Sen. Bill Wheat

Maddy summarySB 104 designates a specific segment of Louisiana Highway 1 in Pointe Coupee Parish (from the intersection with Highway 78 to the Pointe Coupee Parish line) as the "Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway" to honor the renowned author. The bill requires the state transportation department to install signage only if local or private funds cover the costs (capped at $750 per sign for materials and installation). This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, directly affecting the designated highway corridor and its signage. The bill is currently in the prefiling stage and has not yet been voted on.

Maddy summarySB 110 makes it illegal to use an image of a child under 17 to train artificial intelligence models with the intent of generating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The bill directly affects AI developers and companies working with training data involving children's images. Key provisions add new language to Louisiana law defining the offense (Section A(3)) and expanding the definition of "child sexual abuse materials" to include AI-generated images of children (Section B(3)). This law specifically prohibits using real or AI-created child images for AI training that could produce CSAM, without requiring the depicted child to be a real person.

Maddy summarySB 103 names a section of U.S. Highway 425 in Wisner, Louisiana (from the northern to southern city limits in Franklin Parish) as "Gladys Edwards Highway." It requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs for this designation, but only if local or private funds cover the department's actual costs for materials and installation - capped at $750 per sign. This is a ceremonial bill with no policy changes to transportation funding or infrastructure. The bill is currently pending referral to the Transportation Committee.

Maddy summarySB 160 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 171 in Florien, Louisiana (from the northern to southern village limits in Sabine Parish) as "Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation only if local or private funds cover the department's actual costs for materials and installation, with a maximum cost of $750 per sign. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes affecting residents, businesses, or state funding beyond the signage costs. The bill has been prefaced and referred to the Transportation Committee but has not yet advanced further.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the entire length of Interstate 49 in Louisiana (from its intersection with I-10 in Lafayette Parish northward) as the "Senator J. Bennett Johnston Jr. Memorial Highway." It requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage for this designation only if local or private funds cover the department's actual costs for materials and installation, up to $2,250 per sign. The bill directly affects the highway corridor and its signage, with no financial burden on the state. It is a procedural naming measure with no substantive policy changes beyond the highway designation and signage cost rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's condolences to the family and friends of Allyce Trapp Alexander, who passed away in September 2025. The document honors her life, career as a government relations advisor, and her service to the state through a series of statements detailing her personal history and achievements. No new laws or policies are created; the resolution serves solely as a formal tribute to be sent to her husband and parents.

Maddy summarySB 376, the "Learn and Earn Act," creates a new program allowing Louisiana public high schools to partner with businesses for paid, credit-bearing work-based learning opportunities. It requires school boards to establish career practicums through written agreements with businesses that ensure fair value exchange (e.g., businesses provide equivalent benefit for school resources used) and align with state-approved career pathways. The program directly affects high school students - especially in rural or underserved communities - by offering compensated job training in fields like healthcare or technology while meeting educational requirements. Key provisions mandate that these practicums operate exclusively within defined instructional boundaries, prioritize student safety/supervision, and integrate financial literacy and employability skills.

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 bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Elmer Candy, a family-owned chocolate manufacturer in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and designates Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as Elmer Candy Day at the state Capitol. The document highlights the company's long history, its production of specific Easter treats, and its status as a major employer and contributor to the local economy. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to publicly recognize the business's achievements and legacy. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Nelson family who currently operate the company.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally commends Louis S. Reine for his retirement as president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO. It recognizes his nearly three decades of service to the labor organization, including his work as legislative assistant, director of political activities, and secretary-treasurer. The resolution highlights his extensive involvement in state boards, commissions, and community organizations, as well as his long history as a union member and family man. This document serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to workers and the state rather than creating new laws or policies.