Sen. Sam Jenkins

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 175) formally commends five Southern University students - Loren Sullivan, Verbon Muhammad, Sydney Cuillier, Ashley Lovelace, and Erich White, known as "The Dream Team" - for winning an Emmy Award for their documentary *The Hidden Sport*. The film highlights the dedication, cultural significance, and athleticism of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands, specifically Southern University’s Human Jukebox. The resolution recognizes their achievement in the Sports Emmy Awards category and their use of a Coca-Cola HBCU Sports Production Grant to produce the work. It serves as a ceremonial honor, celebrating their national recognition and contributions to elevating HBCU culture.

Maddy summarySB 66 defines "military status" to clarify protections against discrimination in education, employment, public accommodations, and housing. It specifically includes active/reserve U.S. military members and their dependents (with a defined 180-day support requirement) under existing anti-discrimination law. The bill adds this definition to Louisiana Revised Statute 23:322(10), making it explicit who qualifies for these protections. The Senate unanimously passed the bill (39-0) in April 2025, sending it to the House for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 31 authorizes the transfer of a specific 1.5-acre parcel of dried lake bed land in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, from the state to Bruce Hamill Weaver III. The bill directs the commissioner of administration to convey this property (excluding mineral rights) through a formal agreement based on its appraised value. This is a straightforward property transfer bill with no broader policy changes, directly affecting only the named landowner and the state's real estate holdings.

Maddy summarySB 63 creates a legal lien for municipalities to collect unpaid water and sewage service fees from owners of multifamily residential properties (defined as buildings with more than four dwelling units). It requires municipalities to send a written demand for payment via mail, email, or hand delivery, giving owners 30 days to pay before filing a sworn statement verifying the debt. Once filed with the parish recorder, this lien takes priority over most mortgages and secures unpaid fees plus interest. The bill directly affects property owners of larger apartment buildings and gives municipalities a clearer, standardized process to recover delinquent utility charges.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic condolence resolution (SR 155), not a policy bill. It expresses the Louisiana Senate's sincere condolences to the family and friends of Phil Alexander Robertson following his passing on May 25, 2025. The resolution details his life as a Louisiana native, entrepreneur (creator of the "Duck Commander" brand), reality TV figure ("Duck Dynasty"), and community contributor, highlighting his family values and faith. It has no legislative effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a formal expression of sympathy.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 156) that formally commends Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Michael Guidry for receiving the 2025 David A. Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. The resolution recognizes his 27-year judicial service, leadership as the first African American Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal, and his lifelong commitment to pro bono legal work benefiting underserved communities. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, regulations, or government operations - it is purely a symbolic honor. The Senate passed it on June 1, 2025, and transmitted a copy to Justice Guidry.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 167 is a formal commendation from the Louisiana State Senate honoring DEA Task Force Officer Rickey Anderson for being named the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association's Deputy of the Year for 2025. The resolution recognizes his 32-year career with the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, including his leadership in a major fentanyl trafficking investigation that led to federal convictions and set a legal precedent in addressing opioid-related deaths. It specifically highlights his work uncovering a drug ring tied to a fatal overdose, resulting in five individuals receiving prison sentences for distributing fentanyl that caused multiple deaths. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legislative effect but formally acknowledges Anderson's service and impact on public safety.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 151) that formally commends Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Rho Omega Chapter, recognizing its 35th anniversary. It highlights the chapter's community service, including over 288 scholarships, 30,000+ hours of service through its debutante program, and its philanthropic foundation. The resolution has no policy impact or funding changes - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Louisiana Senate.

Maddy summaryHB 211 modifies Louisiana's tax credit for firearm safety device purchases by clarifying that an "eligible transaction" must involve buying these devices (like gun locks) from a federally licensed dealer who collects sales tax. It explicitly excludes purchases of firearms themselves from qualifying for the credit. The bill applies to tax years starting January 1, 2025, and defines eligibility based on the dealer's licensing and tax collection requirements. This change affects Louisiana taxpayers seeking the credit for safety device purchases, not firearm buyers.

Maddy summaryHB 648 increases the qualifying fees for candidates running for elected office in the state. The additional funds collected from these higher fees are specifically dedicated to a new "Campaign Sign Recycling Fund." This bill directly affects candidates seeking office by raising their initial filing costs, while the recycled materials fund aims to manage post-election campaign signage. The key provision is the fee increase and the mandatory allocation of the extra revenue to the recycling program, rather than general state funds. The bill was recently discharged from the Appropriations Committee after committee amendments.