The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-average hurricane season with as many as 21 named storms and several major storms. The NOAA says their models predict between six and 10 hurricanes this season. Administrator Rick Spinrad says several climate factors give them confidence we’ll see an active hurricane season, including the ongoing La Nina and warmer than average sea surface temperatures…
Cut 5 (10) “…do now.”
Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st.
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After years of presenting legislation to ban handheld cellphone use, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill is finally closer to becoming law. House Bill 376 passed on a 55 to 38 vote. The amended legislation removes the possibility of arrest for the violation and reduces the proposed fine in half. While the bill’s intent is to improve highway safety, it’s received criticism that it could be used to racially profile motorists. Huval says the bill has also been amended to address that concern.
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A Senate committee approved a House-backed measure today that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 years to conceal carry a weapon without needing a permit or the training to obtain a permit. The measure passed on a four to two vote and heads to the Senate floor for final legislative passage. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says requiring gun holders to get a permit costs as much as 325-dollars, while criminals are carrying guns without a permit.
Cut 11 (11) “…illegal carrying”
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House Bill 1083, also known as the CROWN Act, is on its way to the Senate floor after receiving overwhelming passage in the house. The bill, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture, natural hairstyles, and protective hairstyles. It passed in under a minute by a 74-24 vote.
Cut 12 (10) “…beyond excited.”