Today House leaders as they will vote on what changes to make when it comes to tax hikes and scaling back incentives in order to balance the state’s budget. Among the issues up for debate are repealing of tax breaks for businesses and an increase in the state’s cigarette tax. Alford says today’s House session will be a long one and something we have not seen in recent history…

Cut 5  (10)  “the House floor”

He says the absolute linchpin this legislative session is the inventory tax.

Two bills that seek to control the wild hog population in Louisiana pass the House Natural Resources Committee. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham says something must be done…:

Cut 13 (11)  “static”

One measure would approve year-round hunting seasons on razorbacks and the other would create a lifetime hunting license for the animal.

Legislation that would legalize the sale of raw milk in Louisiana failed to make it out of a Senate Committee. Opponents argue there are dangers associated with consuming raw milk but Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFleur doesn’t think it’s bad enough to warrant government regulation…:

cut 11 (09) “against the law”

The same measure made it out of the house last year but died on the Senate floor.

New Orleans Representative Austin Badon’s legislation to reduce penalties for simple marijuana possession will move to House floor. Jill Trahan’s son is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence for simple marijuana possession. Trahan wants lawmakers to really consider the penalties imposed on marijuana possession convictions…

CUT 7 (07)  “and strong”

The measure passed the House Criminal Justice Committee on a 10-4 vote.