Houma Senator Mike Fesi decides not to move forward with his bill to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy in Louisiana. Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills says he received 400 cards in opposition to the legislation. Melissa Flournoy, with Louisiana Progress Action, spoke against the bill…

Cut 10 (10) “…families” 

A House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without a felony record to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state permit or training. Moms Demand Action member Nanette Olivier spoke out against the bill. She says polling available suggests there’s no popular support for this…

Cut 7 (09) “…representing”

The committee vote was 8-4 in favor.

It’s the first full day since Governor John Bel Edwards partially lifted the mask mandate.  But as the pandemic continues, he advises residents if you’re unsure of the vaccination status of those around you, socially distance and wear a mask.

Cut 4 (10) “…a mask.” 

Edwards said he altered the mask mandate because case numbers continue to decline and vaccine eligibility has been open to all 16 and older for just under a month. The mandate went into effect July 13^th of 2020.

LSU will open Alex Box Stadium and Tiger Park this weekend for 100-percent capacity for baseball and softball fans. This will be the first time since the pandemic Tiger fans will be allowed to fill the stands and face mask are not required.  And There will be no capacity limits or mask requirements when softball fans attend the Louisiana state softball championships in Sulphur.

Starting today local governments can choose whether or not they’d like to maintain the mask mandate. Governor Edwards says he lifted the statewide rule because of declining case counts and increasing vaccinations, but even though he’s personally vaccinated he will continue to mask up in public settings.

Cut 5  (05)  “…to do.”

The statewide mask mandate went into effect on July 13, 2020.

Houma Representative Mike Fesi decides not to move forward with his bill to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy. Advocates, health professionals, and transgender individuals like this LSU student testified against it.

Cut 9 (10) “..denied care”

Senate Health and Welfare Chairman Fred Mills says he received 400 cards in opposition to the legislation.

A House committee passed another bill that would allow people in Louisiana 21 and older without felony records to carry a concealed handgun without needing a state permit or training. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka supports the bill. He says getting a concealed carry permit costs up to 325 dollars and requires attendance at a nine-hour course.

Cut 6 (12) “…defense”

Governor Edwards has signaled his opposition to the bill.

It’s the first full day that a statewide mask is partially lifted in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards altered the mask mandate for a number of reasons, among them the continued downward trend in case numbers and fatalities. However, he still advises the use of face masks.

Cut 3 (10)  “…an unvaccinated.” 

A Senate committee approves legislation that would prohibit law enforcement officers from using chokeholds and no-knock warrants at night. Norco Senator Gary Smith says placing strict limits on nighttime no-knock warrants comes after several incidents in other parts of the country ended in tragedy.

Cut 9 (09) “…of the situation.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Legislation allowing anyone in Louisiana over 21 who isn’t a convicted felon to carry a concealed handgun without a permit heads to the House after passing the Senate on a veto-proof majority vote. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A head-on collision in Assumption Parish claims the lives of two Thibodaux men. State Police say their preliminary investigation indicates 31-year old Donald Jones was traveling north on state highway one Tuesday afternoon, crossed the center line then struck the vehicle in which 46-year old Tyrone Clark was a passenger. Jones was transported to a local hospital where he later died, and Clark was pronounced dead on the scene.

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted most of the statewide mask mandate. Masks are still required for state buildings, K-12 schools and universities, public transportation, and all licensed healthcare facilities.
Cut 12 (10) “…nursing homes.”
Businesses can keep mask mandates in place and so can local governments, but most are lifting them.

The Coast Guard’s Unified Command for the SEACOR Power response begins efforts to remove the vessel that capsized earlier this month near Port Fourchon. The 234-foot lift boat was carrying potentially up to 35-thousand gallons of oil products. Coast Guard Public Information Officer Nicole Groll…

Cut 16 (09) “…pollutants.”

So far there are no reported impacts to wildlife from the incident.

A bill containing police reforms resulting from a legislative task force formed last summer is headed to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

And then there were three. The list of presidential candidates for LSU is narrowed down to three finalists, it includes UL system president Jim Henderson. Finalists will visit the university in person next week for interviews and meet with administrators. Notably absent is Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne.

Governor John Bel Edwards partially lifts the statewide mask mandate effective today…
Cut 11 (08) “…regarding masks.”
Masks will still be required inside state buildings, K-through-12 schools, colleges, and universities, on public transportation, and healthcare facilities.

