Sen. Heather Cloud

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the northern bascule section of the U.S. Route 11 Maestri Bridge in St. Tammany Parish as the "Jimmy Buffett 'Changes in Latitude' Memorial Crossing." It directs the Department of Transportation and Development to install and maintain signs for this designation, provided that local or private funds cover the costs of materials and installation, with a limit of $550 per sign. The signage will be placed near the bridge's service building and, if additional funding is available, on the opposite side of the pier to be visible to boats.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Tianeptine to Schedule I of Louisiana's Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. By doing so, it classifies the substance as a drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, making its possession, sale, and distribution illegal under state law. The change applies to Tianeptine in any form, including its salts and isomers, unless it is part of a pharmaceutical product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This legislative action directly affects individuals who manufacture, distribute, or possess the substance and law enforcement officers who enforce these regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Advisory Council within the Louisiana Department of Health to provide guidance on issues affecting people with dementia. The council will be composed of specific members, including a representative from the home health industry with dementia experience, and the governor must appoint a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's or related dementia to the group. The legislation also updates the council's connection to the governor's office of elderly affairs and adjusts the number of members to twenty-two. These changes aim to create a formal advisory body focused on dementia care without altering existing funding or operational procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new specialty license plate in Louisiana dedicated to the Grambling State University World Famed Tiger Marching Band. The plate will be available to any Louisiana vehicle owner, including those driving cars, trucks, and motorcycles, provided there are at least 1,000 applicants. Each plate will cost an additional $25 in royalties, which must be used exclusively to support the university's marching band program, along with a small $3.50 administrative fee. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections is tasked with designing the plate in collaboration with university officials and issuing it once the necessary systems are updated.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that asks Congress to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative designed to help Louisiana residents afford internet service. The text includes minor wording changes to specify the "private-sector" rather than just "private" in its official description. As a memorial resolution, it does not create new laws or directly change state funding but serves as a formal request to the federal government. The measure has passed the Senate and is currently awaiting action by the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the Louisiana Legislature's intent that laws regarding sexual abuse of minors should not have time limits on when victims can file lawsuits. It specifically addresses a recent court ruling that declared previous attempts to revive expired claims unconstitutional, arguing that such time limits do not create permanent rights for the accused. The bill asserts that the state has a legitimate interest in addressing child abuse by allowing victims to seek justice regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. Ultimately, it serves as a formal legislative statement supporting the removal of expiration dates for these specific legal claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution expressing the Louisiana Senate's condolences for the passing of former State Senator James David Cain. It acknowledges his long career in public service, which included serving in the state House and Senate and holding various committee leadership roles. The document highlights his legislative achievements, such as introducing the first hazardous waste regulation bill, and honors his personal legacy as a coach, educator, and community leader. Ultimately, the resolution formally extends sympathy to Cain's family and friends while recognizing his contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Department of Transportation and Development to issue special annual permits specifically for transporting heavy equipment. Under the new rules, permit holders can amend or transfer these permits between different vehicles up to four times each year, with any extra transfers left to the department's discretion. The department must also create regulations to set a fee for these permits, which cannot exceed $2,500, and ensure the equipment stays within existing size and weight limits. This change directly affects commercial transporters who need flexibility to move heavy machinery across different vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish as the "Trooper Hung Le Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen law enforcement officer. The legislation directly affects the state's transportation infrastructure by officially naming this roadway segment. A key provision involves amending the bill's budget to increase the designated funding amount from $550 to $1,680. This change ensures the memorial designation is properly funded and officially recorded in state records.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of approximately 160 acres of state-owned land from the Allen Correctional Center to the Allen Parish Police Jury. The state officials responsible for administration and public safety are empowered to convey this property while reserving mineral rights and setting specific terms for the transaction. The legislation allows the two parties to negotiate agreements and execute necessary documents to finalize the transfer of title. It became effective on August 1, 2024, unless vetoed by the governor.