Sen. Bob Hensgens

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 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 summarySR 28 is a resolution approving Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2026 annual integrated coastal protection plan, developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. The plan outlines state policies and projects for protecting, conserving, and restoring Louisiana's coastal areas, including hurricane protection and restoration initiatives. This resolution requires legislative approval to make the plan effective, as mandated by state law, and directly affects the implementation of coastal protection programs across the state.

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 Resolution 104 recognizes Tuesday, May 13, 2025, as Acadiana Red and White Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution formally acknowledges a day dedicated to celebrating the Acadiana region's identity, promoting its interests, and fostering dialogue between state lawmakers and local stakeholders from various sectors.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 88) commends the people and businesses of Louisiana's energy industry. It officially recognizes May 7, 2025, as Industry Day at the Louisiana State Capitol, acknowledging the industry's contributions to the state's economy and workforce. The resolution also expresses appreciation to energy companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and Chevron, and congratulates an advocate for the industry on his retirement.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 193 proposed the creation of a new state department, the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, with an effective date of August 1, 2025. This bill aimed to reorganize how the state manages its natural resources and energy. Amendments to the bill further refined its scope, including renaming the department to the Department of Conservation and Energy and Natural Resources, and establishing a section for water resource management. This bill was later substituted and became Senate Bill 244.

Maddy summarySCR 16 is a concurrent resolution that commends Camey Joseph Doucet for his lifelong contributions to Cajun music, Louisiana culture, and community broadcasting. It recognizes his career as a musician, radio disc jockey, and cultural ambassador.