On a 75-27 vote, the Louisiana House approves legislation that calls for a constitutional convention so lawmakers and delegates chosen by the governor can make several changes to the state constitution. The bill was amended to change the start date from May 20th to August 1st and New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says there will be convention committee hearings in June and July…
cut 13 (10) “….have protected”
The measure heads to the Senate.

Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s near total abortion ban failed to get out of a House committee. It’s a personal issue for bill author and New Orleans Democratic Representative Delisha Boyd. Boyd says her mother was raped in her teens and turned to drugs to cope with the trauma and died before she was 30.
Cut 8 (07) “…these children.”
But opponents of Boyd’s bill say pregnancies should be carried to term no matter what led to the conception of that child.

A bill closing in on final legislative passage says public schools would no longer allow children to have access to their phone during instructional time. It would have to be either turned off or stowed away. House Education approved the measure on a ten to one vote. The lone no vote came from Gray Representative Beryl Amedee…
cut 5 (13) “….we have an avenue”
Supporters say phones have become a big distraction in the classroom.

A three-judge federal panel that rejected the Congressional map approved by lawmakers earlier this year have ordered the Legislature to come up with a new map by June 3rd or the courts will draw the map. But Secretary of State Nancy Landry says it needs a new map by May 15th in order to run a proper federal election in November. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the federal court system has put the state in a tough position…
cut 16 (06) “….more and more bizarre”

The full House has approved legislation enabling the state to hold a Constitutional Convention. An amendment was added to the measure that pushes the start date of the convention back from May 20th to August 1st. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says this was done to alleviate concerns that the state was rushing into a convention
Cut 12 (07) “…be rushed.”
The measure still needs the Senate to approve and they are not as excited about the need for a constitutional convention as the House.

Federal judges have ordered Louisiana lawmakers to try again and draw up a Congressional map that can be used for the 2024 federal elections. The three-judge panel gave lawmakers until June 3rd to approve a new map or they’ll draw one for them. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this would be the Legislature’s third try…
Cut 15 (05) “…Supreme Court.”
Secretary of State Nancy Landry has said they need to have a map in place by May 15th to adequately prepare for the November Congressional races.

Public school students may not be allowed to have their phone with them during instructional time. Sean Richardson reports on a bill nearing final legislative passage…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban was amended for exceptions only to apply when the victim is under the age of 17. The bill, however, failed to advance from House Criminal Justice after emotional debate. Bill author New Orleans Democrat, Representative Delisha Boyd’s mother was raped in her teens and turned to drugs to cope with the trauma and died before she was 30.

Cut 8 (08) “…these children.” 

Haughton Republican, Representative Dodie Horton says while she agrees the rape of a child is horrific, she believes the life of the unborn child should be protected.

AM Cut 9 (07)  “…innocent child.”

The bill failed to advance along party lines in a seven to four-vote.

The legislature will have a third crack at drawing the state’s congressional map. The three-panel judge issued the decision Tuesday. The court also dismissed the Secretary of State’s May 15^th deadline. Lawmakers are still in session but it’s unclear if a bill can be filed to draft a new map in this session. Attorney General Liz Murrill says she will still proceed with taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Governor Jeff Landry has signed four property insurance reform bills. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A federal 3 judge panel is giving the Louisiana Legislature until June 3^rd to draw yet another congressional map or have the court provide interim boundaries for the November 5^th election. The last map, drawn in January, was ruled unconstitutional because of impermissible racial gerrymander. This time the judges did not say this map would require a 2^nd majority minority district.  It’s not clear whether Lawmakers have a legislative instrument that would allow for a new map during this session, as it appears the deadline to introduce new bills for this session has passed.

The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure. McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Cut 6  (10) “…lower crime.” 

One of the bills Governor Landry signed into law this morning phases out the three-year rule for Insurance Companies. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from dropping a policyholder that’s been a customer for three or more years. But Pollock Representative Gabe Firment gives the insurers the ability to drop some of their older policyholders…

Cut 11 (11) ” ..in Louisiana.”

Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated is being honored by the U.S. House with the naming of his hometown post office. His widow and 5th district U.S.  Representative Julia Letlow spoke on the House floor.

Cut 3 (07) “..his story.” 

Letlow worked in the Jindal administration as his congressional district director and then as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff.

A federal 3 judge panel is giving the Louisiana Legislature until June 3^rd to draw yet another congressional map or have the court provide interim boundaries for the November 5^th election. The last map, drawn in January, was ruled unconstitutional because of impermissible racial gerrymander. This time the judges did not say this map would require a 2^nd majority minority district.  It’s not clear whether Lawmakers have a legislative instrument that would allow for a new map during this session, as it appears the deadline to introduce new bills for this session has passed.

McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…

Beginning July 4^th, adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana. The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure.

Cut 9 (09) “…laws anyhow.” 

