Sen. Bob Hensgens

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution expressing condolences to the family of former Louisiana State Senator Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka, who passed away on January 10, 2026. The resolution formally acknowledges his legacy of public service as a district attorney, judge, and legislator, while also recognizing his contributions to his community and family. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as an official statement of respect from the Louisiana Senate. The document will be sent to Kostelka's family as a gesture of appreciation for his life and career.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes Senate President Cameron Henry, Jr. for being selected as the 2026 Irish Grand Marshal in the 44th Annual Irish-Italian Parade in Metairie, Louisiana. The resolution highlights the parade's history since 1983, its role in celebrating Irish and Italian heritage, and the significance of Henry's appointment alongside Italian Grand Marshal Erik Youngblood. The document notes that the parade attracts large crowds and supports local nonprofits, while also mentioning that the LSU Tiger Marching Band led the procession this year. This measure serves as an official expression of appreciation from the Louisiana Senate for Henry's participation in this community event.

Maddy summarySB 5 regulates artificial intelligence mental health chatbots operating in Louisiana. It requires operators to clearly disclose upfront that the chatbot is AI (not human), provide crisis protocols for suicidal thoughts or self-harm (e.g., connecting to hotlines), and prohibit sharing users' personal health data without consent. The bill also bans using user input to target ads for products/services (except for the chatbot itself) and restricts in-chat advertising without clear disclosure of sponsorships. These rules apply specifically to chatbots marketed as providing mental health therapy or treatment, directly affecting operators and users in Louisiana.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 244) is a technical correction to the state code governing the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. It primarily removes redundant references and adjusts specific code sections (like changing "30:4.1(B), 4.1(B)(1)" to "30:4.1(B)(1)") to ensure legal consistency. The bill does not create new policies, programs, or funding - it only clarifies existing statutory language. It directly affects the department's administrative code but has no direct impact on citizens or businesses. This is a procedural update, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 143 amends Louisiana law to change the term lengths for board members of two Vermilion Parish hospital districts. It specifies that members of Vermilion Parish Hospital Service District No. 1 (governed by an eight-member board) serve six-year initial terms followed by four-year terms, with the chief medical staff at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital serving automatically. For District No. 2 (a seven-member board), physician appointees serve two-year terms, while other members serve six-year terms followed by four-year terms. The bill directly affects the governance structure of these two specific hospital service districts.

Maddy summarySB 14 delays the implementation date for certain nutrition-related public health provisions from January 1, 2027, to January 1, 2028. The bill directly affects state public health programs implementing these nutrition standards. This amendment, adopted by the Senate with unanimous support, adjusts the timeline for compliance without altering the underlying policy requirements. The full bill's specific nutrition provisions are not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summarySB 221 amends Louisiana's massage therapy licensing laws to affect licensed therapists and massage establishments. Key provisions include requiring annual license renewals with proof of continuing education, mandating state/federal background checks for certain licensees (prior to April 2022 and August 2025), and prohibiting massage establishments from being used as residential housing unless zoned for it. The bill also adds board authority to adopt rules preventing fraud, abuse, or human trafficking related to the industry. These changes aim to strengthen licensing oversight and safety standards within the massage therapy profession.

Maddy summarySB 126 adds a specific exemption for charter schools from reporting school mapping data requirements under Louisiana law (R.S. 17:416.16.1). The bill directly affects charter schools operating under Louisiana's Chapter 3996, exempting them from this data collection mandate unless otherwise required by their approved charter. Key provisions clarify that charter schools are exempt from "all statutory mandates" applicable to public schools, with this mapping data requirement explicitly listed as one of the exempted provisions. This change modifies existing law to remove a specific reporting obligation for charter schools, while public schools remain subject to the mapping data requirement. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for charter schools within existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summarySB 36 modifies procedures for public hearings related to mineral regulations. It requires the commissioner to give "substantial consideration to local government comments" during public comment periods or hearings under mineral laws. This procedural change directly affects local governments submitting comments and the commissioner making decisions on mineral-related matters. The bill does not alter carbon sequestration policies or create new regulations.

Maddy summarySB 37 reorganizes the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission, creating an 18-member body under the governor. It specifies that 15 members must be active licensees in the motor vehicle industry (with representation from leasing, truck sales, marine sales, motorcycle sales, recreational vehicle sales, and sales finance sectors), while the remaining three are public members with legal expertise who resolve disputes between industry participants. The bill establishes clear appointment rules, qualifications, and a dedicated dispute resolution panel for conflicts involving dealers, manufacturers, or consumers. This affects motor vehicle industry licensees and dispute resolution processes, but does not create new regulations or financial obligations.