Sen. Bob Hensgens

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.

Maddy summarySR 50 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes Monday, April 28, 2025, as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution celebrates the contributions and achievements of Louisiana's eight HBCUs.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 41 commends Assistant Professor Nikki May of Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE). It congratulates her for being named a 2025 recipient of the "Innovative Contributions to Online Learning" award, recognizing her dedication to advancing online education.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 42 recognizes the creation of the Walter Hauck NJCAA Coaches Association President of the Year Award. It also honors Coach Jeff Willis of Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE) as the inaugural recipient of this award for his leadership and contributions to junior college athletics.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 43 commends Braneshea Moore, an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Louisiana State University Eunice, for being awarded the 2024 Elsevier Educator of the Year by the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. This resolution formally recognizes her contributions to nursing education and her achievement of this national honor.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies existing rules for leasing state property to allow for energy-related projects. It permits leases to cover up to 5,000 acres, provided they receive specific approval from the Senate and House committees on natural resources and the environment. Without this approval, leases remain limited to a maximum of 35 acres. The change directly affects the Mineral Board and entities seeking to lease state land for energy development.

Maddy summaryHB 23 amends the statutes governing the Oilfield Site Restoration Fund to include a new category of revenue sources. Specifically, the bill updates legal references to ensure that funds collected under section 86(C) are treated the same as those under sections 83(C) through (I). Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the state's authority over the fund covers both the calculation and collection of these monies. These changes directly affect the administration of the fund by broadening its financial scope and refining the legal language used to manage it.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 13 is a procedural amendment to an appropriations bill that does not create new spending or change policy. It makes minor wording adjustments to clarify references to the State General Fund and adds the word "care" to a specific line item regarding medical costs. These changes are technical edits intended to ensure the bill's language is precise rather than to alter how money is distributed. The bill directly affects the legislative text of the larger appropriations package but has no independent impact on government operations or citizens.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing constitutional amendment that sets spending limits for state government operations. It updates the covered time period to the 2025-2026 fiscal year and adjusts the deadline for the budget limit calculation to no later than January 31, 2025. The legislation also changes the formula used to calculate these limits, allowing the state to consider economic factors from any of the three preceding years instead of just the two. These changes directly affect how the state determines its maximum allowable spending for the upcoming fiscal year.