Sen. Mark Abraham

Maddy summarySCR 42 is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Melvin Lee "Kip" Holden, a former state legislator, mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish, and trailblazing public servant who passed away on May 14, 2025. It honors his career, including his service in the Louisiana House and Senate, his tenure as East Baton Rouge Parish's first African American mayor-president, and his work on initiatives like downtown revitalization and HIV/AIDS awareness. The resolution does not enact any policy changes or affect specific groups; it is purely a symbolic gesture of respect. It passed unanimously (33-0) in the Senate and was adopted without amendments by the House.

Maddy summarySCR 50 is a ceremonial resolution commending Dale Weiner for his 2025 induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes his 47-year high school football coaching career, including 317 wins at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, 18 state championships, and his role mentoring athletes who advanced to college and the NFL. The resolution has no policy impact or binding effect - it simply expresses legislative appreciation. As a procedural commendation, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any group of people.

Maddy summaryLouisiana's SCR 14 is a resolution urging Congress to reform the H-2A visa program's wage rules. It directly affects Louisiana farmers who rely on temporary agricultural workers, as current rules require them to pay higher wages based on non-farm wage data, increasing costs significantly. The bill requests Congress rescind the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) system and instead mandate that all H-2A wage calculations use only the Farm Labor Survey data, which reflects actual agricultural wages. This change would align wage requirements with the specific needs of farm labor, reducing financial strain on growers who spend nearly 40% of cash expenses on labor. The resolution aims to make H-2A workers more affordable and accessible for Louisiana's agricultural workforce.

Maddy summarySCR 54 is a non-binding legislative resolution commending Glenn Guilbeau for receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism and being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It formally recognizes his professional achievements, including decades of coverage of SEC sports and multiple awards from sports journalism organizations. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Louisiana Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 174 designates a specific bridge on U.S. 167 in Winn Parish as the "Clayton Horne Memorial Bridge." This bill directly affects the location of the bridge and honors Clayton Horne through its official name. The bill contains no substantive policy changes or funding mechanisms - it solely updates the bridge's official designation. Amendments clarify the reference to the highway as "United States Highway 167" but do not alter the memorial purpose. As a naming resolution, it has no operational or financial impact beyond the ceremonial designation.

Maddy summarySCR 34 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Louisiana Legislature to formally commend Peggy Feehan, Executive Director of CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana), for receiving France's Order of Academic Palms. The resolution recognizes her career-long work advancing French language education, preserving Francophone cultural heritage, and fostering international partnerships in Louisiana and globally. Key provisions include the Legislature's official expression of praise for her contributions and the commitment to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Feehan. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of her achievements in cultural diplomacy.

Maddy summarySCR 33 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Covington Fire Chief Gary Blocker Jr.'s 27 years of service and expressing condolences to his family following his passing on May 6, 2025. It formally honors his contributions to the Covington Fire Department, including founding the Fire Prevention Bureau and improving community safety, without creating any new laws or affecting any individuals or entities beyond the symbolic recognition. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Louisiana Legislature on May 13, 2025, and transmitted to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 105 modifies Louisiana's education assessment program, requiring schools to use nationally normed assessments for school and district accountability. It mandates the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to implement standards-based tests in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, with achievement levels set by referencing national student scores. These tests will be administered from grades three through eleven. Fourth and eighth-grade students must still demonstrate proficiency in ELA and math to advance, with these proficiency levels also tied to national benchmarks. Additionally, BESE must investigate and report by early 2026 on nationally normed assessments suitable for federal accountability requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 102 designates Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as Southwest Louisiana Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution acknowledges the region's contributions to the state's economy and energy development.

Maddy summarySCR 12 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes and celebrates St. Patrick's Day. It also acknowledges the cultural and historic ties between Ireland and Louisiana, and the establishment of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. The resolution directs that copies be sent to the national co-chairs of the caucus.