We’re about halfway through the legislative session and lawmakers still have a lot of work to do on the budget. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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State Police say a crash in Vernon Parish killed one toddler and seriously injured another who were improperly restrained. They say 21-year-old Josee Curtis of Leesville, who was traveling with three children, was turning onto a highway when she entered the path of a pickup truck that could not avoid a collision. A five- and three- year old were not properly restrained and recived serious injuries. The three-year-old, identified as Crimson Oikle, died at a local hospital. The crash remains under investigation.

Construction is underway to build a “lazy river” on the LSU campus in the shape of the letters L-S-U and some wonder if this is appropriate considering the potentially large budget cuts that are facing the school. Professor Kevin Cope, LSU Faculty Senate President, says this shows a flaw in how colleges prioritize funds…

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In 2011, students passed a resolution asking for a student recreation fee increase to expand the recreation center, which includes the building of the “lazy river.”

Legislation is heading to the House floor that would provide free HIV tests for inmates being released from prison. Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says that in 9 state prisons, about 3 percent of inmates are HIV positive. He says the Department of Corrections has already started testing people as they enter the prison system…

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Testing for parolees would not be required under the measure.