A bill that would bar ANYONE under 21 from entering a bar moves forward but with significant changes. In its current form, bar owners would be accountable for bad acts done to or committed by underage patrons that they serve alcohol to. Lauren LeBlanc, godmother of 19-year-old Madison Brooks, the LSU student who died after an excessive night of drinking at a Tigerland bar testified in committee.

Cut 7 (11) “…consume alcohol.”

Under Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s amended bill, 18 to 20-year-olds could still enter bars and even work at a bar.

Cut 10 (09) “…choice they make.” 

The bill passed in committee and moves to the Senate floor.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would prohibit public school teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. Former teacher and New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says prohibiting the discussion tells trans and gay students they don’t matter…

Cut 15 (10)  “…against them.”
Bill author, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton, says no one should talk to our kids about sensitive subjects without parental consent.

Former state representative and current First Assistant Secretary of State Nancy Landry of Lafayette joins the list of candidates running for Secretary of State. Landry says with a Presidential election next year, you need someone with the proper experience and knowledge to oversee the election….

Cut 6 (05)  “…and the experience.”
Mike Francis, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair are also running for Secretary of State.

A bill prohibiting ANYONE under 21 from entering a bar moves forward but with significant changes. Kevin Gallagher has more…

Cut 1 (45)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In college baseball last night, second-ranked LSU pounded Northwestern State 14-4, LA Tech scored five in the seventh inning to beat the Cajuns 12 to 8 and McNeese defeated Nicholls seven to three.

The Louisiana House passed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that would ban classroom discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools. The bill would also require transgender students to get parental consent for teachers to use pronouns matching their gender identity. Bill author Houghton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 14 (12)  “…this is.”

The bill advances to the upper chamber.

Former State Representative and top assistant to current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, Nancy Landry, announces her candidacy for Secretary of State. Landry says her goal is to place Louisiana at the top of the list for election integrity and replace outdated voting machines that have paper components in addition to electronic.

Cut 5 (09)   “…right now.”

Current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced last month that he will not seek re-election.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would prohibit teachers in K-through-12 public schools from discussing sexuality and gender in classrooms. Former teacher and New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says prohibiting the discussion tells trans and gay students they don’t matter…
cut 15 (10) “…against them”
But the bill’s author, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton, says no one should talk to our kids about sensitive subjects without parental consent.

A bill that would result in thousands of dollars in fines for bars if they serve alcohol to patrons under the age of 21 is heading to the Senate floor. The measure would also make bars liable in civil court if a minor is served and then causes harm to themself or others. Lauren Leblanc, the godmother of Madison Brooks, a 19-year-old LSU student who died after a night of excessive drinking at a Tigerland bar says it’s time for lawmakers to crack down on bar owners…
cut 8 (09) “…..done for profit”

A bill that would raise taxes on vapor products and electronic cigarettes and use the first $22 million raised every year for State Police pay hikes was approved by the House Ways and Means Committee. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The House Appropriations Committee has approved legislation that prohibits the use of TikTok and related applications on computers and networks owned or leased by the state. Avoyelles Parish lawmaker Daryl Deshotel says Tiktok is a serious threat to the nation’s intelligence as security experts have stated the app tracks what users consume on the internet.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has ditched her effort to pass legislation to prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from entering a bar. Mizell amended her bill so the measure now reads that if an 18 to 20-year-old is served alcohol, an establishment faces fines and could be sued if something tragic happens…
cut 9 (10) “….do it illegally”
The measure heads to the Senate floor.

The full House has approved a bill that prohibits the discussion of sexuality and gender identity in public school classrooms. Critics refer to it as the Don’t Say Gay Bill. But Chalmette Representative Ray Garolfalo says teachers should only be teaching the basics…
cut 16 (12) “….the students’
The House approved the bill on a 67-28 vote and it heads to the Senate.

Legislation is advancing that would give State Police Troopers a pay raise. State Police Superintendent Lamar Davis says it’s needed….
cut 12 (10) “…we pay”
The House Ways and Means Committee has approved legislation that increases taxes on vape products and electric cigarettes as a way to fund a pay raise for State Troopers. The bill heads to the House floor.

Former State Representative and current First Secretary of State, Nancy Landry, announces her candidacy for Secretary of State. Landry says her legislative experience and legal background make her the best candidate for the position.
Cut 4 (10) “…accurate elections.”
Landry is a Republican and there are other Republicans running, Mike Francis, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair.

A bill to prohibit the instruction or discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools passes in the House. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has made major changes to the bill she filed in response to the January death of LSU student Madison Brooks. Instead of prohibiting anyone under the age of 21 from entering a bar, her legislation now allows 18 to 20 year olds into bars, but bar owners could be held liable if the minor is overserved and something bad happens.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation to increase taxes on vape products and electronic cigarettes and dedicates the first $22 million raised annually for State Police pay raises. Covington Representative Paul Hollis is the author…
Cut 11 (12) “…this tax.”
The tax levied on vapor products and electronic cigarettes would increase from .05 per mililiter of consumable liquid solution to .30 per mililiter.

Former state representative and current First Assistant Secretary of State Nancy Landry of Lafayette has entered the crowded Secretary of State’s race. Landry says with a Presidential election next year, you need someone with experience to oversee the election….
cut 6 (13) “….the experience”
Also running, Mike Francis, Clay Schexnayder and Brandon Trosclair. All Republicans.

