An intense debate is expected this afternoon on the House floor over a bill that would charge a pregnant woman with murder if she has an abortion and the medical provider who performs them. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says his bill is not about putting doctors and mothers in jail…

Cut 5 (07) “…protection of the child.”
Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, says the House Bill 813 is clearly unconstitutional, and he’ll veto the legislation if it reaches his desk…

Cut 7 (07) “…off my desk.”
The House is scheduled to convene at 2 PM.

For a second time, the House rejects a bill that would ban corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools. While the practice of spanking and paddling in school is generally not used in large school systems the practice is still allowed in rural school districts.

Students 16 and older will likely be required to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to attend school this fall. A House resolution preventing the rule from going into effect was rejected by a Senate committee. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau voted against the effort to block the rule because parents can submit a written exemption…

Cut 3 (09) “…clearly is.”

A Senate-approved bill requiring Louisiana public schools to adopt cameras in special needs classroom policies by the end of the year advances from House Education. Jennifer Carignan, President of Louisiana Save Our Schools begged lawmakers to find funding and to hold schools accountable for installing cameras in the classroom.

Cut 15 (08)  “…to help them.”

The cameras will cost an estimated $6-million.

The full House is set to debate a bill that would consider an abortion an act of murder and send mothers who have one to prison. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

For a second time, the House rejects a bill that would ban corporal punishment in Louisiana public schools. While the practice of spanking and paddling in school is generally not used in large school systems the practice is still allowed in rural school districts. 31 states ban corporal punishment in public schools.

The nationwide shortage of infant formula has parents of newborns looking for options. Director of Nutrition Services at the Louisiana Department of Health Jennifer Nicklas suggests looking at smaller retailers like drug stores and reminds parents not to attempt to make your own formula, and never…

Cut 10 (08) “…breast milk.”

A Senate-approved bill requiring Louisiana public schools to adopt cameras in special needs classroom policies by the end of the year advances from House Education. Parent Jody Rollins, whose son is nonverbal, says it’s as if education is lawless.

Cut 16 (11)  “…good feeling.”

A bill passed last year requiring cameras in special needs classrooms however many have not because they say it’s too costly.

A bill that would consider an abortion an act of murder in Louisiana is scheduled for debate Thursday on the House floor. House Bill 813 would punish women who have the procedures, and doctors who perform them, with prison time. Oil City Republican Rep. Danny McCormick says his bill seeks to put abortion on the same level as infanticide…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…that’s my goal.”

Speaking Wednesday to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, Governor John Bel Edwards said he doesn’t often come out on a bill before lawmakers have had their votes, but he worries HB813 won’t survive any possible legal challenge…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…with that bill.”

Edwards also indicated he’d veto the bill if it makes it to his desk.

A Senate bill requiring public schools to adopt policies by the end of the year regarding cameras to be installed in Louisiana special education classrooms advances from House Education.  Sandra Guyichard, a mother of two special needs children says she placed a recorder on her daughter when she suspected her was being abused.

Cut 14 (10)  “…her face.”

The bill requires policies to be in place by December 31, 2022, for about 9,000 once funds are available. The cameras will cost an estimated $6-million.

Jody Rollins, whose son is nonverbal with severe autism, implored lawmakers to remove any obstacles school districts have to install cameras. She says it’s as if education is lawless and they are not forced to follow policies set forth by lawmakers.

Cut 16 (11)  “…good feeling.”

The House committee looking into the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene charges former State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves with contempt for failing to turn over his personal journals. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (3) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The deadline to file state income taxes in Louisiana is Monday. If you need an extension you must ask before May 16^th. While an extension gives you more time to file, it does not extend the payment agreement. Payments after May 16^th are subject to penalties and interest.

The driver in a fatal accident that took two lives, including that of her five-week-old child, in Monroe Monday night, has been arrested. Sgt. Mike Fendall says the crash followed an investigation of theft at a local Walmart that turned into a high-speed chase. When officers arrived at the scene, they found one passenger critically injured…

Cut 9 (12) “…at the hospital.”

As police tended to the injured, the suspect Candace Gill left foot, abandoning her child in the process. She has since been arrested.

New Orleans Senator Jimmy Harris’ bill to hold parents accountable for the restitution of a juvenile’s crime advances in a House committee. Present law allows the judge to impose things like community service, medical or psychological treatment, and restrict driving privilege if a minor is found guilty.

Cut 5  (09) “…to the child.”

The House Committee investigating the death of Ronald Greene voted to hold former State Police leader Colonel Kevin Reeves in contempt for refusing to turn over journals while he was superintendent. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Reeves’ attorney has agreed to turn over some of the pages, but not all of the written notes.

Cut 6  (10) “…contention” 

Reeves’ attorney, Lewis Unglesby, says a lot of the information contained in the journals does not have anything to do with the Greene case.

