Sen. Rick Edmonds

Maddy summarySCR 40 creates a K-12 School Safety Task Force to study school safety and security issues affecting K-12 schools in the state. The task force will examine current safety measures and develop recommendations for improving school security. This procedural bill does not change existing laws but establishes a formal group to analyze and propose solutions. The task force will report its findings and recommendations to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution requests Louisiana's State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to make a safety training program accessible to high school athletic directors and coaches. The training would cover injury prevention and treatment topics like concussions, heat-related injuries, CPR, mental health awareness, and proper equipment use, based on data showing many coaches lack this training. It does not create new law but formally urges BESE to implement this program to address documented gaps in youth sports safety education. The Louisiana legislature passed the resolution unanimously in May 2025, with no opposition.

Maddy summarySCR 38 creates a task force to study how Louisiana's public colleges and universities can better connect students with career opportunities after graduation. The task force will examine education-to-career counseling programs and must submit an interim report by January 2026 and a final report by January 2027 to the governor, the Board of Regents, and education committee chairs. This resolution directly affects public college and university students in Louisiana by focusing on improving post-graduation employment outcomes. The task force will terminate upon submission of its final report or by January 21, 2027, whichever comes first.

Maddy summarySB 64 amends Louisiana law to specify the appointment process for one member of the Shenandoah Estates Crime Prevention and Improvement District's governing board. The bill requires the mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish (or the city of St. George) to appoint one board member from a list provided by the district's association. This change directly affects the district's nine-member board and its governance structure, without altering the district's purpose or funding. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on board composition rules for this existing local district.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCR 31) requests the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) to avoid scheduling games during Easter weekend (Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday). It directly addresses the LHSAA, asking them to pause athletic events to allow student athletes and families time for religious observance of the Lenten season's end. The resolution cites that families in Louisiana often observe these days and that athletes deserve uninterrupted family time without choosing between sports and religious traditions. It is a non-binding request, not a law, and does not require the LHSAA to comply.

Maddy summaryHB 652 allocates $240,608 in state funding to support seafood safety testing programs. The bill establishes a framework for testing seafood products for contaminants before they reach consumers. This affects seafood processors, retailers, and distributors who must use these testing services, while consumers benefit from enhanced food safety standards. The funding is specifically designated for testing under state oversight.

Maddy summarySCR 68 is a ceremonial resolution commending the LSU Shreveport Pilots Baseball Team for winning the 2025 NAIA Baseball National Championship. It recognizes their historic 59-0 undefeated season, which broke the previous college baseball record and marked the program's first national title. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Louisiana Legislature, formally congratulates the team, coach, and university for their achievements and individual honors. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or impact on policy, regulations, or any specific individuals beyond the stated recognition.

Maddy summarySCR 35 is a concurrent resolution directing Louisiana's legislative auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Department of State's election integrity procedures. It requires the audit to examine policies, practices, and election officials' work (including the secretary of state and local clerks), comparing Louisiana's approach to other states' best practices. The audit must occur every four years following the 2028 presidential election. This procedural bill does not change laws but mandates a review to assess how well election systems operate.

Maddy summaryHB 56 is a technical amendment to clarify that flag size is included in provisions regarding the display of the U.S. flag. The bill adds "size" to the existing language, ensuring flag display regulations explicitly cover dimensions. It does not create new restrictions or rights but refines existing wording for clarity. The bill was reported favorably by the committee (9-0) and is moving forward in the legislative process. This is a procedural adjustment with no substantive policy change or direct impact on any specific group.

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.