Sen. Mike Reese

Maddy summarySB 163 repeals Section 2 of Act No. 700 (2024), which previously established licensing and regulatory requirements for virtual currency businesses in Louisiana. The bill replaces this section with new provisions defining the Office of Financial Institutions' authority, functions, and duties regarding virtual currency regulation. This directly affects virtual currency businesses operating in Louisiana by altering their regulatory framework. The specific new mechanisms are not detailed in the provided bill text, and the bill is currently in prefiling status under the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

Maddy summaryHB 401 designates the elevated section of U.S. Highway 190 over the Bogue Falaya River in Covington, St. Tammany Parish, as the "Corporal Justin D. McLeese Memorial Bridge" to honor a military corporal. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install signage reflecting this name, using local or private funds to cover costs up to $2,250 per sign. This is a ceremonial naming bill with no substantive policy changes, solely commemorating an individual through a public infrastructure designation.

Maddy summaryHB 807 establishes a special fund within Louisiana's state treasury to support the Community and Technical College System's workforce training programs. It directly affects community colleges and private-sector employers in high-demand industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology by providing funding to hire more instructors and expand training capacity. Key provisions include using the fund for rapid-response instructor deployment, recruitment incentives, temporary instructors, and salary supplements - while prohibiting these funds from replacing existing state higher education funding. The program requires annual reporting to legislative committees on fund usage, supported industries, and credentials awarded.

Maddy summaryHB 325 revises Louisiana's TOPS-Tech scholarship eligibility by adding a new pathway for students to qualify. Instead of requiring only a minimum GPA or ACT score, students can now qualify by completing at least nine credit hours of early college coursework (through dual enrollment or technical programs) or equivalent validated skills. This change applies to first-time freshmen enrolling in college during or after the 2026-2027 academic year. The bill directly affects Louisiana students seeking this career-focused scholarship by expanding how they can meet academic requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 172 establishes a temporary task force to examine how Louisiana funds its public colleges and universities. The group will analyze the current funding formula, review historical data, and compare the state's approach with other regions to identify potential improvements. Composed of legislators and representatives from higher education systems, the task force will submit its findings and legislative recommendations by February 26, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends James Williams for his forty-four years of service to the Vernon Parish School System and congratulates him on his retirement. The bill recognizes his career progression from a teacher to the district superintendent, highlighting his leadership roles over the past twelve years. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to students, educators, and families in the parish. The resolution concludes by directing a copy of the commendation to be sent to Mr. Williams.

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 summarySB 200 allows Louisiana to take over (expropriate) land within 50 miles of military bases if owned or controlled by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by U.S. Treasury lists) or their agents. It directly affects property owners in that zone who meet the bill’s definitions of foreign adversaries or their agents. The law requires the state to prove the ownership poses a threat to public health and safety before proceeding, using procedures similar to existing eminent domain laws but with added documentation. Property owners would receive relocation assistance under Louisiana’s existing laws. The bill aims to protect military bases by removing potential security risks from foreign-controlled land.

Maddy summarySB 288 amends Louisiana law to update background check procedures for security licensing, employment, and college hiring. It requires fingerprinting and FBI national criminal history checks for applicants seeking security licenses, jobs, or college positions, allowing the State Board of Private Security Examiners, employers (with written consent), and colleges to access criminal history records from the state bureau. The bill also restricts the release of expunged criminal records, prohibiting private entities from receiving them while permitting public organizations (like schools or nonprofits) to access them only when providing strong evidence they protect vulnerable groups like children or the elderly. These changes clarify who can request checks, how records are shared, and limit access to expunged information.

Maddy summarySB 287 regulates virtual currency kiosks in Louisiana by requiring operators to: (1) process cancellation/refund requests within 10 business days and complete refunds within 90 days; (2) provide live toll-free phone support during operating hours; (3) disclose transaction terms, including a 72-hour cancellation window before irreversible transactions; and (4) issue detailed receipts showing refund policies, fees, and complaint contacts. It directly affects kiosk operators and customers using virtual currency services. The bill mandates quarterly reports to the financial institutions commissioner tracking all customer cancellation requests. These provisions aim to enhance consumer transparency and recourse for virtual currency transactions.