5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report March 24

A bill to force those guilty of vehicular homicide of a parent to pay restitution advances from House Criminal Justice. Bill author Lafayette Representative Johnathan Goudeau says the offender would make payments to the victim’s minor child until the age of 18 or 21 if enrolled in college.

AM Cut 13 (12) “…that difference.”

 

Payments would be due once they are released from prison and if they are on probation the payments are handled through their probation officer.

The Louisiana Board of Regents has set a goal of 60 percent of working adults with a degree or credential of some type by 2030. To help get there, Dr. Tristan Denly says Louisiana colleges and universities will be removing what has been a significant barrier for many in completing their coursework…remedial studies.

Cut 4 (12)  “…not to work.”

Legislation that would make state waters more attractive to companies interested in developing wind energy projects off of the state’s coastline is headed to the House floor. Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says he supports oil and gas production but also recognizes alternative energy is coming

Cut 9 (10) “…jobs”

A proposal to make it a crime to deny someone entrance into a building based on their vaccination status received a hearing today in a House committee, but even Republican lawmakers who oppose vaccine mandates had issues with the measure. The bill’s author, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley, blames the COVID vaccine for his recent heart attack…

Cut 12 (12) “…heart attack.” 

Bagley voluntarily deferred his bill, but plans to present a revised version later in the session.