A Senate committee approves legislation that extends the state contract’s with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino for at least another 20 years. Jeff Palermo has more.
Louisiana’s deadline for filing your state taxes is today. Those who do not file in time will be subject to a 5% of tax due penalty for each 30 days of delinquence. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says if you need more time to file, the department has an option for you.
Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22nd, and end June 4th. During the special session, revenue could be raised that would potentially plug the 648 million dollar state budget shortfall resulting from expiring sales taxes. The February special session fell apart just days into the process, but Edwards is optimistic that the second time is the charm.
The House erupted into applause as a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous juries for criminal convictions passed on an 82 to 15 vote. Louisiana is currently one of two states that does not require a unanimous jury verdict. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James recalled earlier testimony about what he termed, the law’s racist past.