Sen. Jay Morris

Maddy summarySB 256 amends Louisiana law to establish a single elected clerk of court for both the civil and criminal district courts in Orleans Parish, replacing separate positions. The clerk is elected by parish voters every four years, receives a base salary plus a $10,000 state-funded supplement, and must participate in a certification program. Key provisions include requiring the clerk to collect lump-sum fees for pleadings (set by judges) and deposit 50-60% of collected fees into court funds. The bill also specifies expense allowances, vehicle use rules for the clerk’s office, and administrative duties like maintaining court dockets.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Coach Pat Collins, who passed away in February 2026. The document honors his life by briefly outlining his extensive coaching career, which included leading teams to a national championship and serving in various educational and administrative roles. It also acknowledges his personal legacy as a devoted family man and mentor before officially transmitting a copy of the resolution to his family.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally commends Dr. Paul Dean Coreil on his retirement as Chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria. The bill recognizes his decades of service in higher education, public service, and youth development, specifically highlighting his leadership in increasing university enrollment and expanding academic programs. Upon passage, the Legislature expresses its appreciation and transmits a copy of the resolution to Dr. Coreil.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as Coca-Cola Day at the Louisiana State Capitol to honor the company's long history and contributions to the state. It formally commends Coca-Cola UNITED for its economic impact, employment of over 2,300 Louisianians, and various community and environmental initiatives. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation rather than establishing new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Jerry O. Arledge, a former high school football coach from West Monroe. The resolution formally acknowledges Arledge's contributions to high school athletics, noting his coaching career that included leading West Monroe High School to multiple championships and compiling a 104-22-1 record. It also records his honors from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in 2021 and directs a copy of the resolution to be sent to his wife, Sally Lytton Arledge.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Louisiana's Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify how courts handle motions for a new trial. It establishes that appellate courts can only review these motions if there was a legal error, rather than re-evaluating the facts or evidence. To succeed, a defendant must prove that no reasonable jury could have found them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution. This change standardizes the legal test for granting new trials and limits the scope of appellate review to questions of law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a population-based formula to determine the minimum number of assistant district attorneys required in each of Louisiana's judicial districts and the parish of Orleans. Under the new rules, districts with fewer than 10,000 residents would have one assistant, while larger districts would receive positions based on a ratio of one per 7,000 or 7,500 people, alongside specific fixed numbers for each district. The legislation also creates a Governor's Advisory and Review Commission to evaluate and approve any additional state-funded positions beyond these minimums. Finally, the changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that staffing levels align with the population size of each district.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family of Dr. Norman C. Francis following his death on February 18, 2026. It honors his life as a civil rights advocate, educator, and community leader who served as president of Xavier University for 47 years and played a key role in rebuilding Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. The resolution formally acknowledges his legacy and directs a copy of the document to be sent to his family.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Saturday, March 21, 2026, as World Down Syndrome Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. It recognizes the annual observance of this day, which honors individuals with Down syndrome and raises awareness about the condition. The resolution also commends the Down Syndrome Awareness Group and the Buddy Walk events held throughout Louisiana for their advocacy and community support efforts. This is a ceremonial measure that does not change laws or require funding, but instead acknowledges the contributions of people with Down syndrome to society.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution expressing condolences to the family of former Louisiana State Senator Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka, who passed away on January 10, 2026. The resolution formally acknowledges his legacy of public service as a district attorney, judge, and legislator, while also recognizing his contributions to his community and family. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as an official statement of respect from the Louisiana Senate. The document will be sent to Kostelka's family as a gesture of appreciation for his life and career.