In an effort to deter juvenile crime and foster more parental involvement, New Orleans Senator Jimmy Harris’ bill advances in House Criminal Justice. After a minor is found guilty Harris says the bill calls for the juvenile along with their parents to be involved in the court-approved decision-making course necessary for rehabilitation and…

Cut 3 (10) “…restitution.”

Funeral services were held Tuesday for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier. Tullier was one of six officers shot in July of 2016 during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. Governor John Bel Edwards says Tullier was shot three times and not given much of a chance to live, but he defied the odds until an infection ended his life on May 5th.

Cut 5 (11) “…man of strength”

U-L Lafayette is participating in a three-year research effort to see how oysters can be more resilient in low-salinity environments. U-L Lafayette Associate Biology Professor Doctor Beth Stauffer says they are using a 14-million dollar research initiative to identify traits that make some oysters hardier than others…

cut 11 (09) “….oyster production”

A special legislative committee investigating Ronald Greene’s 2019 death has voted to hold former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves in contempt, claiming he’s not cooperated with their investigation.

Federal prosecutors are reportedly growing skeptical they can bring a successful civil rights violation case against any of the troopers involved in Greene’s death.  Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Richard Sprinkle believes federal prosecutors don’t want any missteps that could potentially damage the case…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…obviously passed away.”

After a Louisiana version of a Don’t Say Gay bill restricting the discussion of gender identity in Louisiana schools was rejected in House Education last week, the full House voted 55 to 39 to have the bill resurrected for the current legislative session. It’s a rare legislative move to have a bill that was rejected in committee to be added the House calendar for debate in the full chamber

Funeral services were held yesterday for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier. Tullier was one of six officers shot in July 2016 during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier was an 18-year veteran with the department.

Cut 6 (12)  “…all the time.”

Tullier was 46.

Over the year’s Louisiana’s oyster industry has taken some major hits. Between hurricanes, flooding, and multiple openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway changing the concentration of salt in oyster beds, a larger percentage of the oysters never makes it to the table. Researcher Dr. Kelly Stauffer at UL-Lafayette is working to change that through a $14-million project to develop more resilient oysters.

Cut 10 (11) “…will survive.”

After a months-long investigation into the 2019 Union Parish roadside death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody, federal prosecutors are growing skeptical they can bring a successful civil rights violation case against any of the troopers involved. The problem is video evidence doesn’t seem to show that officers acted “willfully” to hurt Greene. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Richard Sprinkle says the real sticking point is the word “willfully”…:

Cut 13 (14) “…more than obvious.”

Greene died during his arrest, after a high-speed chase through three parishes in May 2019.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana is crept up two cents and is $4.06 today. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is $4.40.

A bill to allow parents to bring a lawsuit against the entity that prevents a student’s entry to a school on the basis of their immunization status advances from House Education. Fiorella) Trapani Co-director of Health Freedom Louisiana told lawmakers even though a law exists already many do not know they have recourse if denied.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and for all.”

The bill advances to the House Floor.

Funeral services were held Tuesday for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier. Tullier was one of six officers shot in July of 2016 during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. Governor John Bel Edwards says Tullier was shot three times and not given much of a chance to live, but he defied the odds until an infection ended his life on May 5th.

Cut 5 (11) “…man of strength”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Corporal  Nick Tullier who was shot during a police ambush in 2016 was laid to rest in Denham Springs on Tuesday.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Legislation to give parents of children who are denied admittance to school based on their vaccination status legal recourse, advances from House Education. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Federal prosecutors are doubtful they can successfully charge State Police involved in the 2019 death of Ronald Greene with a civil rights violation. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Louisiana said goodbye to East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy Nick Tullier during a funeral service attended by law enforcement officers from across the country. Tullier was one of six officers shot in July of 2016 during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers. Three officers died that day. Governor John Bel Edwards says Tullier responded to a call of officers down and for that he’s a hero

Cut 4 (09)  “…this case.”

Tullier was shot three times and not given much of a chance to live, but he defied the odds until an infection ended his life on May 5th. Edwards says Tullier’s will to live will not be forgotten…

Cut 5 (11) “…man of strength”

Tullier passed away at the age of 46. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says Tullier spent 18 years of those years as a deputy with the EBRSO…

Cut 6 (12)  “…strength.”

Authorities say 29-year-old Gavin Long opened fire on law enforcement as tensions were high following the officer-involved shooting of Alton Sterling. Baton Rouge police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald, along with East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputy Brad Garafola were killed. Long was killed by responding officers.

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A bill to allow parents to bring a lawsuit against the entity that prevents a student’s entry to a school on the basis of their immunization status advances from House Education. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee’s bill will give parents legal recourse if their child is denied admittance because they opted out of any vaccination.

Cut 7 (10) “…into the statues.”

House Bill 531 received opposition from the Louisiana Department of Education’s legal counsel Joan Hunt. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Frieberg asked Hunt to clarify the existing law that says parents can opt-out of having their child vaccinated due to medical, personal, or religious reasons.

