Sen. Heather Cloud

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 57) passed by the Louisiana State Legislature to express condolences for Steven J. Miguez, a businessman and community member from Iberia Parish, following his death on February 24, 2025. The resolution recognizes his life of service, including founding businesses like Iberia Crew Boat & Marine Service and Miguez Fuel, his competitive shooting achievements, and his family. It has no policy provisions or direct effect on laws or constituents - it solely offers legislative condolences to his family. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate (34-0) and passed through the House without amendments.

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 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 summarySenate Bill 227, a substitute bill, modifies state unemployment compensation laws affecting employers and separated employees. It extends the required timeframe for employers to submit notices of employee separation to the administrator from three to ten days, and mandates that these notices be electronically transmitted to the administrator. Additionally, the bill alters how certain unemployment benefits, specifically those paid following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, are funded by removing the requirement for them to be recouped through a general social charge account that affects all employers.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 184, titled the "Transparent Responsible Use of State Tax-dollars (T.R.U.S.T.) Act," creates new requirements for state agencies distributing funds to private organizations. When state agencies provide specific funds allocated by the legislature to these groups, they must develop a plan with the organization for how the money will be paid out. This plan ensures funds meet the organization's cash flow needs and fulfill the appropriation's purpose. A key provision is that state agencies are prohibited from distributing these funds on a reimbursement basis, meaning they cannot pay back the organization after it has already spent its own money.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family and friends of Arwin Patrick Bascle upon her passing. It also honors her life, legacy, and contributions to the political fabric of Louisiana.

Maddy summarySR 64 is a resolution that commends the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA) for its efforts to end sexual violence. It also designates Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as Denim Day at the Louisiana State Capitol to raise awareness about sexual assault and support survivors.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 55 commends the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women (LFRW) for their work as a volunteer political organization. This resolution designates April 30, 2025, as Louisiana Federation of Republican Women Day at the Louisiana State Capitol.