A bill limiting the amount of time the state can keep someone behind bars before filing criminal charges narrowly escapes from House Criminal Justice. Bill sponsor, Representative Ted James says currently a person can remain in jail for up to 120 days for capital offenses, 60 days for felonies, and 45 days for misdemeanors.
Cut 13 (10) “…without charge.”
The bill would shorten the period to five days for most offenses and 30 for more serious charges.
Representative Tony Bacala opposed it saying this could result in District Attorneys filing charges on everyone before the fifth day before cases can be thoroughly investigated.
The vote was 5-4 in favor.
The prospects of expanding the state’s medical-marijuana program to include the raw smokable form are looking pretty bright with a bill clearing House Health and Welfare 12-1. Chairman Larry Bagley says his deeply conservative district supports this…
Governor Edwards says he is inclined to support that expansion of the medical marijuana program. One thing he’s not inclined to support: an effort to remove the requirement that Louisianans get a state permit to carry a concealed handgun…
23