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.
Sponsored bills
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 summarySB 72 authorizes the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to issue bonds for capital projects like building renovations or equipment purchases. The bill requires colleges to provide a 12% match of the total project cost from their own funds, meaning the colleges themselves must cover at least one-eighth of each project's expenses. This directly affects the colleges within the system, as they must contribute financially to qualify for the bond financing. The bill passed the Senate unanimously (37-0) and is now moving to the House for further consideration.
Maddy summarySB 79 amends Louisiana law to explicitly include data centers and related commercial operations as "industrial purposes" within designated industrial areas. It allows industrial areas to form cooperative agreements with local governments or other entities to provide essential services like streets, utilities, and fire protection, instead of relying solely on parish or municipal infrastructure. This primarily affects industrial areas - especially those housing data centers - by giving them new flexibility to arrange service provision while ensuring existing municipal obligations to residents remain unchanged. The bill does not alter annexation rules or create new taxes, focusing solely on clarifying service responsibilities for industrial zones.
Maddy summarySB 53 modifies Louisiana's wiretap laws to clarify procedures for law enforcement seeking warrants to intercept communications. It adds a definition for a "monitoring post" (a secure facility, like a police station, controlling surveillance) and requires warrants to specify this location. The bill also mandates that if an anonymous informant's tip is used to justify a warrant, the judge must verify the tip's reliability by having the informant sworn in - though the informant's identity remains protected. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies conducting electronic surveillance, ensuring greater transparency in warrant requests while maintaining informant confidentiality.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 46), not a substantive bill. It formally honors Ed Daniels, a late Louisiana sports journalist, by commending his family for his posthumous receipt of two honors: the 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism and his 2025 induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. The resolution recognizes Daniels' decades-long career in sports media, including his work at WGNO-TV and his roles with the Sugar Bowl and Saints Hall of Fame committees. It directly affects his family, as the resolution is addressed to them. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate.
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 summaryThis concurrent resolution formally commends Joe Scheuermann for his induction into the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It recognizes his career as Delgado Community College's baseball coach, highlighting his over 1,179 wins, five JUCO World Series appearances, and role in guiding over 300 student-athletes to four-year programs. The resolution serves as a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents. It follows standard practice for commendatory resolutions honoring individuals for community or professional achievements.
Maddy summarySCR 45 is a ceremonial resolution that formally commends Herb Vincent for receiving the 2025 Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award and his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves as a symbolic recognition of Vincent's career. The resolution highlights his roles as SEC Associate Commissioner for Communications and his decades-long contributions to Louisiana sports, including leadership at LSU. As a procedural bill, it has no binding effect beyond the expression of legislative praise.
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.