Sen. Jimmy Harris

Maddy summarySB 89 requires the Louisiana Senate to confirm all future appointments to the Port of New Orleans Board of Commissioners. This change applies only to members appointed on or after August 1, 2025, meaning current board members remain unaffected. The bill modifies existing law (R.S. 34:2) to add Senate confirmation as a step before appointments take effect. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate (39-0) and now moves to the House for consideration.

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 118 modifies Louisiana's tax code to exclude certain deposits into ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience Accounts) from state income tax. Starting in 2026, account owners can exclude up to $2,400 annually (single filers) or $4,800 (joint filers) per beneficiary for qualified disability expenses, with unused amounts rolling over to future years. This applies only to deposits made for beneficiaries with disabilities, excluding the funds from taxable income calculations. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents using ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. It takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2026.

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 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 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.

Maddy summaryLouisiana's SCR 14 is a resolution urging Congress to reform the H-2A visa program's wage rules. It directly affects Louisiana farmers who rely on temporary agricultural workers, as current rules require them to pay higher wages based on non-farm wage data, increasing costs significantly. The bill requests Congress rescind the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) system and instead mandate that all H-2A wage calculations use only the Farm Labor Survey data, which reflects actual agricultural wages. This change would align wage requirements with the specific needs of farm labor, reducing financial strain on growers who spend nearly 40% of cash expenses on labor. The resolution aims to make H-2A workers more affordable and accessible for Louisiana's agricultural workforce.

Maddy summaryHCR 24 creates a special legislative committee to study the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) and its operations. The bill specifically directs the committee to examine LHSAA's structure and impact on all Louisiana high schools, including public, private, and parochial institutions, as amended throughout the text. This is a procedural resolution (not a law) that establishes a fact-finding body, with no immediate policy changes or direct effects on schools. The committee's work will inform future legislative decisions but does not alter current athletic association rules or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 65) is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Louisiana Legislature's condolences on the death of John "Jay" Batt, Jr., a former New Orleans City Council member, businessman, and community leader. It formally honors his life, service, and legacy without creating any new laws or affecting specific policies or groups. The resolution acknowledges his career, family, and contributions to New Orleans, including his time on the City Council and leadership roles in organizations like the Sugar Bowl Committee. As a concurrent resolution, it has no legal effect beyond this symbolic gesture of remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Louisiana Legislature to the family and friends of Arwin Patrick Bascle upon her passing. It also honors her life, legacy, and contributions to the political fabric of Louisiana.