Legislative Report May 31

Governor John Bel Edwards holds a bill signing today for Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s legislation that restores voting rights to individuals who have served time on felony offenses, and have been out of prison for five years, but are still on parole or probation. Edwards says giving people back their rights reinvests them in their communities.

Cut 6 (09)  “of crime”

Edwards says many convicted felons deserve a second shot at life.

Cut 7 (08) “pass it”

Its estimated voting rights will be restored for 70,000 Louisianans.

The Governor also put into law the “Max Gruver Act” which tightens and strengthens Louisiana’s anti-hazing laws, making partic8ipating in a hazing event that leads to a death punishable by up to five years in prison.

An anti-bestiality law has been signed by Governor Edwards despite initial pushback by supporters of Louisiana’s unconstitutional anti-sodomy law. Louisiana  Director of the Humane Society of the United States, Julia Breaux Melancon, was surprised by the early objections, but the new law will strengthen prohibitions on bestiality and animal cruelty…

Cut 3 (12) “pedophilia

The governor is signing legislation by New Iberia Senator Fred Mills that’s aimed at pushing down drug prices by requiring prescription benefit plans (that prescription card in your wallet) inform consumers when they get rebates from drug manufactures. Mills says before, your drug plan could hide those rebates, and pocket money that should have been going back to you, but now…

Cut 9 (10) “prescription drugs”

Similar legislation has passed that would require benefit plans provide that information to the state, so the state can negotiate lower Medicaid prices.

AM Newscall June 1

The Atlantic Hurricane season begins today. Michael Farrar gives us a preview on what we can expect.

Cut 1 (30)  I”m Michael Farrar“

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Governor Edwards says Louisiana now has some of the toughest anti-hazing laws in the nation, inspired by the death of LSU student Maxwell Gruver. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (27) ”  I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Major delays are expected this weekend in Baton Rouge as eastbound approach to the River Bridge gets shut down for repairs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

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The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season officially starts today despite the fact that the Gulf Coast has already seen its first named storm of the year. NOAA projects 10 to 16 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes, and 1 to 4 major hurricanes. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s not too far off base for an average year.

Cut 4  (09) “2018 season” 

Much of the prediction is based on the fact that the last twenty years have been some of the most active storm seasons in recent history. Keim says projections will trend towards busier seasons until there’s a noticeable change in the pattern.

Cut 5  (06)  “normal activity”

Sub-Tropical Storm Alberto hit the Gulf Coast over the Memorial Day weekend, which has some folks worried that we could be in store for a busy year if its only May and we’re already getting named storms. Keim says it doesn’t work like that.

Cut 6 (06) “may bring”

Last year’s historic hurricane season claimed lives across the Gulf and caused nearly 300 billion dollars in damage.

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The FDA has told several companies to stop claiming that their sunscreen pills will protect consumers from the suns. Co-founder at Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, Dr. Deirdre Hooper, says there is no dietary supplement that can prevent the sun’s harmful U-V rays.

Cut 7 (09)  “the sun” (2x)

While these pills may contain antioxidants that can help repair skin damage, Dr. Hooper does not believe the claims…

Cut 8 (08)  “your skin”

The FDA and Dr. Hooper emphasize the only way to protect yourself from sun exposure is to apply sunscreen…

Cut 9 (09)  “aging”

If you want to try one of these pills, Dr. Hooper suggests you should talk to a board-certified dermatologist or visit AAD.org, American Academy of Dermatology, for reliable information.

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Governor John Bel Edwards signed a series of anti-hazing bills Thursday that he says will give Louisiana some of the stiffest hazing laws in the nation. The legislation was inspired by the death of an LSU student in a hazing incident last year, and led to the creation of the “Max Gruver Act”. Edwards says he fully expects other states to adopt the same laws in coming years.

Cut 10 (05)   “to follow”

Gruver’s parents led the charge on the new anti-hazing legislation, specifically Representative Nancy Landry’s bill that makes hazing a felony crime, with up to five years in prison, if convicted. Edwards thanked the Gruver’s for their bravery in the face of that terrible tragedy.

