Its been a record breaking week of unusual heat, but forecasts project a cooler weekend. Jeff Palermo has more.
Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the recent US Supreme Court decision to allow sports betting outside of Nevada on his monthly talk radio show. 32 states have legislation in place to allow the activities, including Mississippi, but Louisiana shot down similar legislation this session.
But Edwards did express some concerns about legislation he’s seen that would legalize the activity in Louisiana.
Three anti-hazing bills are on their way to the governor’s desk following last fall’s death of LSU freshman Max Gruver. The house voted 88 to 1 in favor of final passage of house bill 78 otherwise known as the Max Gruver Act. East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore testified in favor of the measure to give the current laws more teeth. Moore contends that the new law holds principals at the national level accountable for problems at the chapters.
In the new bill hazing that does not result in a death will still cost one thousand dollars and six months in jail.
The House approved Senate changes to the budget, that fully funds healthcare, but slashes higher ed, funding for state agencies, and cuts TOPS by 30 percent. The spending plan is now on its way to the Governor who has expressed opposition to the cuts. Metairie Representative Cameron Henry says the budget will identify what programs need to be funded with special session revenue.