Sen. Stewart Cathey

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June as "African-American Music Appreciation Month" in Louisiana, recognizing the state's cultural contributions to African-American music genres like jazz, zydeco, and hip-hop. It honors Louisiana artists and their impact on American music heritage, citing historical milestones and regional influence. The bill has no binding policy changes or funding mechanisms - it is purely a symbolic recognition. Louisiana residents and cultural institutions are the direct audience for this commemorative observance. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate and was signed into effect.

Maddy summarySCR 70 is a symbolic concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences upon the death of retired Supreme Court Justice Harry T. Lemmon. It specifically directs the resolution to be sent to his widow, Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, following his passing on April 18, 2025. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only as a formal expression of respect for Justice Lemmon's decades-long judicial and educational contributions to Louisiana.

Maddy summarySR 179 is a Senate resolution urging the federal government to avoid Medicaid funding reductions that would impact Louisiana's 49 rural hospitals. It specifically requests Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reconsider policies following a 2025 Presidential Memorandum that would reduce hospital reimbursements by an estimated $120 million annually (21%). The resolution highlights that these hospitals serve medically underserved rural communities, providing critical care to vulnerable populations like the elderly and chronically ill, and warns that funding cuts could lead to service reductions or closures. As a symbolic resolution - not a law - it expresses Louisiana's position but does not alter federal policy.

Maddy summarySB 146 amends Louisiana law to expand the Lake Providence Port Commission's authority, specifically allowing it to build and operate rail facilities (including those beyond East Carroll Parish boundaries) to support port access. It authorizes the commission to issue up to $15 million in bonds, secured by port revenues and backed by East Carroll Parish and the state of Louisiana. The bill updates bond procedures, clarifies the commission's power to charge fees for port services, and specifies that bond proceeds must fund port infrastructure. This directly affects the Lake Providence Port Commission, East Carroll Parish, and state finances through new infrastructure development and debt mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 639 imposes a 21.5% tax on online sports wagering and video poker services in the state. It directly affects online gambling operators who will pay this new tax rate on their revenue. The bill dedicates an estimated $34.7 million in new tax revenue to state programs, as noted in the bill's fiscal impact statement. This legislation creates a specific tax mechanism for digital gaming services and allocates the resulting funds to state priorities, without specifying exact program uses.

Maddy summarySCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution commending the LSU Shreveport Pilots Baseball Team for winning the 2025 NAIA Baseball National Championship. It recognizes their historic 59-0 undefeated season, which broke the previous college baseball record and marked the program's first national title. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Louisiana Legislature, formally congratulates the team, coach, and university for their achievements and individual honors. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or impact on policy, regulations, or any specific individuals beyond the stated recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 180) is a ceremonial commendation by the Louisiana Senate honoring Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a young man who has battled brain and spinal cancer since age six, and his family. It recognizes DJ's resilience, his dream of becoming a police officer inspired after Hurricane Harvey, and his honorary appointments with over 1,300 law enforcement agencies, including a 2025 swearing-in as a U.S. Secret Service agent. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create any legal obligations or affect policies - it serves solely to publicly acknowledge DJ's story and his family's support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 175) formally commends five Southern University students - Loren Sullivan, Verbon Muhammad, Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, and Erich White, known as "The Dream Team" - for winning an Emmy Award for their documentary *The Hidden Sport*. The film highlights the dedication, cultural significance, and athleticism of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands, specifically Southern University’s Human Jukebox. The resolution recognizes their achievement in the Sports Emmy Awards category and their use of a Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant to produce the work. It serves as a ceremonial honor, celebrating their national recognition and contributions to elevating HBCU culture.

Maddy summarySB 159 extends Louisiana's tax exemption for digital nomads, allowing them to exclude certain income from state taxes for up to two taxable years during 2022-2027 (previously ending after 2025). The bill directly affects digital nomads who work remotely for out-of-state employers while residing in Louisiana, expanding the period they can qualify for the exemption. Key changes include updating the taxable years from 2022-2025 to 2022-2027 and setting a new sunset date of December 31, 2027. This policy change provides continued tax relief for eligible digital nomads without altering the exemption's eligibility requirements. The bill aims to support remote workers by extending a temporary tax incentive.

Maddy summarySB 89 requires the Louisiana Senate to confirm all future appointments to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners. This change applies only to members appointed on or after August 1, 2025, meaning current board members remain unaffected. The bill modifies existing law (R.S. 34:2) to add Senate confirmation as a step before appointments take effect. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and now moves to the House for consideration.