5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report March 26

House Education approves the Gator Scholarship Program which in a few years would allow families of any income level to receive state dollars to attend a private school. Governor Landry’s deputy chief of staff Andree’ Miller says the legislation will give every child the chance to receive a quality education.

Cut 13 (08)  “…much better”

The Gator Scholarship Program will replace the state’s current voucher system.

House Criminal Justice approves legislation to make it a crime to be within 25-feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to stop or retreat. The bill was approved last year but vetoed by then Governor John Bel Edwards. Policy Strategist for the Louisiana ACLU, Stephanie Willis, believes this law will be difficult to enforce…

Cut 12 (08) “…25ft away” 

A bill to give judges the discretion to punish individuals who sexually assault a child with surgical castration advances from Senate Judiciary C. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill allows for the sentencing of surgical castration if the victim is under the age of 13.

Cut 10 (12) “…from prison.”

Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham says he has a problem with castration if it’s a first offense and that he believes in second chances.

Cut 11 (13) “…I agree.”

The bill also allows a female offender to be castrated.