Legislation that would prohibit the execution of nighttime no-knock warrants clears a Senate committee. State Police Lt. Robert Burns says LSP backs the change, noting it’s already being phased out of use…
Cut 8 (11) “…occupants of the property.”
The measure heading to the Senate floor also prohibits police officers from using chokeholds.

LSU is down to three finalists to be president of the LSU system, one of the finalists is U-L System Leader Doctor Jim Henderson.

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation doing away with the need to obtain a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana on a veto-proof 27 to 11 vote. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says this bill is about liberty…
Cut 4 (10)“…permission.”
The proposal faces opposition from Governor Edwards and other Democrats, who are concerned it could lead to more gun violence because getting a concealed carry permit requires training on how to handle a gun. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux says without that training…
cut 6 (06) “…west”
The measure heads to the House for more debate.

A bill that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use is heading to the House floor after getting out of the House Criminal Justice Committee on a seven to five vote. It would give voters a chance to vote on the issue in November 2022.

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the statewide mask mandate, but it’s still required in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public transit, state buildings, and health care facilities. Private businesses can also require a mask. The governor’s new public health order also eases some restrictions on live music, removes outdoor limitations on crowds, and as far as indoor venues…
cut 13 (13) “…with masks”

A senate committee approves legislation that would restrict law enforcement officers from conducting no-knock warrants at night and chokeholds. The measure heads to the Senate floor, but Shreveport Senator Greg Traver says he’s not comfortable with the proposed limits on night-time no knocks…
cut 10 (09) “….you know”

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation that would end the requirement for a person 21 years old and up to receive a permit in order to carry a concealed handgun. It was a near party-line vote, with 27 senators voting for it, and eleven against. Houma Senator Mike Fesi voted in favor and explained why…
cut 5 (09) “…it was”
But opponents say this legislation could lead to more shootouts in public places. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…
cut 7 (11) “….your heart”
Opponents argue the permit process requires a gun owner to undergo training in order to conceal carry. Governor Edwards also opposes the measure that heads to the House for more debate.

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted most of the statewide mask mandate. Masks are still required for state buildings, K-12 schools and universities, public transportation, and all licensed healthcare facilities.
Cut 12 (10) “…nursing homes.”
Businesses can keep mask mandates in place and so can local governments, but most are lifting them.

A Senate committee approves legislation that would prohibit law enforcement officers from using chokeholds and no-knock warrants at night. Norco Senator Gary Smith says placing strict limits on nighttime no-knock warrants comes after several incidents in other parts of the country ended in tragedy.
Cut 9 (09) “…of the situation.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Legislation allowing anyone in Louisiana over 21 who isn’t a convicted felon to carry a concealed handgun without a permit heads to the House after passing the Senate on a veto-proof majority vote…
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Coast Guard is developing a strategy on how to remove the Seacor Power lift boat out of the Gulf of Mexico. There’s also concern about the thousands of gallons of oil that was on the vessel when it capsized…
cut 15 (05) “…impact”
That’s Coast Guard spokesperson Nicole Groll.

Governor John Bel Edwards eases coronavirus health restrictions. Brooke Thorington has the story….
cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

LSU has narrowed its search for a new president to three finalists. U-L System President Doctor Jim Henderon made the cut, but Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne did not. And rumors that Mark Emmert will return to LSU can end as the NCAA President’s contract has been extended through 2025.

The Louisiana Senate approves legislation doing away with the need to obtain a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana on a veto-proof 27 to 11 vote. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says this bill is about liberty…
Cut 4 (10)“…permission.”
The measure heads to the House. The proposal faces opposition from Governor Edwards and other Democrats, who are concerned it could lead to more gun violence.

The Coast Guard’s Unified Command for the SEACOR Power response begins efforts to remove the vessel that capsized earlier this month near Port Fourchon. The 234-foot lift boat was potentially carrying up to 35-thousand gallons of oil products. Coast Guard spokeswoman Nicole Groll.
Cut 14 (11) “….safely off.”

Legislation allowing anyone in Louisiana over 21 who isn’t a convicted felon to carry a concealed handgun without a permit heads to the House after passing the Senate on a veto-proof majority vote. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

A bill containing police reforms resulting from a legislative task force formed last summer is headed to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards eases health restrictions, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________

The Senate approves legislation doing away with the need to obtain a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana on a veto-proof 27 to 11 vote.

Bill author and West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says passage would make Louisiana the 21^st state to adopt a so-called “Constitutional Carry” law.

Cut 4 (10)“…permission.”