Cut 11 (10) “appreciate it”

Edwards says these laws won’t just crack down on Greek life, it protects students in all organizations on college campuses.

Cut 12 (07) “of problems”

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A major road closure is expected for the Mississippi River Bridge in Port Allen/Baton Rouge, starting Friday night at 7pm and ending noon Sunday. The eastbound lane will be shut down for some repair work. It’s the second weekend for the repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says if you’ve got road plans that lead you through BR this weekend, plan accordingly.

Cut 13 (12)  “1-90” 

Mallet says this will likely mean some nasty traffic through most of the major throughways in Baton Rouge proper.

Cut 14 (11) “expect delays”

Mallet says the repair work is much needed, especially after the winter freeze required some emergency temporary repairs to be completed to keep the road operational.

Cut 15 (09) “of life”

Mallet says if you’re interested in seeing the work that was completed recently, drop by the DOTD Facebook page for a time-lapse video. Rodney says he’d appreciate it, considering he had to climb a pole in a rain storm to get the recording.

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LSU Coach Paul Mainieri’s team will be short on pitching for the Corvallis Regional as he says its unlikely that Ma’Khail Hilliard and AJ Labas will be able to pitch because of fatigue. Mainieri says it will behoove the Tigers to stay in the winner’s bracket. For LSU to do that, Tiger Rag Associate James Moran says they need their top hitters to produce

Cut 16 (16) “have a chance”

The Tigers face San Diego State this afternoon at 3 PM central time. Moran says it’s important for LSU to have a late lead, because the Aztecs have a lights out closer in Casey Schmitt…

Cut 17 (06)  “30 innings”

3:30 LRN Newscast May 31st

An icon in the Louisiana culinary industry has passed away. Ella Brennan, the long-tiem proprietor of Commander’s Palace has died at the age of 92. Brennan also helped launch the careers of celebrity chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. Food critic Tom Fitzmorris says Brennnan had an eye for talent…
cut 14 (11) “…in general”
Brennan got her start in the restaurant business in the 1970s at the namesake restraunt Brennan’s, on Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter.

The governor signed into law what supporters say should help to reduce prescirption drug costs. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says the legislation requires prescription benefit plans to inform consumers when they get rebates from drug manufacturers…
cut 11 (06) “…rebate share”

Tougher laws against bestiality has been signed into law. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Becca Dill”

As a result of low sales, Sears announces they are closing 72 stores nationwide. Two Louisiana stores are on the list, a K-Mart in Lake Charles and the Sears at the Alexandria mall.

Colorado State released a revised forecast today for the hurricane season which starts tomorrow. Their researchers are now calling for 14 named storms, which is just above average.

2:30 LRN Newscast May 31

Ella Brennan, a Queen of New Orleans Cuisine, has passed away at the age of 92. As an influential member of the Brennan family, she helped shape and guide the New Orleans food scene in iconic restaurants like Commanders Palace. Food Critic Tom Fitzmorris says few people had her talent for turning restaurants into world famous culinary institutions.
Cut 12 (08) “to her”
Brennan sheparded some of New Orleans most iconic chefs, like Paul Prudomme and Emeril Lagasse through stints at Commanders and her other venues.

A tougher anti-bestiality law is in effect as a result of Governor John Bel Edwards’ signature. Louisiana Director of the Humane Society of the United States, Julia Breaux Melancon, says it contains a provision that many other states do not have…
cut 5 (05) “…happy about that”

The governor signs legislation by Senator Fred Mills that hopefully will bring down drug prices. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle “

Sears is closing 72 stores nationwide and two of them will shut down in Louisiana, one in Lake Charles and the other in Alexandria.

I-10 East in Scott remains closed at this hour as a result of a fatal wreck. One person reportedly died in the multiple vehicle crash that involved an 18-wheeler. Police say a driver who crossed the median was killed.

