On a 10-5 vote, the House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill by Houma Sen. Mike Fesi that sought to ban fluoride in public drinking water systems.  Dentist testified against the bill saying it would increase tooth decay, Fesi fought back against that argument.

Cut 9 (11)  “…saving our teeth.”

The bill, which received Senate approval, would have allowed parishes to reintroduce fluoride only through a petition and special election.

The Louisiana House sent a bill to the governor’s desk that says if you are driving below the speed limit in the left lane and not attempting to pass vehicles in the right lane, you could be ticketed. The vote in the House was 78 to 15. Chalmette Republican Michael Bayham voted against it.

Cut 15 (03) “…them traffic tickets.”

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is the author of the measure and believes his bill can help prevent road rage by cracking down on slow drivers in the left lane.

State judges who are 70 and older are forced to retire once their term ends. Jeff Palermo reports that the Louisiana House supports a proposal raising the mandatory retirement age to 75.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

President Donald Trump has pardoned popular Louisiana rapper NBA YoungBoy. The Baton Rouge native’s real name is Kentrell Gaulden, and he was convicted of federal fun charges last December. Youngboy has sold more than 18 million digital singles, and he’s set to perform as a free man at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans in October.

A major monkey wrench in the fight to restrict speed cameras throughout the state. As the legislature continues considering Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill to do away with the speed cameras, the House passed an amendment by a single vote to exempt Opelousas from any such rule. Cathey is clearly unhappy…

Cut 6 (14) “…of this amendment.”

Cathey wants to move forward with the bill, but is not sure the legislation can pass without the amendment.

The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the retirement age for state judges from 70 to 75 years old. Amite Representative Robbie Carter is a vocal critic to changing the law and was questioned by Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle…

Cut 11 (15) “….already”

The measure passed the House on an 81-16 vote and it needs two-thirds approval from the Senate and then voter approval.

Several COVID patients turned to Ivermectin during the pandemic and a bill moving through the legislature would allow adults to obtain the drug at a pharmacy without a prescription.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The House Health and Welfare Committee voted down a proposal by Houma Senator Mike Fesi that sought to remove fluoride from public drinking water systems. The panel heard from dentists that fluoride in drinking water helps reduce dental decay. Louisiana Surgeon General Doctor Ralph Abraham supports the bill, pointing to studies that claim overflourination can lower a child’s IQ.

Governor Jeff Landry signed six auto insurance reform bills into law yesterday. His office says it’s the largest tort reform effort in Louisiana. One of the bills signed into law is known as the Housley Presumption…

Cut 5 (15) “…keeping that promise”

The most controversial bill Landry signed is the one that gives the insurance commissioner greater authority to reject rate increases. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says it will push insurance companies out of the state. Landry doesn’t believe that will happen…

Cut 27 (16) “…states is”

The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would give voters the opportunity to decide if the mandatory retirement age of judges should be raised from 70 to 75 years old. New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes presented the bill on the House floor.

Cut 10 (09) “…to weigh in.”

The bill passed on an 81-16 vote. The proposal heads to the Senate. Earlier in the session, the upper chamber rejected a proposal to remove the mandatory retirement age for judges.

A bill that would allow residents to go to a pharmacy and purchase Ivermectin is nearing final legislative passage. The House Health and Welfare committee approved the Senate bill 10-to-1. Pharmacist Dr. Jonathan Hartman says allowing people to use Ivermectin for other reasons than to treat a parasite would put pharmacists in a difficult position.

Cut 8 (12) “…of issues there.”

But Loisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham says having Ivermectin available in pharmacies would promote medical freedom.

Governor Jeff Landry signed six auto insurance reform bills on Wednesday telling reporters the legislation would reduce rates by as much as 10-percent, because it would reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits. One of the bills is titled the “No pay, No Play” bill, limiting the damages that uninsured drivers can collect for bodily injury and medical expenses…

Cut 6 (11) “….pain and suffering”

Landry also signed House Bill 148 which gives the Insurance Commissioner more authority to reject excessive rate increases. Tim Temple says he does not need this authority. He calls it overregulation that will result in fewer insurance providers and offset any potential savings motorists would see as a result of the legal reform legislation signed by the governor.

Should the state increase the mandatory retirement age for state judges? The Louisiana House has approved a constitutional amendment that if also approved by the Senate, it would ask voters if the retirement age for judges should be raised from 70 to 75. Amite Representative Robby Carter voted against it and Kenner Representative Joe Stagni told Carter voters can decide if an older person is not fit to be a judge…

Cut 12 (11) “…should be it”

The proposal needs a two-thirds vote in the Senate too.