A bill that would have barred ANYONE under 21 from entering a bar moves forward but with significant changes…:

Cut 1 (35)  “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In the House legislation to require parental consent before corporal punishment is used on their child in public school passes. A report indicates that only 19 school systems allow paddling in school last year. The bill passed on a 74 to 21 vote and heads to the Senate.

A bill to require the motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every public-school classroom advances from the House. Gretna Representative Joe Marino opposes the bill. He says it could be seen as promoting a particular religious belief.

Cut 7 (09)  “…every book.” 

In 2018 a bill requiring every school to display “In God We Trust” passed. The bill advances to the Senate after a 98-4 vote in the House.

A bill already passed by the House that would make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence and subject to those penalties passed a Senate committee. Some argued it cannot be a crime of violence if no one was physically attacked, but bill sponsor, and Metairie Rep. Debbie Villio disagrees.:

Cut 14 (12)  “…of violence.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.

With fentanyl overdose deaths in Louisiana up over 40-percent since 2019, the state Department of Health launches a campaign to raise awareness. By the Governor’s decree, today is Fentanyl Awareness Day in the state, and LDH’s Dr. Joe Kanter says we all should know just 2 milligrams can trigger an O.D…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…of fentanyl.”

Visit “OpioidHelpLA.org” to learn more.

A House-passed bill to make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence, and subject to those penalties, cleared its first hurdle in the Upper Chamber today. Bill sponsor Rep. Debbie Villio, of Metairie..:

CUT 12  (12)        “…is life long.”

The senate Judiciary committee sends that bill to the full Senate floor.

A parent would have to sign a consent form allowing school officials to use corporal punishment on their child under a bill approved by the Louisiana House. This is Democrat Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty’s third attempt in trying to pass the bill…:

CUT 03(13)      “…consent to it.”

Some argued there’s no place for physical punishment in schools at all. Still, the bill passed the House by a 74-21 vote. It moves now to the Senate.

Police in Minden are investigating the death of a Webster Parish man as a homicide. 26-year-old Dan Merrit went missing a week ago. His body was found Sunday; buried in a wooded area. Minden Police say they have a suspect (who they aren’t ready to identify) and a warrant is out for that person’s arrest.

Parents would have to sign a consent form in order for a school official to use corporal punishment on their child under a bill approved by the House…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The state Health Department launches a campaign to educate the masses to the dangers of fentanyl and overdoses. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says knowing the warning signs is a good start…:

CUT 11(09)      “…weak breathing.”

Legislation that would require the national motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state was approved by the House in a 98-4 vote. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says it’s not pushing religion on anyone…:

CUT 06(08)      “…my goal.”’

Despite concerns of religious favoritism and unintended consequence, the bill passed overwhelmingly and moves over to the Senate.

A bill already passed by the House that would make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence and subject to those penalties passed a Senate committee. Some argued it cannot be a crime of violence if no one was physically attacked, but bill sponsor, and Metairie Rep. Debbie Villio disagrees..:

CUT 14(12)      “…of violence.”

The full senate will debate the bill next.

Fentanyl overdoses in our state were up by 41.6% last year compared to 2019 so, the Louisiana Department of Health launches a campaign to raise awareness about the alarming rates of overdoses in the state…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Teiko Foxx.”

Former state Representative Nancy Landry announces she will run for Secretary of State this fall. A Republican, Landry served as Lafayette’s House member from 2008 to 2019. She joins GOP House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Republican businessman Brandon Trosclair in the race. Current SOS Kyle Ardoin is not running for re-election.

A House-approved bill that would alter state law to consider burglary of an inhabited dwelling a violent crime clears its committee review in the Senate. Jefferson Parish Rep. Debbie Villio says, if you’ve been burglarized, you feel violated. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow worries the well-intended bill could cause troubles in a courtroom…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…young and dumb.”

Despite that and other objections, the bill was approved, and moves to the Senate floor.

A bill to require “In God We Trust” be displayed in every school classroom passed overwhelmingly in the House. Bill sponsor Dodie Horton, of Bossier Parish, says the bill costs taxpayers virtually nothing, and carries no penalties…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…donated it.”

That bill passes 98-to-4 and heads over to the Senate.

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the powerful opioid fentanyl and actions everyone can take to save lives. Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed today as Fentanyl Awareness Day in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana overdose rates are well ahead of national averages…:

CUT 09(12)      “…highly lethal.”

Visit “OpioidHelpLA.org” for information about fentanyl and resources.

At the State Capitol, legislation to make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence advances from Senate Judiciary C. The bill already cleared the House 73 to 28. Bill author and Jefferson Parish Representative Debbie Villio on her bill…:

CUT 12(12)      “…life-long.”

By a 4-to-2 vote, the bill now heads for the Senate floor.

The full House has approved a bill that would require parents to give written consent to school officials for their kid to be paddled as punishment. Speaking against the bill was Amite Democrat Rep. Robby Carter, who says all physical discipline is outdated…:

CUT 05(10)      “…don’t you agree?”

Metairie Democrat Stephanie Hilferty’s bill advances; headed next to a Senate committee.

A pair of southwest Louisiana teens are arrested for allegedly shooting into a crowd of people last Saturday night in Lake Charles. 18-year-old Harry Pendleton of L.C. and 19-year-old Chelsey Ned of DeQuincy each face multiple charges and are in the Calcasieu Parish jail. Cops say it’s fortunate that no one was hit by any of the gunfire.

State Police report two people died overnight in a head-on crash in Washington Parish in Franklinton. Both drivers were women, and troopers confirm at least one of them was not wearing a safety belt. The crash is under investigation.