese State University and mentoring young men, while noting his survival by his wife and several descendants. The resolution concludes by formally commending his dedication to public service and transmitting a copy of the text to his family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Stine Home & Yard to mark its eightieth anniversary and recognize its long-standing contributions to Louisiana and the Gulf South region. The bill highlights the company's history, from its founding in 1946 by former World War II pilots to its growth into a major family-owned home improvement retailer serving customers across Louisiana and Mississippi. It specifically notes the business's commitment to community service, disaster recovery efforts following hurricanes, and its dedication to ethical operations and employee support. The resolution concludes by expressing appreciation for the company's legacy and directs a copy of the document to the Stine family and its leadership.