Sen. Heather Cloud

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the entire length of Interstate 49 in Louisiana (from its intersection with I-10 in Lafayette Parish northward) as the "Senator J. Bennett Johnston Jr. Memorial Highway." It requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation only if local or private funds cover the department's actual costs for materials and installation, up to $2,250 per sign. The bill directly affects the highway corridor and its signage, with no financial burden on the state. It is a procedural naming measure with no substantive policy changes beyond the highway designation and signage cost rules.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally acknowledges and thanks the volunteers and members of the 2026 Concerned Women for America's Encourage-A-Legislator Project. The bill recognizes the group's efforts to pray regularly for state legislators and other elected officials as part of their public policy advocacy. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial commendation from the Louisiana Senate. A copy of the resolution is sent to the organization's Louisiana representative, Laura Huber.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family and friends of Allyce Trapp Alexander, who passed away in September 2025. The document honors her life, career as a government relations advisor, and her service to the state through a series of statements detailing her personal history and achievements. No new laws or policies are created; the resolution serves solely as a formal tribute to be sent to her husband and parents.

Maddy summarySB 305 requires Louisiana's Board of Regents and state agencies like Louisiana Works to create a free, public online dashboard showing how college programs connect to job outcomes. The dashboard will display data such as graduate employment rates, typical wages, and alignment with high-demand jobs, disaggregated by program. It aims to help students, families, and schools make informed decisions while allowing policymakers to assess workforce needs. The bill explicitly states it won’t mandate program changes, force performance funding, or disclose personal student information.

Maddy summarySB 376, the "Learn and Earn Act," creates a new program allowing Louisiana public high schools to partner with businesses for paid, credit-bearing work-based learning opportunities. It requires school boards to establish career practicums through written agreements with businesses that ensure fair value exchange (e.g., businesses provide equivalent benefit for school resources used) and align with state-approved career pathways. The program directly affects high school students - especially in rural or underserved communities - by offering compensated job training in fields like healthcare or technology while meeting educational requirements. Key provisions mandate that these practicums operate exclusively within defined instructional boundaries, prioritize student safety/supervision, and integrate financial literacy and employability skills.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally commends Dr. Paul Dean Coreil on his retirement as Chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria. The bill recognizes his decades of service in higher education, public service, and youth development, specifically highlighting his leadership in increasing university enrollment and expanding academic programs. Upon passage, the Legislature expresses its appreciation and transmits a copy of the resolution to Dr. Coreil.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 61) formally commends Rosa Mae Briley Pitre on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The bill recognizes her life achievements, including her work as a seamstress and telephone operator, and her long-standing faith in the Catholic community. It directs the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to her as a gesture of celebration.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally commends Lafayette resident Emile Myers for his annual "Emile's Hot Cocoa Fundraiser." The bill recognizes how Myers started a neighborhood hot cocoa stand at age eight in 2019, which has grown into a major community event raising over $100,000 for various local nonprofits. It highlights the fundraiser's support for organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and the American Cancer Society, as well as its role in mentoring the next generation of young philanthropists. This measure serves as an official acknowledgment of Myers' leadership and the positive impact of his youth-led charitable work.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that formally recognizes the 219th anniversary of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. It does not create new laws or change policies but instead honors the parish's history and encourages visitors to explore its cultural heritage. The resolution acknowledges the area's indigenous roots and early European settlements while celebrating the community's ongoing contributions to Louisiana's unique traditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Saturday, March 21, 2026, as World Down Syndrome Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It recognizes the annual observance of this day, which honors individuals with Down syndrome and raises awareness about the condition. The resolution also commends the Down Syndrome Awareness Group and the Buddy Walk events held throughout Louisiana for their advocacy and community support efforts. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but instead acknowledges the contributions of people with Down syndrome to society.