Sen. Rick Edmonds

Maddy summarySCR 41 is a ceremonial resolution that commends the website SomebodysPraying.com and proclaims July 2025 as a "month of prayer and fasting" in Louisiana. It does not create new laws or policies, but symbolically encourages Louisianans to engage in prayer and fasting to seek divine blessings for the state and nation. The resolution is purely symbolic, with no concrete policy changes or direct impact on government operations or citizens' rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 146) that formally commends Coach Clay Bohanan for his coaching career and contributions to high school baseball in Bossier Parish. It specifically recognizes the dedication of "Clay Bohanan Field" at Airline High School in Bossier City, honoring his 12-year tenure as head coach (1980-1992), his 310-90 win-loss record, and his mentorship of student-athletes. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition, with no new laws or funding. The Senate passed it unanimously to celebrate his legacy, as documented in the resolution's detailed background.

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 summarySCR 33 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing Covington Fire Chief Gary Blocker Jr.'s 27 years of service and expressing condolences to his family following his passing on May 6, 2025. It formally honors his contributions to the Covington Fire Department, including founding the Fire Prevention Bureau and improving community safety, without creating any new laws or affecting any individuals or entities beyond the symbolic recognition. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Louisiana Legislature on May 13, 2025, and transmitted to his family.

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.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 60 commends and congratulates Camille Cronin for being elected the 2024 Louisiana State University Homecoming Queen. It recognizes her leadership, academic achievements, and contributions to the LSU community.

Maddy summarySB 45 exempts certain veterans and their spouses from paying sales and use taxes on motor vehicle purchases. It also provides an exemption for these individuals from the vehicle registration and license tax. An amendment clarifies that this tax exemption extends to military honor personalized or special prestige license plates. These provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 50 is a commemorative resolution that officially recognizes Monday, April 28, 2025, as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Day at the Louisiana State Capitol. This resolution celebrates the contributions and achievements of Louisiana's eight HBCUs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 2) requires the Louisiana legislature to formally approve the funding formula developed by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects all public schools in Louisiana, including city/parish school systems, charter schools (Type 2 and 3B), special schools like LSMSA and NOCCA, and university lab schools. The formula uses four key calculations to allocate funds: Level 1 bases funding on student needs (with weighted counts for low-income, English Language Learner, and special education students), Level 2 offers incentives for local funding beyond minimums, Level 3 covers specific pay raises and mandated costs, and Level 4 provides supplementary funds for programs like career training and mid-year enrollment changes. The approval ensures the state’s education funding mechanism for the upcoming school year is legally authorized.

Maddy summaryHB 5 requires Louisiana public school systems to use savings from the Teachers' Retirement System to provide permanent salary increases for teachers and other school employees starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Certificated staff, such as teachers and administrators, must receive at least a $2,000 raise, while non-certificated staff, including aides and clerical workers, must receive at least $1,000. The bill mandates that these salary increases include associated retirement costs and applies to employees on specific leaves, such as military or maternity leave, provided they remain in their approved positions. If a school district does not have enough savings to cover the full amount of these raises, the remaining cost is to be funded through the state's minimum foundation program formula. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that charter schools participating in the state retirement system must also comply with these salary increase requirements.