A new law seeks to curb the state’s growing opioid epidemic. Governor Edwards signed the bill by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno that limits first time opioid prescriptions to a 7-day supply. Moreno says she’s glad this legislation made it through the process.

Cut 4 (08) “this year”

Moreno says this is a step in the right direction toward savings lives.

It’s been 17 years since the legislature failed to approve a budget in the regular session, and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says we’re having many of the same discussions now. He says the one-penny sales tax enacted last year was supposed to be a bridge to fiscal reform, and lawmakers did not accomplish that in the fiscal session.

Cut 9 (10) “fiscal reform session”

A bill by Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves seeks to give flood victims some financial relief. Graves says his bill waives extra costs for those who had to withdraw from their retirement savings to rebuild.

Cut 11 (10) “additional penalty”

The bill would help victims of both the March and August floods, as well as those affected by the tornado outbreak in February.

Louisiana fishermen are pushing for a change in federal regulations to give them more access to fish in federal waters. Assistant Secretary with LDWF Patrick Banks says not many red snapper live in state waters.

Cut 14 (12) “red snapper”

A proposed change would end snapper fishing in state waters on weekdays.