A bill that would make breaking into someone’s home when no one is there a crime of violence was approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kenner Representative Debbie Villio says her house was broken into and the perpetrator left a butcher knife on her bed and stole her gun…
cut 6 (10) “….a property crime”
But Criminal defense attorneys say a violent act is not committed when a burglary occurs at an inhabited dwelling.

The House Criminal Justice Committee also passed legislation to keep nonspecific murder ballad lyrics from being submitted as evidence in a criminal trial. Houma Representative Tanner Magee wants to preserve artistic expression but at the same time recognizes that one might describe an actual murder in a song.
Cut 8 (08) “…come in.”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The House Education Committee has approved legislation that would create the Louisiana National Guard Patriot Scholarship Program.
Cut 11 (10) “…the tuition.”
Vacherie Representative Ken Brass filed the bill as a result of rising fees that college students have to pay.

Louisiana law enforcement will participate in the Buckle Up in Your Truck enforcement campaign for the next week as they will look for anyone in pickup trucks who is not wearing a seat belt. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Greg Fischer says pickup trucks are more prone to rolling over in a crash, so drivers and passengers need to be buckled up…
cut 16 (13) “…that crash”
A first offense ticket is 50-dollars.