1:30 LRN Newscast

The House Insurance Committee advances a bill to give the insurance commissioner the power to reject auto insurance rates regardless of market conditions. House Bill 576 by Amite Democrat Robby Carter advanced on a vote of 13 to 4. It’s supported by Governor Landry but opposed by Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. Landry says since auto insurance is a mandated purchase, free market principles should not apply; and giving the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rates regardless of market conditions should provide relief to policyholders.

Cut 6 (11) “…touch the law.”

Temple says insurance commissioners having too much power over insurance carriers will drive them out of the state.

Cut 8 (10) “…what we want.”

Another bill headed to the full house is one that would make it a crime to intentionally release balloons in the air. Sean Richardson reports it advanced out of the House National Resources Committee.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Another state championship tournament is upon us – this time, it’s the LHSAA baseball championships, as bi-district play begins today. Live Oak, Brusly, Sterlington and Oak Grove are the top seeds in the non-select tournaments. The state championships are held at McMurry Park in Sulphur.