On a 21-16 vote, the Senate approves legislation that would provide Harrah’s New Orleans casino with a 20 to 30 year contract extension on its land-based license. In exchange, Harrah’s will build a 340-room luxury hotel and pay the state 84-million dollars a year starting in 2021. But Winnfield Senator Gerald Long wishes the legislature had more time to review the propsoal….
cut 14 (08) “….it now”
The measure heads back to the House to see if they agree to upper chamber changes.

This November, Louisiana voters will decide if unanimous jury verdicts should be required in criminal trials. Under current law, it takes 10 of 12 juors to agree on a guilty verdict. Governor Edwards hopes the public will approve the change to the state’s constitution…
cut 6 (09) “…unanimous jury”

The House has done a major rewrite to a Senate bill that would have allowed teachers to participate in student-initiated prayers during school hours, if the student provided a signed note from their parents. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabugh says the legislation by Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti would prompt lawsuits…
cut 11 (08) “…they will win”
The measure heads back to the Senate to see if they agree with the significant changes made by the House.

We have our first announced candidate in this fall’s Secretary of State race. Kenner Representative Julie Stokes has thrown her hat into the ring. The election should draw a large number of candidates and Stokes hopes being a female will give her an advantage…
cut 9 (07) “…United States”
Stokes was set to qualify in last year’s State Treasurer’s Race, but withdrew when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.