Sen. Stewart Cathey

Maddy summarySCR 42 is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Melvin Lee "Kip" Holden, a former state legislator, mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish, and trailblazing public servant who passed away on May 14, 2025. It honors his career, including his service in the Louisiana House and Senate, his tenure as East Baton Rouge Parish's first African American mayor-president, and his work on initiatives like downtown revitalization and HIV/AIDS awareness. The resolution does not enact any policy changes or affect specific groups; it is purely a symbolic gesture of respect. It passed unanimously (33-0) in the Senate and was adopted without amendments by the House.

Maddy summarySCR 49 is a ceremonial resolution commending Danny Broussard, a St. Thomas More High School basketball coach, on his induction into the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. The resolution highlights his 42-season coaching career, 1,162 wins, six state championships, and influence on Louisiana high school sports. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect or policy impact - it serves only as a symbolic gesture of recognition from the Louisiana Legislature. This is purely a commendation with no direct effect on individuals, programs, or legislation.

Maddy summarySCR 50 is a ceremonial resolution commending Dale Weiner for his 2025 induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes his 47-year high school football coaching career, including 317 wins at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, 18 state championships, and his role mentoring athletes who advanced to college and the NFL. The resolution has no policy impact or binding effect - it simply expresses legislative appreciation. As a procedural commendation, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any group of people.

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 summarySCR 54 is a non-binding legislative resolution commending Glenn Guilbeau for receiving the 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism and being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It formally recognizes his professional achievements, including decades of coverage of SEC sports and multiple awards from sports journalism organizations. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Louisiana Legislature.

Maddy summarySCR 31 is a concurrent resolution urging the Louisiana Supreme Court to require attorneys to complete a one-hour continuing legal education course on the legislative process. The resolution directly affects all Louisiana attorneys who must fulfill annual continuing legal education requirements. The proposed course would cover how bills become law, interpreting Louisiana's legal codes, distinguishing legislative instruments (like bills vs. resolutions), and understanding state/federal law interactions. It does not change current law but requests a specific addition to attorney education standards.

Maddy summarySCR 33 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Covington Fire Chief Gary Blocker Jr.'s 27 years of service and expressing condolences to his family following his passing on May 6, 2025. It formally honors his contributions to the Covington Fire Department, including founding the Fire Prevention Bureau and improving community safety, without creating any new laws or affecting any individuals or entities beyond the symbolic recognition. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Louisiana Legislature on May 13, 2025, and transmitted to his family.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family and friends of Arwin Patrick Bascle upon her passing. It also honors her life, legacy, and contributions to the political fabric of Louisiana.

Maddy summarySB 45 exempts certain veterans and their spouses from paying sales and use taxes on motor vehicle purchases. It also provides an exemption for these individuals from the vehicle registration and license tax. An amendment clarifies that this tax exemption extends to military honor personalized or special prestige license plates. These provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 8 commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Program. This resolution recognizes the program's role in conserving fish and aquatic resources across the United States, highlighting its funding through excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuels. It commends the anglers, boaters, sportfishing industry, and natural resource agencies involved in the program's efforts.