Sen. Royce Duplessis

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Task Force on Obesity Care, Cost, and Value in Louisiana to study and address obesity as a chronic disease. The task force will include a primary care physician certified in obesity medicine appointed by the state medical society, as well as the chief executive officer of that same society. These specific additions ensure that medical professionals with expertise in obesity treatment have a direct role in the committee's work. The legislation focuses on establishing this group rather than implementing immediate regulatory changes or funding mandates.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution urges Governor Jeffrey M. Landry to apply for federal funding to implement the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program in Louisiana. The bill seeks to provide eligible low-income families with pre-loaded cards offering $40 per month per child to purchase groceries during summer breaks when school meals are unavailable. While the resolution does not directly change the law, it highlights that over forty other states have already accepted this funding to help close the summer hunger gap. The text notes that the state previously declined similar federal funding for summer meals, and this measure encourages the administration to reverse that decision to support child nutrition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Innovation Caucus within the state Senate. It allows any senator interested in STEM policy to join the group, which aims to coordinate efforts and present a unified voice on issues related to research and innovation in the state. The resolution explicitly states that the caucus will not receive any funding, office space, equipment, or staff support from the Senate or its agencies. This measure creates a formal structure for senators to collaborate on STEM topics, mirroring a similar group that already exists in the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the legal timeline for filing lawsuits related to the abuse of minors by removing references to a previous 2021 law. The primary change involves deleting specific citations from the text, which effectively updates how the statute is referenced without altering the core prescriptive period itself. By streamlining the legal language, the bill ensures the current rules for these cases remain clear and consistent with existing statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks state agencies and local partners to create and promote apprenticeship programs specifically designed for high school students. It directs the Department of Education and the Workforce Commission to work with school boards and business groups to develop these opportunities, which combine classroom learning with paid on-the-job training. The legislation requires these entities to submit a written report by January 16, 2025, detailing their findings and recommendations for improving how young people access career training.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that expresses the Louisiana Senate's condolences to the family and friends of Jean Arnette Benjamin Vappie following her death in May 2024. It formally records her life and legacy as an educator, dance instructor, and community leader who founded a dance school and a cancer awareness foundation. The document highlights her personal achievements, including her career in teaching, her family life, and her service to others, but does not create any new laws or change existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally congratulates the Tulane University baseball team on winning their second consecutive American Athletic Conference tournament championship. The document highlights specific achievements from the team and individual players, such as Jackson Linn being named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and the team setting a conference record with six straight tournament wins. It does not change any laws or policies but serves as an official commendation from the Louisiana Senate to recognize the team's athletic success. A copy of the resolution was sent to the team's head coach, Jay Uhlman.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the Palm Court Jazz Café for its thirty-five years of significant contributions to New Orleans' music and cultural heritage. The bill specifically honors the café's founders, Nina and George Buck, along with key staff members Kathy Edegran and Chef Bobby Davis, for their roles in creating a historic venue that has hosted legendary musicians and preserved the city's musical legacy. As a commendation, the measure does not alter laws or impose new regulations but serves to publicly acknowledge the establishment's integral role in the community's history.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors John Keller as he retires from his role as Sergeant at Arms of the Louisiana Senate. The document recognizes his military service in Vietnam, where he received a Purple Heart, and his subsequent community contributions, including coaching football and serving in the state legislature. It formally acknowledges his life achievements and sacrifices without creating any new laws or changing government policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Sharon Turcan Gahagan for her long-standing contributions to the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. It honors the dedication of the Sharon Turcan Gahagan Art Gallery, which was named in her memory after she served as the school's board chair. The document highlights her leadership in overseeing major campus projects, such as the Center for Performance and Technology and the Living and Learning Commons, while acknowledging her extensive career in education and community service. This legislative action serves as an official recognition of her legacy rather than establishing new laws or policies.