CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of former district attorney, judge, and Louisiana State Senator Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Abraham and 25 co-sponsors

Expresses the Senate’s formal tribute to Robert W. Kostelka for his decades of public service as DA, judge, and state senator, honoring his legacy and civic contributions.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 3/27/2026.

Summary of SR 30 (2026 Regular Session, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

SR 30 is a Senate Resolution expressing sincere condolences upon the death of Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka, who served as a district attorney, judge, and Louisiana state senator.

The resolution commends Kostelka’s legacy of long-standing public service and contributions to the state.

Key Provisions

Expresses heartfelt condolences from the Senate to Kostelka’s family and friends.

Recognizes Kostelka’s life achievements, including his roles as:

District attorney and district court judge for the 4th Judicial District (Ouachita and Morehouse parishes)
Judge on the Louisiana 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal (1998–2003)
Louisiana state senator (2003–2016)

Highlights Kostelka’s professional milestones, leadership positions, and legislative interests, including work on:

Judiciary issues and public ethics
Legislation addressing child support, consumer protection, health care, election reform, education, judicial funding, taxation, and governmental ethics

Notes Kostelka’s nominations and affiliations (e.g., the 1992 U.S. District Court nomination to the Western District of Louisiana; professional associations).

Acknowledges Kostelka’s personal attributes, family role, community service, and civic engagement (e.g., leadership in various nonprofits and churches).

Affected Parties

Primary: The Kostelka family and close associates, with a broad public acknowledgment by the Louisiana Senate.

General public: Readers of the resolution gain an official record of Kostelka’s service and impact.

Institutions mentioned: Louisiana Senate, Kostelka’s former public offices (DA, judge, senator), and various civic and professional organizations acknowledged in the resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Enrolled in the 2026 Regular Session.

Action history:

Introduced and read in the Senate; adopted and enrolled in March 2026.
Signed by the President of the Senate and transmitted to the Secretary of State on March 27, 2026.

Co-sponsors: A broad list of Senate members, reflecting cross-party recognition across the chamber.

Notable Details

Kostelka’s lifespan: January 10, 1934 (approximate birth year inferred) to January 10, 2026, aged 92.

Personal background: Lifelong resident of Louisiana with deep roots in Monroe; active in faith-based community life and multiple civic organizations.

The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a substantive policy change.

Overall Impact

The bill provides an official, non-substantive tribute recognizing Kostelka’s contributions to law, governance, and public service.

It preserves a record of his legacy within the state’s legislative history and honors his service to Louisiana.