PM Newscall May 31

Tougher laws against bestiality has been signed into law. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Becca Dill”

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The governor signs legislation by Senator Fred Mills that hopefully will bring down drug prices. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle 

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Governor John Bel Edwards holds a bill signing today for Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s legislation that restores voting rights to individuals who have served time on felony offenses, and have been out of prison for five years, but are still on parole or probation. Edwards says giving people back their rights reinvests them in their communities.

Cut 6 (09)  “of crime”

Edwards says many convicted felons deserve a second shot at life.

Cut 7 (08)  “pass it”

The bill took three tries to get enough votes to clear the House. Edwards celebrated Smith’s tenacity in fighting for bills that can be controversial, but that he believes are ultimately just.

cut 8 (09) “thanked her”

It’s estimated voting rights will be restored for 70,000 Louisianans.

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The governor is signing legislation by New Iberia Senator Fred Mills that’s aimed at pushing down drug prices by requiring prescription benefit plans (that prescription card in your wallet) inform consumers when they get rebates from drug manufactures. Mills says before, your drug plan could hide those rebates, and pocket money that should have been going back to you, but now…

Cut 9 (10) “prescription drugs”

Many people don’t realize those rebates are the reason your insurance forces you to buy one pill over another for the same illness. Mills says if your benefit plans are getting savings by forcing you to buy certain drugs, they should pass those savings back to you.

Cut 10 (10) “go down”

Mills says you should be asking whoever provides your prescription card if they’re passing those new savings on to you.

Cut 11 (06) “rebate share”

Similar legislation has passed that would require benefit plans provide that information to the state, so the state can negotiate lower Medicaid prices.

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Ella Brennan, a Queen of New Orleans Cuisine, has passed away at the age of 92. As an influential member of the Brennan family, she helped shape and guide the New Orleans food scene in iconic restaurants like Commanders Palace. Food Critic Tom Fitzmorris says few people on earth had her same talent for turning restaurants into world famous culinary institutions.

Cut 12 (08)   “to her”

Fitzmorris says Brennan was a shrewd businesswoman who turned the infamous 1970s Brennan family fallout into an opportunity to make her own way in the restaurant industry. She started over with nothing but Commanders palace, which she turned into a New Orleans legend that specializes not just in award winning food, but spectacle.

Cut 13 (10) “was doing” d

Brennan sheparded some of New Orleans most iconic chefs, like Paul Prudone and Emeril Lagasse through stints at Commanders and her other venues. Fitzmorris says she had an eye for talent.

Cut 14 (11)  “in general”

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13:30 LRN Newscast May 31st

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs committee made major changes to a sales tax renewal bill by removing more exemptions, which means businesses will be forced to pay more in sales taxes, while consumers would pay 4.3 percent state sales tax. The proposal would raise 642-million dollars, which covers the projected revenue shortfall, Alexandria Democrat Jay Luneau voted for it and criticized Republicans for proposing to reduce government spending, but not identifying what shouldn’t be funded…
cut 14 (08) “…from us”
A House Republican leader doesn’t think the lower chamber will agree to the senate changes.

Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law this afternoon legislation that give some convicted felons there voting rights back. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith’s legislation was rejected in previous sessions, Edwards thanks her for her persistence…
cut 8 (09) “…thanked her”

Governor John Bel Edwards signs into law tougher penalties for those convicted of bestiality. At first there was some pushback on this legislation. Louisiana Director of the Humane Society of the UNited States, Julia Breaux Melancon, says much of the controversy came from misinformation of the bill’s goal…
cut 4 (10) “….supreme court”

The governor is signing legislation by New Iberia Senator Fred Mills that’s aimed at pushing down drug prices by requiring prescription benefit plans (that prescription card in your wallet) inform consumers when they get rebates from drug manufactures. Mills says before, your drug plan could hide those rebates, and pocket money that should have been going back to you, but now…
Cut 9 (10) “prescription drugs”

12:30 LRN Newscast May 31st

The House and the Senate disagree on how much revenue a sales tax bill should produce. Both versions would set the state sales tax at 4.3 percent, but the Senate version would remove several sales tax exemptions that currently benefit businesses. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux says he’s interested in producing enough revenue to avoid budget cuts…
cut 15 (11) “….600″
If the House and Senate can’t come together on a revenue generating measure, another special session will be needed after the current one expires June 4th.

