Legislation that would close abortion clinics and ban the procedure in Louisiana should Roe v. Wade be overturned is headed to Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk. Brooke Thorington has more.
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A bill removing two holidays commemorating the Civil War moves to the governor’s desk for signing. David Grubb has the story…
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Legislation that would close abortion clinics in Louisiana if Roe v Wade is overturned and ban the procedure is on its way to the governor’s desk for signature. Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, is expected to sign the bill but would prefer the legislation had exceptions.
The legislation would result in a ten-year prison sentence for doctors who perform abortions if abortion becomes illegal in Louisiana.
Edwards says there’s a reality that must be addressed and that some pregnancies are a result of rape and incest.
If Roe v Wade is overturned as expected this summer, Louisiana along with other states with trigger laws would automatically stop abortions. Senate Bill 342 only strengthens the current trigger laws and does not provide an exception for rape and incest. Edwards however feels the law should and says he’s not alone.
The White House released a statement opposing this anti-abortion bill. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calls it an attack on the fundamental freedoms of Americans and that an overwhelming majority of Americans reject these kinds of radical measures.
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Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day will no longer be on the state’s calendar of official holidays after HB 248, authored by New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard, received final legislative approval. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau carried the bill in the Senate and said we can remember the negative parts of history without celebrating them.
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Critics of the bill argue that the holidays should stay on the books so as not to erase history. Luneau said that is no justification for disregarding the feelings of Black Louisianans and not placing those events in their proper perspective.
Also speaking in support of the bill was New Orleans Senator Joe Bouie, who said that this legislation can ultimately be another step towards dealing with the atrocities of the past and moving the state forward collectively. He said holidays are about celebration and unity, and Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day do not meet that standard.
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The bill passed the House on a 74-19 final vote and now move’s to the governor’s desk for his signature.
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A bill to create an Office of Women’s Health in Louisiana is on its way to the Governor’s Desk. Senate Bill 116 would create the office to lead and coordinate efforts intended to improve women’s health outcomes. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says there are several reasons why such an office is needed.
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The bill passed unanimously but not without debate over Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews’ amendment excluding transgender women from receiving services from the office.
The amendment passed on a 61-32 vote.
The Office of Women’s Health would be funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and one lawmaker expressed concern that the creation of such an office grows government which is something he opposes in theory. Schlegel responded.
The bill passed unanimously in both chambers and awaits the governor’s signature.
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State Police says a 73-year-old bicyclist from Welsh was killed in a hit and run crash that took place this morning on L-A Highway 1126 in Jefferson Davis Parish near Jennings. Trooper Derek Senegal says witnesses saw a small white SUV hit the victim
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Senegal says Jerry Hughes died at the scene after he was struck from behind at 8:30 this morning…
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The suspect vehicle is described as a small white SUV with damage to the hood area and heavy damage to the windshield. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Louisiana State Police Troop D office.