The Louisiana House sent a bill to the governor’s desk that says if you are driving below the speed limit in the left lane and not attempting to pass vehicles in the right lane, you could be ticketed. The vote in the House was 78 to 15. Chalmette Republican Michael Bayham voted against it.

Cut 15 (03) “…them traffic tickets.”

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is the author of the measure and believes his bill can help prevent road rage by cracking down on slow drivers in the left lane.

There are two weeks left in the legislative session and Governor Landry has already signed into law several bills aimed at lowering auto insurance rates….

Cut 1 (35) “…Andrew Greenstein”

Landry says the six bills he signed into law will help lower auto insurance rates by as much as ten percent. But Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple and the Insurance Council of Louisiana say possible savings from the new legal reform laws will be offset by the new law that gives the Insurance Commissioner arbitrary authority to reject rate increases.

Motorists traveling below the speed limit in the left lane on a four-lane highway and not attempting to pass vehicles in the right lane could be ticketed as a result of a bill that received final legislative approval yesterday in the Louisiana House. Tioga Republican Jason DeWitt says there’s already a law targeting left lane hogs, but this legislation makes it easier for law enforcement to enforce…

Cut 14 (08) “….the drivers create”

And you could soon walk into your local pharmacy and purchase ivermectin over the counter. In Louisiana, ivermectin is only available in livestock and feed stores…

Cut 9 (11)  “…won’t hide something.

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham told the House Health and Welfare Committee that the drug is proven to be extremely safe, even though the FDA has not approved Ivermectin for COVID treatment.

Left lane hogs, now is the time to start changing your ways. Soon, it will be illegal to take up the left lane without passing another vehicle, regardless of the speed. The House passed Senate Bill 11 by Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau, sending it to governor’s desk. Driving in the left lane without passing another vehicle is already against state law, but Tioga Republican Jason DeWitt says this bill makes an important change.

Cut 13 (08)  “…penalties to apply.”

Under Luneau’s bill, if you are traveling under the speed limit in the left lane and not attempting to pass vehicles to your right, you could receive a ticket.

Auto insurance reform has been a big topic of this legislative session. Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill that would give trucking companies a break on their premiums if they install dashcams in their vehicles…

Cut 4 (13) “….from lawsuit abuse”

A Senate bill that would reclassify Ivermectin, commonly used to treat parasitic infections, as an over-the-counter medication in Louisiana passed the House Health and Welfare committee on a 10-1 vote. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham supports the bill. He says Ivermectin as an over-counter drug would increase access and promote medical freedom.

Cut 7 (13) “…over-the-counter.”

Some people turned to Ivermectin during the COVID pandemic. But the FDA never authorized Ivermectin as a way to treat COVID.

The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would raise the retirement age for state judges from 70 to 75 years old. Amite Representative Robbie Carter is a vocal critic to changing the law and was questioned by Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle…

Cut 11 (15) “….already”

The measure passed the House on an 81-16 vote and it needs two-thirds approval from the Senate and then voter approval.

The legislative session enters the home stretch today, with the end now two weeks away. Andrew Greenstein reports the push is on to get those last-minute bills onto Governor Landry’s desk.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Several COVID patients turned to Ivermectin during the pandemic and a bill moving through the legislature would allow adults to obtain the drug at a pharmacy without a prescription.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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State judges who are 70 and older are forced to retire once their term ends. Jeff Palermo reports the Louisiana House supports a proposal raising the mandatory retirement age to 75.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The legislative session ends two weeks from today, and the mad push is on to get as many bills onto Governor Landry’s desk as possible. Auto insurance reform has been the biggest issue in this session; and yesterday, Landry held a ceremony at the governor’s mansion in which he signed six bills into law. Among them is one that gives commercial trucking companies an incentive to install dashcams in their vehicles.

Cut 4 (13) “…from lawsuit abuse.” (Mandates 5% premium discount for installing dashcams in trucks)

Landry also signed a bill that requires those who sue for bodily injury to prove that they were indeed injured in the crash in question.

Cut 5 (15) “…keeping that promise.”

Landry also signed the “no pay, no play” bill into law, limiting the damages that uninsured drivers can collect for bodily injury and medical expenses.

Cut 6 (11) “…pain and suffering.”

The other bills Landry signed were the ones that gives the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions, one that bars drivers who are at least 51-percent at fault for a crash from collecting damages to cover the cost of their injuries, and one barring undocumented immigrants who are injured in crashes from collecting damages.

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A Senate bill that would reclassify Ivermectin, commonly used to treat parasitic infections, as an over-the-counter medication in Louisiana passed the House Health and Welfare committee on a 10-1 vote. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham supports the bill. He says Ivermectin as an over-counter drug would increase access and promote medical freedom.

