Some redemption today for the parents of Max Gruver as they testified in front of a House committee looking to put more teeth in the state’s hazing law. Jim Shannon has more from the capitol.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”

Meanwhile, LSU has banned Phi Delta Theta through 2032. Six students who were arrested for hazing Gruver last September in the Phi Delta Theta house were still currently enrolled at LSU as of last month. Three were indicted in the death of Gruver and a fourth, Matthew Naquin is accused of negligent homicide, which is punishable up to five years in jail.

It’s Kick Butts Day, an event in which youth from across America team together in calling on officials to help bring up a tobacco free generation. Spokesman Carlos Vela says tobacco companies are using E-Cigarettes or electronic cigarettes to promote youth smoking…

Cut 8 (13) “a stand.”

12 percent of youth smoke in Louisiana.

A site has been selected for the residents of Isle de Jean Charles to relocate. The tiny island is sinking which makes it a risk of being crushed by a major hurricane. HUD has awarded the community a 48.3 million dollar resettlement package. Louisiana Office of Community Development Executive Director Pat Forbes says it’s been a slow motion disaster.

Cut 13 (12) “98 percent”

Mourners are paying their last respect to Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson as a two-day public visitiation began this morning in New Orleans. Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond says Benson didn’t have it easy growing up, but worked his way to the top to become the richest man in Louisiana…
cut 12 (11) “…he did”
Benson had an estimated net worth of 2.5 billion dollars.

Emotional testimony this morning in the House Criminal Justice committee as the mother and father of Maxwell Gruver were on hand to testify for a bill that would put stronger penalties into Louisiana’s laws regarding hazing…
cut 5 (09) “…ya’lls support
Gruver died in a suspected hazing incident and the bill would make hazing a felony, it’s currently a misdemeanor.

A site has been selected to relocate the residents of Isle de Jean Charles off of their island that’s vanishing because of coastal erosion. Matt Doyle has more..
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Students were evacuated from a Catahoula Parish high school today after a kill list was found in the school’s bathroom. According to KNOE-TV, the kill list found at Block High School had the time 12:30 written on it and the school was scheduled to have an assembly at noon. The Catahoula Sheriff’s office and state police are investigating.

The House Criminal Justice passed the Max Gruver Act without objection today which will make hazing a felony crime in Louisiana. Parents Rae Ann and Steven Gruver both tearfully laid out their son Max Gruver’s final hours before the committee. Through the tears Rae Ann emphasized how this death has affected her family…

Cut 4  (11) “is broken”

Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23^rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Health advocates are calling for laws that will implement proven strategies that help bring a young generation tobacco-free. Director of Youth Advocacy Gustavo Torres says the best plan to stop anyone from smoking is just don’t start. That’s why it’s important to begin talking to young persons as soon as they are able to comprehend what smoking is…

Cut 9 (06) “for life.”

Public visitation for mourners of departed Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson begins today at the Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. The church will be open until 7pm today and 8am to 1pm tomorrow, with a private funeral ceremony being held Friday at noon. Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond says it’s a last opportunity for fans to pay their respects to a man who meant a lot to the city.

Cut 10 (08) “could do”

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to their charity of choice.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that is now known as the “Max Gruver Act.” It makes hazing a felony crime in Louisiana, which would mean an increase in fines and jail time. Gruver’s parents came in from Roswell, Georgia, to testify in favor of the legislation. Here’s Rae Ann Gruver…
cut 3 (16) “…fly high Max”
Maxwell Gruver died in a suspected hazing incident on LSU’s campus last September. His blood alcohol level was .495.

Legislation is heading to the Senate Floor that seeks to change Louisiana’s constitution when it comes to how many jurors are needed to find a person guility of a felony crime. Current law says 10 of 12 jurors are needed for a guility verdit, but the proposed consitutional amendment seeks to change it to unanimous.

It’s a somber atmosphere outside of the Notre Dame Seminary, where a two-day public visitiation for Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson is underway. Benson was a devout Catholic, and talked often with Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond. Aymond says Benson was a man of Christian values….
cut 11 (09) “….since 1991”
Benson’s funeral is set for Friday.

Today, thousands of young persons are joining nationwide for the 23rd annual Kick Butts Day, sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Anti-tobacco advocate Carlos Vela says the tobacco companies are working hard to trying to get youngsters addicted to a deadly habit…
Cut 7 (07) “every hour.”
The national youth smoking rate is a record low of 8-percent, but in Louisiana that rate is 12-percent.

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time is before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. The maximum penalty ones who are found guilty face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry wants to change that…

Cut 15 (10) “a crime.”

Maxwell Gruver’s parents are at the capitol today testifying about their son’s death and is supporting Landry’s bill.

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on requiring unanimous jury verdicts for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony in the state. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says the current laws aren’t making people any safer…

Cut 11 (10) “to jail”

A Senate Committee votes for legislation giving the residents of Tangipahoa Parish the opportunity to vote on a proposed riverboat casino.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Four Angola prison employees have been arrested with a fifth placed on administrative leave. Penitentiary investigators say the allegations range from having inappropriate relationships with offenders, drug smuggling and receiving money from offenders and their relatives. Authorities say more arrests are expected as they continue the investigation.

Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated.

The measure escaped deferment two to one, with Houma Republican “Norby” Chabert the lone dissenter. Charbert questioned the decision to move the casino to Robert, saying the area may not be the best location to support the venture.

Cut 6 (08) “the state.”

Chairmen of Peninsula Pacific Brent Stevens, the company that owns Diamond Jack, responded to Charbet’s critique. He says after a thorough analysis, his company realized that the region was ripe for a new facility.

Cut 7 (12)  “Tangipahoa Parish.”

======================———————————-

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says our current laws aren’t making people any safer in one of the most crime ridden states in the nation.

Morrell argued that research done by the Innocence Project, a group that helps overturn wrongful convictions, proves unanimous juries help safeguard civil liberties.

Cut 12 (08) “jury convictions”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Pete Adams spoke out against the legislation, he is concerned that stiffening conviction requirements would lead to more mistrials, which can be expensive for the state. He also says the US Supreme Court has already weighed in and deemed non unanimous juries an adequate requirement for justice.

Cut 14 (07) “last summer.”

.

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing will go before the House Criminal Justice Committee today.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says the state doesn’t have money to fund this 15-million-dollar rebate plan. Since the Governor is calling for reductions to balance the budget, Morris says there’s no room to find money to fund Davis’ bill…

Cut 10 (10) “TOPS fully.”

======———————————

Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated. Tangipahoa Council member Lewis Joseph says if approved, the casino would help the parish fund its education system.

Cut 5  (10)  “to spend”

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony. Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association Pete Adams spoke out against the legislation, saying neither politicians nor the public have enough quality research at hand to make a decision on the issue.

Cut 13 (09)  “more reliable.”

A Senate Committee has advanced a constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts for felony convictions. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, who is in favor of the project, called on the committee to leave the potential re-location to the people of his parish.

Cut 4  (05) “to decide” 

================————————————-

A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter voiced concern over the bill. He says since parishes don’t share homestead exemption records between them, that some homeowners could take advantage of the proposed tax break…

Cut 9 (10)  “of it.”

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time goes before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. Three students responsible for the suspected hazing death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver were indicted last week and the maximum penalty they face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry wants to take this bill a step further. A provision in the bill would fine Greek organizations and hold them responsible if a hazing injury or death occurred as a result of their actions…

Cut 16 (10) “the campus.”