Governor John Bel Edwards is busy signing bills from the regular session, including a new law that restores the voting rights for thousands of convicted felons…
cut 7 (08) “…pass it”
This new laws says if you’ve been out of prison for five years, but still on probation or parole, you can now vote.

Authorities one person was killed two others injured in a major crash involving an 18-wheeler on Interstate 10 west of Scott. I-10 eastbound is closed in the area.

Even though Corvallis is 24-hundred miles away from Baton Rouge, expect to see LSU fans at this weekend’s regional. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Voicer 2 (30) ” I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast May 31st

Sophomore left-hander Nick Bush will get the start on the mound for LSU in the NCAA Corvallis Regional when the Tigers face San Diego State on Friday at 3 PM. Bush says he’ll be ready for San Diego State’s small ball style….
cut 17 (15) “…my position”
Bush is 1-and-1 with a 3.16 ERA. Sophomore right-hander Zack Hess is scheduled to start on Saturday and Coach Paul Mainieri says freshman right-hander Ma’khail Hilliard is questionable because of soreness in the back of his pitching shoulder.

Louisiana Tech announces that two Bulldog games will be nationally televised this fall on the CBS Sports Network. The first game will be October 26th when Tech faces Florida Atlantic for a 5:30 Kick-off. The final regular season matchup of 2018 versus Western Kentucky will also be shown on CBS Sports Network. And that game is set for an 11 AM kick-off on Saturday, November 24th at Joe Aillet Stadium.

Former Grambling State star quarterback Devante Kincade has signed with the Maine Mammoths of the National Arena League.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 31st

It was a heated night in Senate Revenue as the committee made huge changes to GOP House Chairman Lance Harris’ tax bill. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

A bill requiring public schools to display, and instruct students on the motto “In God We Trust” was signed by the governor after facing little opposition in the legislature. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow on why she filed the bill….
Cut 10 (07) “school system”

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a bill signing ceremony this afternoon for legislation that restores voting rights to individuals who have served time on felony offenses, and have been out of prison for five years, but are still on parole or probation. Edwards says giving people back their rights reinvests them in their communities.
Cut 6 (09) “of crime”
Voting Rights Advocates Voice of the Experienced estimate this will restore rights to 70,000 Louisianans.

An anti-bestiality law has been signed by Governor Edwards despite initial pushback by supporters of Louisiana’s unconstitutional anti-sodomy law. Louisiana Director of the Humane Society of the United States, Julia Breaux Melancon, was surprised by the early objections to the legislation. She says the new law will strengthen prohibitions on bestiality and animal cruelty…
cut 3 (12) “…pedohilia”

10:30 LRN Newscast May 31st

A Senate committee made major changes to GOP House Chairman Lance Harris’ sales tax bill, so the proposed legislation would raise enough revenue to fill a projected budget shortfall for next fiscal year. The panel removed more sales tax exemptions for businesses, but Harris doesn’t see the Senate version passing the House…
Cut 13 (09) “the bill”
The revised sales tax bill would produce an extra 300-million dollars. The special session is set to end June 4th and if a sales tax plan is not done, another special session will likely take place.

New Orleans actor John Goodman declines to comment when asked about the cancellation of the TV sitcom “Roseanne.” ET found Goodman at an auto repair shop in New Orleans and he said he’d rather say nothing than to cause more trouble. A racist tweet sent by Roseanne Barr forced ABC to take the popular show off the air.

Starting with the 2019-20 school year, public schools will be required to display the motto “In God We Trust” and the schools will have also have to teach students about the motto. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says she doesn’t see the new law infringing upon someone’s religious opinion and it is a motto in which this country was founded on…
cut 11 (07) “…prayer”
The legislation is not expected to cost schools that much money, because they could display the motto on paper.