Legislators investigating the death of motorist Ronald Greene while in state police custody now have subpoena powers. The House approved a resolution Wednesday to give committees formed for special purposes the same authority as standing committees to issue subpoenas. The committee has heard testimony from Ronald Greene’s mother Mona Hardin and former LSP Superintendent Kevin Reeves.
A bill to create a board entitled the Louisiana Named Storm Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority passes in House Insurance on a seven to five vote. Bill author, Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain says residents are tired of dealing with insurance fraud from hurricanes and the bill creates a 19-member authority.
Cut 4 (08) “…will look at that.”
Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the state already investigates insurance fraud and the creation of an authority is repetitive.
New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis wants to limit the release of mugshots in Louisiana, in an effort to prevent those who are innocent from the public embarrassment that it can impose.
House Bill 729 prohibits law enforcement from releasing a booking photograph in any format if they reasonably believe it will be published on a pay-for-publication or website.
Legal counsel for the Louisiana Press Association, Scott Sternberg says the bill is too broad. He advocates placing a charge on booking photos to eliminate the majority of mugshots released.
The bill passed on an 11 to 1 vote in House Governmental Affairs and now heads to the House floor.