To conceal carry in Louisiana, you would still need to be over 21 and not be a convicted felon.

Houma Senator Mike Fesi voted in favor. He cited a recent mass shooting in Houma that he says could have been mitigated by the widespread adoption of concealed carry.

Cut 5 (09)“…it was.”

The legislation was also amended to make it so that any persons visiting Louisiana would be allowed to concealed carry without obtaining a permit.

Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux opposed the bill. He says America has a gun problem right now and this would just make matters worse.

Cut 6 (06) “…west.”

The legislation is opposed by the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police.

New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson’s proposed amendment to rename the bill the Thoughts and Prayers Act was rejected. She says this will further increase gun violence.

Cut 7 (11)  “…your heart.”

The bill heads to the House.

_______________________

Legislation instituting a series of policing policy reforms clears a Senate committee and is headed to the Senate floor.

One of the reforms would largely prohibit the execution of no-knock warrants at nighttime. State Police Lt. Robert Burns says LSP backs the change, noting it’s already being phased out of use…

Cut 8 (11) “…occupants of the property.”

The bill by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields also mandates a strict policy be established on body and dash camera usage, mandates duty to intervene training, and restricts the authority to utilize chokeholds,

Norco Senator Gary Smith says placing strict limits on nighttime no-knock warrants comes after several incidents in other parts of the country ended in tragedy.

Cut 9 (09) “…of the situation.”

Nighttime no-knock warrants would still be permitted in some situations, but only with additional and specific judicial approval.

The legislation received unanimous approval in a Senate Judiciary Committee, but Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver told Fields that he’s not comfortable with the proposed limits on night-time no-knocks…

Cut 10 (09) “…you know.”

The bill is the result of a legislative task force comprised of lawmakers, community leaders, and law enforcement officials from multiple agencies that was formed last summer in the wake of nationwide anti-police brutality demonstrations.

___________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards announces a partial lift of the statewide mask mandate effective today. With vaccine eligibility open to all residents 16 and older for more than a month in Louisiana and a continued downward trend of case numbers and deaths from COVID, he says now is the time to ease restrictions.

Cut 11 (08) “…regarding masks.”

The mask mandate remains in effect for state buildings, K-12 schools and universities, public transportation, and all licensed healthcare facilities.

Cut 12 (10) “…nursing homes.”

The new proclamation also eases some restrictions on live music, allows some businesses like salons to reopen their waiting rooms, and removes outdoor limitations on crowds. Edwards says as for indoor venues…

Cut 13 (13) “…with masks.”

For all indoor sporting events capacity remains at 75-percent with social distancing or venues can choose a 100-percent capacity with a mask mandate.

The statewide mask mandate has been in effect since July 13^th of 2020.

______________________

The Coast Guard’s Unified Command for the SEACOR Power response begins efforts to remove the vessel that capsized earlier this month near Port Fourchon. The 234-foot vessel was carrying 19 passengers and potentially up to 35-thousand gallons of oil products. Coast Guard Public Information Officer Nicole Groll says safety is a priority.

Cut 14 (11) “….safely off.”

The Unified Command is comprised of representatives from the Coast Guard and SEACOR Marine. The vessel that capsized on April 13th, six passengers survived and five remain lost at sea. Groll says they are monitoring the weather and making sure all safety parameters are being followed.

Cut 15 (05)“….impact”

As for removal of the vessel, Groll says they are developing the best strategy.

Cut 16 (09) “…pollutants.”

So far there are no reported impacts to wildlife from the incident.

The big shocking legislative news of the day comes out of House Criminal Justice where a proposal to give Louisiana voters a chance to decide if recreational marijuana use should be legal gains passage and is headed to the House floor for the first time ever. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor Edwards has consistently voiced his opposition to any legalization effort for marijuana but at his Tuesday afternoon press conference says he’ll make a decision if it hits his desk.

Governor Edwards partially lifts the statewide mask mandate. Masks will still be required in government offices, schools, health centers and public transportation. Local governments can set their own mandate.

 Police reform legislation that would, among other things, end nighttime no-knock warrants, is headed to the Senate floor after unanimous committee approval. Norco Senator Gary Smith says nighttime no-knocks can result in the wrong people getting shot…

Cut 8 (10) “…situation”

A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill requiring the National Anthem be played before all sporting events at publicly funded facilities in Louisiana. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt wrote the bill. She says it’s in honor of veterans…

Cut 9 (07) “..country”

Hewitt noted there are no penalties included in the bill for facilities that do not comply.