LRN PM Newscall April 12

A survey conducted by LSU finds two-thirds of Louisiana residents believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A bill to allow non-felons 21 and older to conceal carry passes in House Criminal Justice. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

More than three years after the shooting death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson of Baker has been convicted of second-degree murder. Video of the shooting was critical to the case, as jurors saw the fatal confrontation from multiple angles. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore applauded his prosecutors for their work and thanked the jury for reaching a guilty verdict.

Cut 3 (12) “…actually was.”

Moore said ultimately though he believes justice was served, there is no joy to be taken from yesterday’s verdict. At least two families will have to live with the aftermath of that night forever.

Cut 4  (12) “…losing a son.”

Sims’ parents were emotional as the verdict was read and his father Wayne, who played for LSU during the late 1980s and early 90s, spoke on the family’s behalf.

Cut 5  (12) “…best we can.”

Simpson faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison and did not testify in his own defense.

_______________________________________________

A New Orleans area senator defers his bill to ban single-use plastic bags after hearing opposition from grocery store owners. Marrero Republican Patrick Connick says his measure is an effort to reduce litter, but Ascension Parish businessman Brandon Trosclair says the bill is not a solution to the state’s litter problem…

Cut 6  (10) “…out there” 

Trosclair didn’t like that Connick’s bill singled out grocery stores for the state’s litter problem

Cut 7 (09) “…the place.” 

After hearing the opposition and recognizing he didn’t have the votes for the bill to get out of committee, Connick decided to defer his legislation but remains committed to cleaning up the state

Cut 8 (12) “…this legislation.” 

_________________________________________

66-percent of the adults who participated in an LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll say the state is heading in the wrong direction. LSU Manship School associate professor Doctor Michael Henderson says only 26-percent say the state is heading in the right direction

Cut 9 (06) “…2004″

Just over 600 adults participated in the online survey. Henderson says respondents say the economy, education, and infrastructure are the most important problems…

Cut 10 (07)  “…disconnect.”

Henderson says the concern about crime more than doubled from 10 percent last year to 24 percent this year. He says confidence in state government to solve the problems dropped to 25-percent, the lowest point since 2004…

Cut 11 (07)  “…about 2010″  

_____________________________________________________

On a ten to three vote, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle voted against it and says issuing gun permits is vital to know who has the legal right to carry.

Cut 12 (13) “…poor people.” 

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the measure and says people should not have to pay for a permit to conceal carry.

Current law requires gun training in order to receive a permit, and St. Martinville Representative Marcus Bryant expressed concern about removing instruction.

Cut 13 (07) “…real crazy.”

Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo rationalized support of the bill that if criminals can conceal carry why not those who haven’t broken the law.

Cut 14 (12)  “…criminal has”

When asked if he had support from law enforcement, McCormick responded he had local support and that he had not spoken with State Police. LSP Superintendent Col Lamar Davis spoke in opposition saying legal conceal carry puts law enforcement at a disadvantage and the training one receives with their permit is invaluable to keep others safe.

In closing statements, McCormick says the state constitution is specific about a citizen’s right to bear arms.

Cut 15 (09) “…strict scrutiny.” 

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.