Cut 7 (13) “…over-the-counter.”

Some people turned to Ivermectin during the COVID pandemic as a way to prevent and treat the virus. But the FDA never authorized that type of treatment for COVID. Pharmacist Dr. Jonathan Hartman says allowing people to use Ivermectin for other reasons than to treat a parasite would put pharmacists in a difficult position.

Cut 8 (12) “…of issues there.”

Abraham says the drug is proven to be extremely safe, and currently being used off-label by the general population from veterinarian supply stores.

Cut 9 (12)  “…wont hide something.”

The Senate approved bill heads to the House floor for more debate.

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The Louisiana House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would give voters the opportunity to decide if the mandatory retirement of judges should be raised from 70 to 75 years old. New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes presented the bill on the House floor.

Cut 10 (09) “…to weigh in.”

The bill passed on an 81-16 vote. Amite Democrat Robby Carter spoke out against the proposal. Carter says it’s important a judge has a clear mind, because they make decisions that can significantly impact a person’s life. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle questioned Carter about his logic.

Cut 11 (15) “…nursing homes already.”

Under current state law, a judge can serve on the bench beyond the age of 70 if their term does not expire until after the judge’s 70^th birthday. Kenner Republican Joe Stagni voted for the proposed constitutional amendment. He told Carter that voters can decide if an older person is not fit to be a judge.

Cut 12 (09) “…should be it.”

The proposal heads to the Senate. Earlier in the session, the upper chamber rejected a proposal to remove the mandatory retirement age for judges.

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Left lane hogs, now is the time to start changing your ways. Soon, it will be illegal to take up the left lane without passing another vehicle, regardless of the speed. The House passed Senate Bill 11 by Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau, sending it to Governor Landry’s desk. Driving in the left lane without passing another vehicle is already against state law, but Tioga Republican Jason DeWitt says this bill makes an important change.

Cut 13 (08)  “…penalties to apply.” (Removes requirement that driver needs to be going 10 mph under posted speed limit for penalties to apply)

DeWitt says the change allows for better enforcement of the spirit of the law.

Cut 14 (08) “…the drivers create.”

The vote in the House was 78 to 15. Chalmette Republican Michael Bayham was one of the 15 who voted nay.

Cut 15 (03) “…them traffic tickets.”

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The biggest question mark heading into Friday’s NCAA Regional against Little Rock is who will LSU Coach Jay Johnson start on the mound? The Trojans enter the tournament with a losing record so LSU could hold its two best starting pitchers, Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson for games on Saturday and Sunday. But Joe Healy of D-1 Baseball dot com believes Johnson will go with Anderson, who has been the Friday night starter.

Cut 16 (08) “…line things up.”

Dallas Baptist is the two-seed in the Baton Rouge Regional. They have been good on offense, with nearly 100 home runs as a team and more than 100 stolen bases. The voice of Patriots baseball, Reagan Ragcliff, says D-B-U improved on the mound during the second half of the season.

Cut 17 (15)  “…tournament time.”

LSU did not use pitchers Zac Cowan or Casan Evans in the SEC Tournament. Tigers pitching coach Nate Yeskie both of them pitched a lot of high stress innings, so a little extra time off should help them.

Cut 18 (18)  “…breather too.”

LSU hosts Little Rock at 2 p-m. Dallas Baptist plays Rhode Island at 6:30.

With two weeks left in the legislative session, several bills dealing with the soaring cost of auto insurance in Louisiana have made their way to Governor Landry’s desk; and Wednesday morning, he signed six of them into law in a ceremony in the governor’s mansion. Among them is one that grants the insurance commissioner the authority to reject rate increases regardless of market conditions. It’s a bill that the state’s current insurance commissioner, Tim Temple, opposed.

Cut 4 (12) “…break their promises.”

Another bill that Landry signed is the one that bars drivers who are at least 51-percent at fault for a crash from collecting damages to cover the cost of their injuries. It’s something that the business community has been screaming for for years.

Cut 5 (09) “…fulfill that promise.”

A person who infects another person with an STD without their knowledge of the disease could face criminal charges under a bill approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee. It calls for felony charges for infecting someone with an incurable STD; for a curable disease, the charge would be a misdemeanor. Meghan Garvey from the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified against it.

Cut 11 (11) “…someone’s word.” 

A warning for all left-lane hogs – soon, it will be illegal to take up the left lane without passing another vehicle, regardless of the speed. Hogging the left lane is against the law, but Tioga Republican Jason DeWitt says Senate Bill 11 makes an important change.

Cut 13 (08)  “…penalties to apply.” 

The bill passed the House 78-to-15 and now heads to the governor’s desk.