It’s a busy day of committee meetings at the state capitol today. The House Health and Welfare panel is expected to hear testimony today that would prohibit those under the age of 21 from purchasing tobacco products. The current minimum age is 18. The bill’s author, West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, says 11 other states have enacted similar laws…
cut 8 (07) “…everywhere”

Nicholls State has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to build a coastal center on the Thibodaux campus. School president Doctor Jay Clune says the facility will be a hub for wetlands protection research…
cut 5 (11) “….campus”
Clune says Nicholls is developing a coastal engineering program.

The chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party spoke openly about her gambling addiction in a Senate committee meeting during discussion of legislation that would legalize sports betting. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

That legislation is sponsored by Metairie Senator Danny Martiny and it would allow sports betting at the state’s riverboat casinos, racetracks and the land-based casino in New Orleans. It heads to the Senate floor for more discussion. Martiny says it could generate an additional 60-million dollars in revenues.