Sen. Royce Duplessis

Maddy summarySCR 9 is a concurrent resolution creating a Task Force on Fatherhood Engagement to study ways Louisiana can increase fathers' involvement in their children's lives. The task force, composed of state agency representatives and community organizations, will research best practices and develop recommendations for agencies like Children and Family Services, Education, and Health by February 2026. It focuses on identifying policy changes, funding opportunities, and programs to support fathers, particularly those in incarcerated populations or seeking employment. The resolution does not enact new laws but directs the task force to report findings to the legislature, aiming to improve father engagement across state systems.

Maddy summarySR 188 is a Senate resolution creating a study commission to examine financing tools for energy efficiency and resilience projects in Louisiana. The commission will analyze mechanisms like C-PACE (a program allowing property owners to finance upgrades through property assessments) and on-bill financing, assessing their potential to drive investment in commercial, residential, and industrial energy projects. It will evaluate economic, environmental, and social impacts, review best practices from other states, and identify barriers to implementation. The commission, composed of representatives from energy, banking, real estate, and government groups, must submit final recommendations to relevant committees by February 2026. This resolution does not enact new policy but establishes a process to inform future legislative or regulatory action.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SSR 2) is a study request asking the Senate Committee on Insurance to examine changing Louisiana's insurance commissioner from an elected position to an appointed one. It directly affects how the state regulates insurance, as the current elected commissioner oversees insurance rules, rates, and enforcement under Louisiana's Insurance Code. The study will assess potential impacts on Louisiana's insurance market and consumer costs, including the state's high auto insurance rates, and must report findings by February 2026. Louisiana is one of only 12 states with an elected insurance commissioner, making this a procedural request for analysis, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 454 would require Medicaid to cover specific doula services for eligible enrollees. This bill directly affects Medicaid recipients who use certified doula services during pregnancy and postpartum care. The key provision mandates that Medicaid plans include coverage for these services, though the bill text does not specify exact service types or eligibility criteria beyond "certain" doula care. The bill is currently pending in the Committee on Appropriations after passing the Health and Welfare Committee unanimously. This policy change would expand access to doula support for low-income individuals under the state's Medicaid program.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 180) is a ceremonial commendation by the Louisiana Senate honoring Devarjaye "DJ" Daniel, a young man who has battled brain and spinal cancer since age six, and his family. It recognizes DJ's resilience, his dream of becoming a police officer inspired after Hurricane Harvey, and his honorary appointments with over 1,300 law enforcement agencies, including a 2025 swearing-in as a U.S. Secret Service agent. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create any legal obligations or affect policies - it serves solely to publicly acknowledge DJ's story and his family's support.

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 summaryThis resolution designates Wednesday, November 14, 2025, as "Ruby Bridges Day" in Louisiana. It honors Ruby Bridges, who in 1960 became the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South amid significant public hostility, symbolizing courage in the civil rights movement. The resolution commemorates her lifelong advocacy for racial equality and school integration without creating new laws or affecting specific groups. It serves as a symbolic observance to inspire reflection on civil rights progress.

Maddy summarySB 235 creates a state tax credit for homeowners who pay premiums on their homeowner's insurance policies. It directly affects individual taxpayers who purchase homeowner's insurance, allowing them to reduce their state income tax liability. The credit is capped at $10 million total per year, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and expires for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2036. This policy change provides a direct financial benefit to eligible homeowners but limits annual availability to ensure the program stays within a set budget.

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.