The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote today on a bill that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The sponsor of the bill, West Monroe representative Frank Hoffman, says raising the age could prevent potential young smokers from ever picking up a pack of cigarettes…
Cut 7 (07) “…ever smoke.”
The bill would also prevent those under 21 from buying vaping products.

The House has approved legislation that will allow seat belt usage as evidence when deciding how much in damages a person should receive if injured in an auto crash. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his legislation can help trim the costs for businesses…
cut 14 (11) “….a seat belt” ”
The measure was approved on a 88-5 vote and heads to the Senate.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the state and Nicholls State to bring a coastal center to the Thibodaux campus to study the effects of land loss in the Terrebonne and Atchafalya Basins. Nicholls President Jay Clune says this new partnership with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the state is vitally important…
Cut 4 (12) “…personal.”
Clune says the Coastal Center will expand their engineering curriculum.

Another round of severe weather is on its way as strong storms are expected to move into western Louisiana tonight and impact southeast Louisiana tomorrow.