Sen. Royce Duplessis

Maddy summarySB 125 increases compensation for people wrongfully convicted in Louisiana. It raises the annual payment rate from $25,000 to $40,000 per year incarcerated, with a new maximum total of $600,000 starting August 1, 2026 (up from $400,000 previously). It also allows those convicted before July 2022 to apply for supplemental payments (up to $40,000 annually) by August 1, 2027, and offers a $250,000 lump sum option for new claims filed after July 2022. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents who were wrongfully imprisoned and seek financial redress under state law.

Maddy summarySB 228 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Louisiana local governments to use public funds to identify, inventory, remove, and replace drinking water pipes made of hazardous materials (like lead, copper, or galvanized steel) on private property owned by utility customers. It directly affects residents with older pipes who currently bear the full cost of replacement. The key mechanism adds a new provision to the state constitution permitting this public funding for hazardous pipe replacement, subject to voter approval. If passed, it would shift the financial responsibility for replacing unsafe pipes from homeowners to local governments. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 833 creates the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force in Louisiana to study and recommend improvements to services for sexual assault survivors. The task force, composed of members from the attorney general's office, sheriffs' association, state legislators, and district attorneys, will evaluate needs like counseling, school/work accommodations, and mandatory training for schools/hospitals/law enforcement. It must submit a report with specific recommendations to the governor and legislature by February 1, 2027, after which the task force will terminate. This bill does not change existing laws but sets up a process to inform future legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 321 creates legal protections for victims of human trafficking who committed prostitution-related offenses. It establishes an affirmative defense allowing victims (both minors and adults) to avoid prosecution for crimes like prostitution (R.S. 14:82) or solicitation (R.S. 14:83) if those acts resulted directly from trafficking. The bill also presumes children engaged in prostitution are trafficking victims, exempting them from prosecution and requiring referral to specialized services for sexually exploited children. Adults determined to be trafficking victims must be notified about available support services, while children automatically qualify for existing victim assistance programs under Louisiana law.

Maddy summaryHB 59 requires East Baton Rouge Parish and its cities to fund specific expenses for the 19th Judicial District Court's public defender office, which serves people who cannot afford legal representation. The bill mandates that local governments cover salaries for staff (including public defenders, clerks, and investigators) and operational costs like supplies, travel, and equipment. Funding responsibility is shared proportionally between the parish and individual cities, as determined by their governing authorities. This complements existing state funding and directly affects the office's ability to provide indigent defense services in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Dr. Lawrence Dewayne Hardy for his spiritual leadership, guidance, and prayers provided to legislators during the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The bill directly affects Dr. Hardy, the senior pastor and founder of Theo House of Judah Ministries in Baton Rouge, by formally recognizing his contributions and expressing gratitude for his service to the state. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of his role in supporting lawmakers throughout the legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets specific limits on how many legislative proposals individual lawmakers can submit during a single annual session. It restricts non-committee leaders to ten prefiled bills, while committee vice chairs and chairs are allowed up to twelve and fifteen bills, respectively. The legislation also caps the number of resolutions a member can introduce at ten, excluding routine or perfunctory items. Certain essential bills, such as those for state appropriations and capital projects, are exempt from these counting limits to ensure critical funding measures can be proposed without restriction.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 171 is a non-binding resolution that formally expresses condolences to the family and friends of Troy Carter, the general manager of the Chicken Shack restaurant in Baton Rouge. The bill acknowledges Carter's life and his unique role in sharing inspirational messages with customers for over 17 years, noting his impact on the community and the restaurant staff. This measure serves as an official gesture of respect and appreciation from the Louisiana Senate rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1253, known as the Gracey Claire Rushing Act, updates Louisiana laws to improve how coroners document and handle human remains and internal organs. The bill requires detailed autopsy reports that include specific personal information, medical findings, and a record of any retained organs, while keeping these reports private except for law enforcement or court orders. Family members and the decedent's physician are granted the right to receive a copy of the report upon request. The legislation is named in memory of a child whose death in 2009 prompted calls for better safeguards in the treatment of remains.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 180 is a commemorative bill that expresses the Louisiana Senate's condolences to the family of Sharon Courtney, who passed away on May 21, 2026. The resolution honors her life and contributions to New Orleans and Louisiana, highlighting her long career in government relations and her significant role in rebuilding Tulane University after Hurricane Katrina. It formally recognizes her legacy of service and directs a copy of the resolution to be sent to her family.