Before state lawmakers left the capitol for the Memorial Day weekend, they approved a 38-billion dollar state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. It didn’t take as long to approve a spending plan since the state has millions of dollars in extra cash as a result of federal coronavirus aid. Salary hikes are going to teachers, college professors, prison guards and juvenile justice workers.

Protestors were at the state capitol demanding justice for the death of Ronald Greene. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A human skull found in Cameron Parish more than three years ago has been identified as a missing San Antonio woman. Cameron Parish Sheriff Ron Johnson says it was a computer-generated image of the head that led a concerned citizen to connect the dots, and dental records confirmed the findings.
Cut 9 (11) “…Sally Hines.”
The 58-year-old Hines went missing in December of 2017 and there are no details on what led to her disappearance.

Legislation that would have allowed 1,500 Louisiana prisoners who were convicted by a non-unanimous jury to seek a new trial was defeated in a House committee. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says Louisiana voters already deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional going forward, and that decision should be retroactive…
Cut 4 (09)”…today.”
But the legislation failed on a seven to five vote.

A House committee rejects an effort to provide a path to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates who were convicted on non-unanimous verdicts before the practice was deemed racist and unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A human skull found March 2018 along Highway 27 in Cameron Parish has been positively identified as a Texas woman who went missing in December of 2017. The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office says investigators used dental records to identify 58-year old Sally Ann Hines of San Antonio.

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17. Jefferson Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill seeks to protect biological females and ensure a fair competitive environment. Opponents are concerned the bill would cause unintended economic consequences. New Orleans Representative Royce DuPlessis says businesses might be less likely to invest in Louisiana if this makes it into law…

Cut 11 (08) “…our business there.”
Schlegel says this won’t be an issue since states who have already passed similar legislation are hosting sponsored sporting events…

Cut 12 (07) “…Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee.”

That bill is expected to be vetoed by the Governor.

About 200 people marched from the State Capitol to the Governor’s Mansion yesterday demanding criminal charges against the State Troopers who arrested Ronald Greene in 2019. Greene died in police custody after he was punched and tased numerous times. L-S-P originally said Greene died in a car accident following a high-speed chase. Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…
cut 9 (13) “…for months”
Governor Edwards says State Police is cooperating with the Union Parish District Attorney and the US Justice Department as they investigate.

State lawmakers have approved a police reform bill. The legislation would ban chokeholds by officers, put body camera activation policies in place, and the duty to intervene. State Representative Ted James says police can still do nighttime no-knock warrants, but certain policies must be followed…
cut 15 (09) “….protect life”

Legislation that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports is heading to the governor’s desk. Supporters say it will protect the integrity of girls’ sports, New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says the bill threatens to alienate an already vulnerable community…
cut 13 (08) “…positive for them”
Governor Edwards is expected to veto the bill.

A bill that would have provided an estimated 15-hundred prisoners with another shot at a trial if they were convicted by a non-unanimous jury failed in a House committee. District attorneys say 15-hundred retrials would be difficult, costly and harm victims, but Promise of Justice Lawyer Jamila Johnson says that’s no excuse…
cut 6 (10) “…of the judge”
The bill failed on a seven to five vote.

Protestors marched at the state capitol demanding justice for the death of Ronald Greene. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislation that would have provided a pathway to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates with settled cases who were convicted non-unanimously is defeated in a House committee. Promise of Justice lawyer Jamila Johnson says her organization represents two-thirds of the 1,500 people in jail on non-unanimous convictions. She says their convictions were part of a racist policy.
Cut 5 (06)”…clients are Black.”

Police reform legislation covering a number of bases from body camera activation policies to duty to intervene, and even bans on chokeholds is headed to the Governor’s desk.
The bill is the result of a policing policy reform task force established last year after the George Floyd Protests. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s the result of a lot of discussion…
Cut 14 (06) “…final passage.”

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17.
Opponents are concerned the bill would cause unintended economic consequences. New Orleans Representative Royce DuPlessis says businesses might be less likely to invest in Louisiana if this makes it into law…
Cut 11 (08) “…our business there.”

That bill is expected to be voted by the Governor.

A House committee rejects an effort to provide a path to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates who were convicted on non-unanimous verdicts before the practice was deemed racist and unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A temporary state sales tax levied back in 2018 may become permanent after a late amendment was tacked on to the medical marijuana bill. It is a nearly half-cent tax that was added a few years back which is set to expire. The money will be earmarked to repair and maintain state highways and bridges.

