Sen. Jay Luneau

Maddy summaryHB 430, known as the "MJ 911 Act," mandates that Lafayette Parish employers provide lifelong health insurance coverage for surviving spouses and children (including step- or adopted children) of law enforcement officers or firefighters killed in the line of duty. Specifically, it requires employers to pay for health insurance for surviving spouses for life and for children until age 18 (or until 23 if enrolled in school or disabled). The law applies retroactively to January 1, 2017, for all qualifying families and ensures coverage matches what active members receive. It does not require families to accept the coverage, allowing them to decline it if desired.

Maddy summaryHB 584 requires Louisiana's local social services districts to provide foster children aged 14-18 with durable, reusable luggage (such as backpacks, boxes, or suitcases) instead of garbage bags when they move between foster homes. This policy change directly affects youth in foster care by ensuring their belongings are transported safely and with dignity. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of garbage bags for this purpose and defines the responsibility of social services districts to provide the required luggage. It amends Louisiana law to guarantee this specific right for older foster youth during placement transitions.

Maddy summaryHB 59 requires East Baton Rouge Parish and its cities to fund specific expenses for the 19th Judicial District Court's public defender office, which serves people who cannot afford legal representation. The bill mandates that local governments cover salaries for staff (including public defenders, clerks, and investigators) and operational costs like supplies, travel, and equipment. Funding responsibility is shared proportionally between the parish and individual cities, as determined by their governing authorities. This complements existing state funding and directly affects the office's ability to provide indigent defense services in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific limits on how many legislative proposals individual lawmakers can submit during a single annual session. It restricts non-committee leaders to ten prefiled bills, while committee vice chairs and chairs are allowed up to twelve and fifteen bills, respectively. The legislation also caps the number of resolutions a member can introduce at ten, excluding routine or perfunctory items. Certain essential bills, such as those for state appropriations and capital projects, are exempt from these counting limits to ensure critical funding measures can be proposed without restriction.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requires the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to submit an annual report to the state legislature starting in 2027. The report will detail how long it takes, on average, for veterans to file claims for services after leaving the military, along with data on filing trends and any barriers causing delays. By collecting this information, the legislature aims to better understand gaps in service access and evaluate the effectiveness of current support programs. The findings will be shared with both the Senate and House committees on veterans and military affairs to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 171 is a non-binding resolution that formally expresses condolences to the family and friends of Troy Carter, the general manager of the Chicken Shack restaurant in Baton Rouge. The bill acknowledges Carter's life and his unique role in sharing inspirational messages with customers for over 17 years, noting his impact on the community and the restaurant staff. This measure serves as an official gesture of respect and appreciation from the Louisiana Senate rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1253, known as the Gracey Claire Rushing Act, updates Louisiana laws to improve how coroners document and handle human remains and internal organs. The bill requires detailed autopsy reports that include specific personal information, medical findings, and a record of any retained organs, while keeping these reports private except for law enforcement or court orders. Family members and the decedent's physician are granted the right to receive a copy of the report upon request. The legislation is named in memory of a child whose death in 2009 prompted calls for better safeguards in the treatment of remains.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 184 formally commends and congratulates Foster L. Campbell Jr. on completing fifty years of continuous elected service in Louisiana as a state senator and Public Service Commissioner. This procedural resolution honors his long career, which includes authoring significant legislation on rural electric cooperatives, consumer protection, and education funding, as well as his leadership in reforming the Public Service Commission. The bill does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official recognition of his contributions to the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Warren Morris for receiving the 2026 Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award and for his induction into the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class. The legislation recognizes Morris's significant athletic achievements, including his legendary walk-off home run in the 1996 College World Series, his performance on the U.S. Olympic baseball team, and his career in Major League Baseball. By passing this resolution, the Louisiana Legislature acknowledges Morris's long-term contributions to the state's sports reputation and his legacy as a native of Alexandria. The bill concludes by directing that a copy of the resolution be sent to Morris.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally commends Mike McConathy for his induction into the 2026 class of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. The bill recognizes his four-decade career as a basketball player, coach, and educator, highlighting his achievements at Louisiana Tech, Bossier Parish Community College, and Northwestern State University. It notes his status as the winningest college basketball coach in Louisiana history and his commitment to student-athlete success. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to McConathy as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the sport.