Cut 8 (08)  “…none at all.”

Fiorella (Fee-oh-rella Tro-han-ee) Trapani Co-director of Health Freedom Louisiana, a consumer and health rights advocacy organization spoke in favor of the bill.  She told lawmakers even though a law exists many do not know they have recourse if denied.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and for all.”

The bill passed on a six to five vote and will be heard in the full House.

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Over the past 15 years, Louisiana’s oyster industry has taken some major hits. Between hurricanes, flooding, and multiple openings of the Bonnet Carre Spillway changing the concentration of salt in oyster beds, larger and larger percentages of the annual crop never make it to the table. UL-Lafayette is working to change that through a $14-million research partnership to develop more resilient oysters.

Cut 10 (11) “…will survive.”

Over the next three years, working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Dr. Stauffer and other researchers from across a number of disciplines will examine oyster populations with a low-salinity tolerance to develop strategies that will help the oysters and the industry stay strong.

Cut  11 (09)  “…oyster production.”  

Stauffer says the goal isn’t to create a new kind of oyster, it’s to ensure the health of an industry that provides thousands of jobs and has an annual value of nearly $70 million.

Cut 12 (08) “…100 years.” 

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After a months-long investigation into the 2019 Union Parish roadside death of Ronald Greene in State Police custody, federal prosecutors are growing skeptical they can bring a successful civil rights violation case against any of the troopers involved. The problem is video evidence doesn’t seem to show that officers acted “willfully” to hurt Greene. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Richard Sprinkle says the real sticking point is the word “willfully”…:

Cut 13 (14) “…more than obvious.”

Greene died during his arrest, after a high-speed chase through three parishes in May 2019. His family was first told he died in a car crash, but over a year later body cam evidence surfaced showing him being beaten and kicked by troopers. Sprinkle can only speculate on what federal prosecutors are thinking, but says it’s certain they don’t want any missteps that could potentially damage the case…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…obviously passed away.”

Sprinkle says an issue in finding troopers “willfully” deprived Greene of his civil rights is any evidence – video or other – that shows they were ‘after” Ronald Greene for a reason, or that they tased or pepper-sprayed him after he was in custody…:

Cut 15 (14)  “…deprivation of rights.”

Sprinkle says Greene’s family does not need a federal civil rights charge against the LSP officers to move forward with a civil lawsuit for wrongful death.

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Cut 16 (14)  “…they’re hosting.”

Cut 17 (16) “ …good enough.” 

  Cut 18 (15) “ …upward right now.” 

Cut 19 (15) _“…some trouble.”    ___________________________________________

Cut 20 (17) “ …the whole time.” 

A bill to allow parents to bring a lawsuit against the entity that prevents a student’s entry to a school on the basis of their immunization status advances from House Education. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee’s bill will give parents legal recourse if their child is denied admittance because they opted out of any vaccination.

AM Cut 7 (11) “…into the statues.”

House Bill 531 received opposition from the Louisiana Department of Education’s legal counsel Joan Hunt. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Frieberg asked Hunt to clarify the existing law that says parents can opt out of having their child vaccinated due to medical, personal, or religious reasons.

AM Cut 8 (08)  “…none at all.”

The bill passed on a six to five vote and will be heard in the full House.

The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. The tax generates over 400-million dollars in revenues a year and Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill will begin the phase-out in 2023 so the state doesn’t face a fiscal cliff in 2025…

Cut 3 (11) “…appropriate word.”

The bill passed on a 67-40 vote in the House.

After a Louisiana version of a Don’t Say Gay bill restricting the discussion of gender identity in Louisiana schools was rejected in House Education last week, the full House voted 55 to 39 to have the bill resurrected for the current legislative session. It’s a rare legislative move to have a bill that was rejected in committee to be added the House calendar for debate in the full chamber

Louisiana is experiencing good fiscal times now and the Louisiana House votes for a proposal to help the next legislature deal with the loss of temporary sales. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

College athletes have been profiting off of their name, image, and likeness since July and now the NCAA says it’s beginning a crackdown on booster involvement. The new NIL guidelines attempt to stop boosters from being involved in recruiting and the NCAA says it will investigate those who violate the rules.

Some CLECO customers could be eligible for the Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program. Spokesperson Fran Phoenix the 25-percent discount is applied to the customer’s bills for July, August, and September. Customers must enroll before May 30 through their local community action agency.

Cut 7 (11) “…started breathing again.” 

For a list of those agencies visit the Louisiana Housing Corporation website, l-h-c-dot-la-dot-gov.

Optimism among small businesses continues to decline. According to the April survey by the NFIB, small business owners who are expecting better conditions over the next six months decreased by one point. State Director Dawn McVea says in their 48-year history of the survey…

Cut 9 (08) “…will improve.”