Sen. Sidney Barthelemy

Maddy summarySB 104 designates a specific segment of Louisiana Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish (from the intersection with Highway 78 to the Pointe Coupee Parish line) as the "Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway" to honor the renowned author. The bill requires the state transportation department to install signage only if local or private funds cover the costs (capped at $750 per sign for materials and installation). This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting the designated highway corridor and its signage. The bill is currently in the prefiling stage and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summarySB 103 names a section of U.S. Highway 425 in Wisner, Louisiana (from the northern to southern city limits in Franklin Parish) as "Gladys Edwards Highway." It requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs for this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the department's actual costs for materials and installation - capped at $750 per sign. This is a ceremonial bill with no policy changes to transportation funding or infrastructure. The bill is currently pending referral to the Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 428 creates a specialty license plate titled "Louisiana State University Baseball National Champions 2025" for Louisiana vehicle owners. It requires a minimum of 1,000 applicants before issuance, with a $25 annual fee per plate. The fee structure allocates $24 to LSU for academic or financial need-based scholarships (after deducting $1 for administrative costs), while applicants consent to share their name, address, and birth date with LSU via the application process. This procedural bill, pending enactment, directly affects Louisiana residents who apply for the plate and benefits LSU's scholarship programs.

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 Louisiana Senate resolution asks the U.S. Congress to provide timely and complete funding for the military that matches the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill specifically targets military personnel and their families in Louisiana, aiming to reduce budget uncertainty that can delay construction, training, and essential services like housing and healthcare. It also requests that the federal government prioritize support for quality of life issues, including compensation and expanded access to fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization. By sending this request to federal lawmakers, the state legislature seeks to ensure stable resources for defense operations and the well-being of service members.

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 summaryHB 148 designates a specific segment of Louisiana Highway 5 in Logansport (between US Highway 84 and LA Highway 3015 in DeSoto Parish) as the "Eugene Washington Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain appropriate signage for this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the department's costs (up to $750 per sign). This is a procedural bill focused solely on naming a highway segment and implementing signage, with no broader policy changes. It directly affects the local community in Logansport through the highway naming and signage.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies state law to exempt charter schools from a specific requirement that currently applies to public schools regarding student enrollment status. Under the existing rule, schools must identify students who are incarcerated or have unknown whereabouts to remove them from accountability calculations, but this bill adds that rule to the list of mandates that charter schools do not have to follow. The legislation directly affects charter school administrators by relieving them of the obligation to track and report these specific student populations for accountability purposes. By amending the statute, the bill clarifies that charter schools are not required to exclude incarcerated or missing students from their enrollment counts in the same way public schools must.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Louis S. Reine for his retirement as president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO. It recognizes his nearly three decades of service to the labor organization, including his work as legislative assistant, director of political activities, and secretary-treasurer. The resolution highlights his extensive involvement in state boards, commissions, and community organizations, as well as his long history as a union member and family man. This document serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to workers and the state rather than creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Louisiana legislation establishes the Dream Starter Act to expand homeownership opportunities for first-generation homebuyers. The bill creates a state fund administered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation to provide forgivable loans covering down payments, closing costs, and mortgage insurance. Eligible applicants must complete homebuyer education, undergo financial counseling, and occupy the property as their primary residence to receive assistance. Additionally, the program requires annual reporting to the legislature and includes verification measures for income and occupancy to maintain accountability.