At the State Capitol, a House-passed bill to allow adults with a clean criminal record to carry a concealed weapon without a permit moves out of Senate Judiciary today…despite plenty of opposition. Here is Fabian Blache, with the state Association of Chiefs of Police, worrying about young men with unpermitted guns…:

CUT 11(12)      “…going to fire”

The bill passes, 4-to-1, but must also pass Senate Finance, because ending concealed carry permits will mean loss of revenue.

Another gun-related bill moving forward would incentive guns with a $500 tax credit for buying gun safety devices. The bill’s sponsor is New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who says too many die in accidental shootings or by stolen firearms…:

CUT 06(07)      “…in their cars.”

The bill has bipartisan support. Its next stop is the Senate floor, where it could win final passage.

With just ten days left in the legislative session in Baton Rouge, there is still some life in efforts to raise the state minimum wage. New Orleans Senator Gary Carter’s bill would take it from the federal minimum of $7.25 to $10. He tells Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver there are still MANY in Louisiana getting well under $10…:

CUT 05(12)      “…lot of places.”

It remains to be seen if the bill will actually get a vote on the Senate floor and getting through the House would be a huge obstacle.

LSU’s annual Louisiana Survey of public opinions shows a great many of us are struggling with getting, keeping and affording property insurance, after so many companies went insolvent of left the state after hurricanes in 2020 and ’21. Study lead Dr. Mike Henderson says the overall picture is dismal…:

CUT 14(08)      “…have been covered.”

He says 1-in-10 have had their coverage cancelled.