Sen. Glen Womack

Maddy summaryHB 347 amends Louisiana law to set specific approval requirements for change orders on state capital projects funded through the Capital Outlay Act. It requires the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget to approve change orders exceeding $100,250 per month for a project, while change orders between $50,000 and $100,250 must be reviewed by the committee but do not require approval. All change orders also need approval from the commissioner of administration. This bill directly affects state agencies managing capital construction or equipment projects, adding clear financial thresholds for legislative oversight of project cost changes.

Maddy summaryHB 648 increases the qualifying fees for candidates running for elected office in the state. The additional funds collected from these higher fees are specifically dedicated to a new "Campaign Sign Recycling Fund." This bill directly affects candidates seeking office by raising their initial filing costs, while the recycled materials fund aims to manage post-election campaign signage. The key provision is the fee increase and the mandatory allocation of the extra revenue to the recycling program, rather than general state funds. The bill was recently discharged from the Appropriations Committee after committee amendments.

Maddy summarySB 154 criminalizes the possession, distribution, and manufacture of kratom by classifying its active compounds (7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances. It directly affects individuals who use or distribute kratom products, with limited exceptions for medical prescriptions under specific state law. The bill imposes fines and prison terms ranging from up to 3 years for small amounts to up to 5 years for larger quantities, while allowing possession of small amounts (under 20 grams) to be punished by fines only. It replaces previous exemptions for kratom and defines "kratom" broadly to include any substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa plant or containing its active compounds. The law takes effect on August 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 11 requires drivers on multilane highways to stay in the right lane when traveling significantly slower than the posted speed limit, except when passing, turning, or entering a driveway. It establishes tiered fines for violations: $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second within 12 months, and $350 or up to 30 days in jail for a third within that period. The bill directly affects drivers who repeatedly fail to use the right lane while driving below the speed limit on highways. Key provisions include clear penalty levels and a 12-month window for counting repeat offenses, aiming to improve traffic flow and safety.

Maddy summarySB 190 designates specific road segments in certain parishes to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The bill amends existing road descriptions to clarify the designated sections (e.g., changing "overpass to" to "overpass and"). It has no funding requirements or new obligations - it solely provides a commemorative name for existing roadways. The bill passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and is now moving to the House for consideration.

Maddy summaryHB 180 redesignates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 425 in Richland Parish (between LA Hwy 132 and LA Hwy 584 in Archibald) as the "Sheriff Gary Lynn Gilley Memorial Highway" to honor a local sheriff. The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this new name, funded by private contributions covering costs up to $550 per sign. This is a ceremonial designation with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting the highway segment and requiring signage updates.

Maddy summaryHB 92 authorizes the Acadiana Criminalistics Laboratory Commission to name the new laboratory building after former commission president Martin Bofill "Bo" Duhé. The bill honors Duhé for his service on the commission (2015-2021) and his role in securing funding for the 40,000-square-foot facility. It does not change policies or affect residents, but formally designates the building's name. The measure is purely commemorative, with no substantive legislative impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 57) passed by the Louisiana State Legislature to express condolences for Steven J. Miguez, a businessman and community member from Iberia Parish, following his death on February 24, 2025. The resolution recognizes his life of service, including founding businesses like Iberia Crew Boat & Marine Service and Miguez Fuel, his competitive shooting achievements, and his family. It has no policy provisions or direct effect on laws or constituents - it solely offers legislative condolences to his family. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate (34-0) and passed through the House without amendments.

Maddy summaryLouisiana's SCR 14 is a resolution urging Congress to reform the H-2A visa program's wage rules. It directly affects Louisiana farmers who rely on temporary agricultural workers, as current rules require them to pay higher wages based on non-farm wage data, increasing costs significantly. The bill requests Congress rescind the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) system and instead mandate that all H-2A wage calculations use only the Farm Labor Survey data, which reflects actual agricultural wages. This change would align wage requirements with the specific needs of farm labor, reducing financial strain on growers who spend nearly 40% of cash expenses on labor. The resolution aims to make H-2A workers more affordable and accessible for Louisiana's agricultural workforce.

Maddy summarySR 131 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commending Amanda Ames for her 22-year career in Louisiana's water industry, specifically recognizing her service as Chief Engineer of the Bureau of Engineering Services. It highlights her leadership in managing over 1,240 water systems, overseeing critical programs like the Operator Certification Program, and guiding responses to public health emergencies and natural disasters. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to state water policy, infrastructure milestones, and awards, including the 2022 LSU Distinguished Alumni Award. As a non-binding tribute, it has no policy impact or legal effect - only expressing the Senate's appreciation for her retirement.