Sen. Thomas Pressly

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that encourages the state of Louisiana to strengthen economic ties and friendship with Taiwan. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or change government policy, but rather serves as an official expression of support for the relationship. The text includes minor grammatical corrections and clarifications to the original wording regarding the partnership between Louisiana and the United States. Because it is a House Concurrent Resolution, it has no legal effect and does not require the signature of the governor to take action.

Maddy summaryHB 192 proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit foreign adversaries or their agents from expropriating (taking or damaging) private property in Louisiana. It would amend the state constitution to explicitly ban such actions by foreign adversaries, while maintaining existing requirements for just compensation and judicial review of property takings for public purposes. The amendment directly affects property owners by adding a new legal barrier against foreign entities seeking to seize their land or assets. If approved by voters in the November 2026 election, it would become part of Louisiana's Constitution, changing the legal standard for property rights. The bill does not create new government powers but restricts private entities acting as foreign adversaries.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors to rename the LSU Gymnastics Training Center in honor of legendary coach Sara "D-D" Breaux. The bill highlights her four-decade career, during which she transformed the program from a struggling unit into a national powerhouse and built a world-class facility. By formally requesting this name change, the legislature aims to create a permanent tribute to her leadership and legacy within the university community.

Maddy summarySB 32 establishes the Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative within Louisiana's Department of Health to improve support for families experiencing pregnancy loss or infant death. The bill requires hospitals providing maternity care to receive staff training on supporting grieving parents, access to bereavement resources (like counseling referrals), and perinatal bereavement devices. It prioritizes hospitals serving high-risk patients, delivering many babies, or lacking current bereavement resources. The initiative can fund these services using voluntary monies, including federal grants and donations, without imposing new taxes.

Maddy summarySB 171 establishes the Coordinated Use of Resources for Recreation, Economy, Navigation, and Transportation Authority as the single coordinating body for flood control, navigation, and economic development projects in Louisiana's upland areas (outside coastal zones). It requires parishes and municipalities to coordinate with this Authority when adopting flood insurance compliance measures under federal law. The bill reorganizes state agencies by defining the Authority’s board composition (including representatives from economic development, levee districts, and ports) and mandates integrated planning for water resources, floodplain management, and infrastructure. This directly affects upland parishes, municipalities, and state agencies like the Department of Transportation and Development. The bill does not change existing federal requirements but creates a centralized state entity to manage coordination.

Maddy summarySB 252 standardizes how Louisiana drivers indicate organ donation preferences on their licenses. It requires the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide clear, neutral information about organ donation at license offices, with a designated "Yes" or "No" box on licenses for applicants to mark their choice. Applicants can specify organs or limitations, but no selection is required, and the absence of a mark does not imply consent or refusal. The bill takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies directly to all Louisiana drivers applying for or renewing licenses.

Maddy summarySB 306 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for obstructing freedom of worship at churches or other places of worship. It prohibits specific actions including using force to intimidate attendees, damaging church property, blocking lawful access to the building, or engaging in disruptive activities during scheduled worship services. Violations carry fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment up to 18 months for repeat offenses, with enhanced penalties if bodily injury occurs. The law directly affects individuals who interfere with religious gatherings on private religious property, aiming to protect the orderly conduct of worship as defined by the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 636, the "Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Act," requires Louisiana public colleges and universities to prevent, report, and respond to hazing involving student organizations. It defines hazing broadly (including physical brutality, dangerous activities, or substance consumption) and mandates annual hazing education for all students starting fall 2027, plus specific orientation education for new students. The bill also requires student organizations to report hazing incidents to both law enforcement and their institution, and institutions must document all actions and share full details with law enforcement. These provisions directly affect public postsecondary institutions, their students, and all student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and clubs.

Maddy summaryHB 39 requires all Louisiana peace officers seeking certification to be U.S. citizens, directly affecting law enforcement applicants and current officers needing certification. The bill adds a citizenship requirement to existing certification standards under Louisiana law (§2404.4), specifying that applicants must be U.S. citizens as defined in federal law (42 USC §9102(18)). It does not alter training or other existing qualifications but mandates citizenship as a new baseline for certification. This policy change applies to all law enforcement peace officers in Louisiana, including those employed by local police departments and sheriff's offices.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the state legislative auditor to create a detailed report on how opioid settlement funds have been spent in Louisiana. The report will be sent to health and welfare committees by December 2026 and will cover how much money parishes and sheriff's offices received, what they spent it on, and any challenges they faced using the funds. It aims to provide transparency on the use of approximately $600 million in settlement money designated for opioid abatement efforts. The request for information includes specific details about expenditures, legal classifications for spending, performance outcomes, and administrative costs. This action does not change existing laws but seeks to gather data to help improve how local governments access and use these funds.