Some 200 protestors marched at the State Capitol Thursday demanding justice in the death of Ronald Greene, the black man who died during a 2019 traffic arrest in Union Parish by state troopers. Civil rights activists along with members of Greene’s family are calling on swift action to be taken for those responsible for his death.
Attorneys for the Greene family say they were initially told he died from injuries in a car crash after Greene led officers on a chase that ended in Union Parish. Body camera footage however later emerged showing Greene crying out he’s sorry as officers repeatedly punched, dragged, and used a stun gun on him while he was restrained.
Greene’s mother Mona Hardin joined protestors at the Capitol and thanked them for their support.
Cut 8 (03) “…murdered.”

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17. Jefferson Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill seeks to protect biological females and ensure a fair competitive environment…
Cut 10 (07) “…no longer exist.”

Legislation that would have provided a pathway to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates with settled cases who were convicted non-unanimously is defeated in a House committee.
New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says Louisiana voters already deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional going forward, and that decision should be retroactive…
Cut 4 (09)”…today.”

Some 200 protestors marched at the State Capitol Thursday demanding justice in the death of Ronald Greene, the black man who died during a 2019 traffic arrest in Union Parish by state troopers. Civil rights activists along with members of Greene’s family are calling on swift action to be taken for those responsible for his death. Eugene Collins with the NAACP…
Cut 7 (05) “…right now (cheering).”

Attorneys for the Greene family say they were initially told he died from injuries in a car crash after Greene led officers on a chase that ended in Union Parish.

The House passes a bill banning K-12 and college trans athletes from participating in sports designated for biological females. Erik Piccoli has the story.

A House committee rejects an effort to provide a path to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates who were convicted on non-unanimous verdicts before the practice was deemed racist and unconstitutional. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

Protestors marched at the state capitol demanding justice for the death of Ronald Greene. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

The House passes a bill banning K-12 and college trans athletes from participating in sports designated for biological females. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

____________________________

Legislation that would have provided a pathway to parole or retrial for the 1,500 Louisiana inmates with settled cases who were convicted non-unanimously is defeated in a House committee.

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says Louisiana voters already deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional going forward, and that decision should be retroactive…

Cut 4 (09)”…today.”

The US Supreme Court has also deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional but earlier this month ruled that states are not mandated to retry settled non-unanimous convictions.

Promise of Justice lawyer Jamila Johnson says her organization represents two-thirds of the 1,500 people in jail on non-unanimous convictions. She says their convictions were part of a racist policy.

Cut 5 (06)”…clients are Black.”

In its ruling that deemed non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional the Supreme Court agreed that Louisiana’s non-unanimous felony convictions law was rooted in racist Jim Crow policy.

No one spoke against the bill in committee but it is opposed by the District Attorneys Association who say 1,500 retrials would be difficult, costly and harm victims. Johnson says that’s no excuse.

Cut 6 (10)”…or the judge.”

The final vote was 7-5.

_____________________________

Some 200 protestors marched at the State Capitol Thursday demanding justice in the death of Ronald Greene, the black man who died during a 2019 traffic arrest in Union Parish by state troopers. Civil rights activists along with members of Greene’s family are calling on swift action to be taken for those responsible for his death.  Eugene Collins with the NAACP…

Cut 7 (05)  “…right now (cheering).”

Attorneys for the Greene family say they were initially told he died from injuries in a car crash after Greene led officers on a chase that ended in Union Parish. Body camera footage however later emerged showing Greene crying out he’s sorry as officers repeatedly punched, dragged, and used a stun gun on him while he was restrained.

Greene’s mother Mona Hardin joined protestors at the Capitol and thanked them for their support.

Cut 8 (03) “…murdered.”

Baton Rouge Activist Gary Chambers called out elected leaders for allowing the cover-up of Greene’s death to go on for so long and put them on alert for not arresting the officers responsible for his death.

Cut 9 (13) “…for months.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards issued a statement that he met with Hardin on Thursday and pledged that the state police are cooperating with the Union Parish District Attorney and the US Department of Justice in their investigations.  ___________________________________

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girl’s and women’s sports passes in the House 77-17. Jefferson Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill seeks to protect biological females and ensure a fair competitive environment…

Cut 10 (07) “…no longer exist.”

Opponents are concerned the bill would cause unintended economic consequences. New Orleans Representative Royce DuPlessis says businesses might be less likely to invest in Louisiana if this makes it into law…

Cut 11 (08) “…our business there.”

Schlegel says this won’t be an issue since states who have already passed similar legislation are hosting sponsored sporting events…

Cut 12 (07) “…Arkansas, Alabama, Tennesse.”

