The Louisiana House passes a bill that would decriminalize possession of marijuana. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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Ochsner Health says they are ready to begin vaccinating teens ages 12-15 with the Pfizer vaccine once state health gives the go-ahead following the CDC’s approval today. Brooke Thorington has more
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A person would no longer face jail time if convicted of possessing 14 grams or less of marijuana as a result of a bill approved by the Louisiana House. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says the possession of a small amount of marijuana should no longer result in two things
Currently, a person who possesses 14 grams or less of marijuana could face up to 15 days in jail and up to six months if convicted a second time. Glover’s bill removes the possibility of jail time and would make a 100-fine the maximum penalty. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle voted in support…
The measure passed on a 67-35 vote. Even one of the most conservative members of the House voted for it, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh,…
Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans have already passed local ordinances that decriminalized convictions for small marijuana possessions. The legislation heads to the Senate for more discussion.
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The Louisiana House has unanimously passed a bill extending the period in which victims of child sexual abuse can pursue legal actions against their abusers from 10 to 35 years. Lead sponsor and New Orleans representative Jason Hughes says the extension is necessary since most victims delay their disclosure into adulthood.
The bill provides a list of what qualifies as a “crime against the child” including assault, kidnapping, and criminal neglect. Abita Springs representative Larry Frieman asked Hughes why not eliminate the prescriptive period.
Hughes gave an emotional closing statement on the House floor, telling lawmakers this legislation is on behalf of every victim and survivor of child sexual abuse
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A CDC advisory approved the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15 today. Ochsner Health Pediatrician Dr. William Lennarz says data for this age group is extremely encouraging with the Pfizer vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has already issued a statement in favor of 12- to 15-year-olds receiving the vaccine. Dr. Lennarz says while yes children are less likely to become extremely ill COVID compared to adults however they are not completely immune to the virus.
Due to the cold storage required for the Pfizer vaccine Ochsner Health says the vaccine will not be available at their pediatric clinics, however, Dr. Lennarz says there are convenient locations for all ages to be vaccinated.
Officials with Ochsner Health say they are ready to begin vaccinating the new age group within 24 hours of the Louisiana Department of Health guidance.
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The House votes 53-42 in favor of legislation that would partially limit qualified immunity for police officers in some cases.
Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says his bill blocks officers from utilizing qualified immunity in a wrongful death or injury suit if a judge deems their conduct to be “unreasonable”.
The bill passed by one vote and heads to the Senate.
House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez opposes the bill. He says passage would make it more difficult to recruit law enforcement officers.
The legislation is the result of a police reform task force that was formed after last year’s George Floyd Protests. The task force included community, legislative, and law enforcement leaders.
Baton Rouge Representative Ted James took issue with some of his colleagues’ accusations that this bill would lead to frivolous lawsuits against officers.
The bill was amended to include language requiring anyone who loses a qualified immunity lawsuit against an office to pay all court costs and attorney fees. Bill supporters call it a poison pill and will attempt to remove it in the Senate.