At the State capitol, a bill that would limit certain foreign entities from leasing or buying property in Louisiana has won approval in the state House of Representatives. HB 537 comes from Livingston Parish Republican Rep. Valarie Hodges, who call the bill a “Louisiana sovereignty bill”…:

CUT 09(08)      “…major assets.”

Asian-Americans opposed the bill in committee; feeling it would limit their opportunities to own homes and businesses. Hodges says the bill targets foreign corporation buying up farmland and business infrastructure. The bill passed by 78=-22 vote and moves now to the Senate.

The Shreveport City Council has voted to roll back its ban on smoking in casinos within the city. Starting June 1, 25% of gaming floors in casinos will be designated as non-smoking areas, while smoking will be allowed in the other 75%. Anti-smoking folks say that’s a huge step backward, but others says it should help increase business.

State Treasurer John Schroder announce more than 25 thousand unclaimed property checks totaling $4.4 million dollars will be mailed out to Louisiana residents today. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

At the Capitol, a bill would’ve allowed tenants to break their lease if two or more violent crimes were reported within a 1/10th mile fails to win passage in the House. The vote was 28 “yeas” and 70 “nays.” Many lawmakers worried it would make it too easy to break a lease or skip on rent.