The bill has also been called discriminatory. Orleans representative Aimee Freeman says the legislation threatens to alienate an already vulnerable community…

Cut 13 (08) “…positive for them.”

The bill is headed to the governor’s desk where it’s expected to be vetoed.

___________________________________

Police reform legislation covering a number of bases from body camera activation policies, to duty to intervene, and even bans on chokeholds is headed to the Governor’s desk.

The bill is the result of a policing policy reform task force established last year after the George Floyd Protests. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s the result of a lot of discussion…

Cut 14 (06) “…final passage.”

There was concern about the legislation’s limits on law enforcement’s authority to conduct nighttime no-knock warrants. James says it’s still allowed, but the process that must be followed to do so is now stricter…

Cut 15 (09)“…protect life.”

The bill, by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields, cleared the House 97-1. The lone vote against came from Haughton Representative Dodie Horton. It cleared the Senate unanimously.

A bill allowing college student-athletes to get paid endorsements and otherwise profit off of their name, image, and likeness is one step away from hitting the Governor’s desk after getting unanimous approval in a House committee. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says we won’t be the first, or last state to go down this path…

Cut 7 (09) “…form of it.”

A bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girls’ and womens’ sports is headed to the Governor’s desk where he’s expected to veto it. Jefferson Representative Laurie Schlegel says the bill seeks to protect biological females…

Cut 10 (7) “…no longer exist.”

Opponents say the bill is discriminatory and will drive away businesses with more progressive values and jeopardize New Orleans’ ability to host major sporting events.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder formally removes Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman, ending a month-long controversy starting with Garofalo’s comments about slavery.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington” 

The Legislature also approved legislation that would allow medical marijuana to be sold and consumed in its “raw, smokeable” form a police reform bill that deals with body camera usage and limits on no-know warrant usage, and the  House passes a bill mandating the national anthem be played before sporting events at state-funded facilities.

We’ve got the start times for LSU football’s first three games of the season. They’ll open in Los Angeles against UCLA in primetime on Fox on September 4^th at 7:30. They’ll host McNeese on September 11^th at 7 PM, and host Central Michigan on September 18^th at 6:30.

UL Lafayette also kicks off their season on September 4^th with a big nationally televised contest against Texas in Austin at 3:30. ULM will also get some national TV time for their season opener on the road against Kentucky. Terry Bowden’s Bulldogs will start that September 4^th game at 11 that morning.

Northwestern’s season is over after getting blasted by UNO 14-1 in Southland conference tournament play. The Privateers had three grand slams on the afternoon two by Darren Willis and one by Travis Gober.

Legislation allowing athletes to profit off of their name image and likeness is nearing the finish line after clearing House Education with unanimous approval.

LSU faces uncertain odds of getting into the NCAA tournament after getting bounced from the SEC tournament. Despite LSU’s 13-17 conference record, the team is ranked 24^th in the RPI. Coach Paul Manieri hopes the selection committee will take that into consideration.

Cut 17 (14) “…in the 20s as well.”

Louisiana Tech continues their fantastic season tonight against Southern Miss in the Conference USA Tournament winners’ bracket contest. Tech is coming off of a late-night win over UTSA on a walk-off home run in the 12^th inning, the longest game in C-USA Tourney history while Southern Miss didn’t have a first pitch in their win over Western Kentucky until 12:15 last night due to the Bulldog’s marathon contest.

McNeese plays Southeastern in the Southland Conference Tournament starting at 7 PM.

The family of Ronald Greene is demanding the officers who are on tape beating Greene prior to his death in police custody in 2019 be charged criminally. Greene family attorney Lee Merritt says he spoke with the Union Parish prosecutor today who told him they would seek criminal accountability for the officers “in due time”.

Cut 12 (10)   “…murder.” 

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo has been formally removed as Chairman of the House Education Committee following a controversy stretching back to last month involving his comments about slavery. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this wasn’t an easy decision for House Speaker Clay Schexnayder who was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Cut 3 (11)  “…shouldn’t be removed.” 

Covington Representative Mark Wright will chair the meeting for the remainder of the session.

Legislation allowing college student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness received unanimous approval in a House committee and is headed to the House floor. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says Louisiana needs to keep up with other states that have already passed similar legislation.

Cut 7 (09) “…form of it.”

The bill now heads to the house floor.

Legislation mandating the National Anthem be played before all athletic events at taxpayer-supported venues in the state passes in the House. Albany Representative Sherman Mack present the bill and was questioned by New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman if the bill is even enforceable.

Cut 9 (06) “…that’s correct.”

The bill passed on a 74-11 vote and now returns to the Senate.