Governor Jeff Landry has signed four property insurance reform bills. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The U S House is honoring the late Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated They are naming of his hometown post office after him. His widow and 5th district U.S.

Cut 5 (09)  “…post offices.” 

The legislation is expected to pass and the post office in Rayville on Benedette Street will be named the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building.”

Beginning July 4th, Louisiana adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry in Louisiana. Concerned about multiple people possessing guns near Mardi Grad parades, New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun if they were within 100-feet of a parade.

Cut 7 (09) “…outside bar-b-que.”  

Landry’s bill failed 58-38 in the House.

Governor Landry signed 4 bills this morning that supporters say will bring more property insurers into the state but the consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, calls this is an anti-consumer legislative package that will only result in rate increases and coverage decreases for Louisianians. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says these news laws will create a more competitive and stable insurance marketplace…

Cut 12 (15) “…other states” 

Congress is honoring the late Luke Letlow by naming a post office near his hometown after him. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Sean Richardson”

Heat indexes are predicted to reach triple digits in Louisiana this week. Climatologist Barry Keim says that compared to previous years, this week’s heat wave is early and it’s bringing very high humidity levels along with it.

The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun without a permit if they are within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure. McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens…
Cut 6 (10) “…lower crime.”
The bill failed on a 58-38 vote. There were a few Republicans who voted for it, including Breaux Bridge Representative Chad Boyer, a former state trooper, who has provided support to the New Orleans Police Department for Mardi Gras
Cut 8 (05) “…good bill.”
On July 4th, Louisiana adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry.

Coming up on the House floor this afternoon is the constitutional convention bill. It will take a two-thirds vote to pass.

Governor Jeff Landry held a bill signing ceremony this morning where he signed four bills that supporters say will bring more property insurers into the state. Landry says the increased competition should result in lower premiums…
cut 10 (12) “…for our citizens”
The consumer advocacy group, Real Reform Louisiana, calls this is an anti-consumer legislative package that will only result in rate increases and coverage decreases for Louisianians.

Luke Letlow, who was elected to Congress in 2020, but died from Covid before he could be seated is being honored by the U.S. House with the naming of his hometown post office. His widow and 5th district U.S. Representative Julia Letlow spoke on the House floor.
Cut 3 (07) “..his story.”
Letlow worked in the Jindal administration as his congressional district director and then as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff.

At the state capitol, the House is expected to vote today on a bill that calls for a Constitutional Convention to be held later this month….
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana House has rejected a bill that attempted to prohibit the conceal carrying of guns without a permit within 100 feet of a parade. State Representative Danny McCormick says this will not keep criminals conceal carrying at a parade…
cut 9 (09) “…laws anyhow”

Governor Landry signed into law four bills today that backers of the legislation believe will help reduce insurance premiums. One of the bills signed into law phases out the three-year rule. Louisiana is the only state that prohibits an insurer from dropping a policyholder that’s been a customer for three or more years. But Pollock Representative Gabe Firment’s measure gives insurers that ability…
Cut 11 (11) ” ..in Louisiana.”
Opponents are concerned this new law will result in more policyholders needing Citizens insurance.

The U-S House is expected to vote today on legislation that would rename a post office in Rayville after the late Luke Letlow. Letlow was elected to represent the 5th District in Congress. But in 2020 Letlow died a few days before his swearing in from COVID. His wife, Julia, now represents the fifth district…
cut 4 (08) “…are gone”

The LSU women’s basketball program has announced it will play a game next regular season at Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City on December eighth. The Lady Tigers will play Grambling that day and it allows Mikaylah Williams to play a game in her hometown.

Mystik Dan, which is owned by a couple from Shreveport along with others, won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, but will the Kentucky-bred horse run in the second leg of the triple crown. The Preakness takes place on May 18th and co-owner Sharilyn Gasaway, says Mystik Dan, has not performed well in the past on short rest…
cut 19 (07) “…that race”
Gasaway says Mystik Dan has performed better when he has a month off between races.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association state baseball tournament begins today. Tonight it’s the Division Four select semifinals….second-seeded Covenant Christian takes on 11th seeded Glenbrook and top seeded Opelouas Catholic plays fifth seeded Central Catholic.

The Louisiana House is scheduled to vote today on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention later this month. Revising the constitution is one of Governor Jeff Landry’s priorities, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will need a two-thirds majority to pass.

Cut 7 (11) “…thin majority.”

The House convenes at 1pm.

Today, Louisiana observes National Fentanyl Awareness Day. 210 people die every day from Fentanyl overdoses and Kandyce Cowart with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says everyone needs to be aware of how dangerous the drug is. She equates it to a jetliner crashing every day…

Cut 10 (10) “…talking about.”

Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine.

It’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week GOHSEP wants you to be ready.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Temperatures will be in the the 90s with heat indexes reaching triple digits in Louisiana this week. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says usually it’s the third week of May when temps reach that high in Louisiana.

Cut 13 (10)  “…the state.”