Governor Jeff Landry signed a law classifying two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances at a bill signing session Tuesday. He officially signed the measure last Friday. Bill sponsor Shreveport Senator Thomas Pressly explained the bill amid cries from his baby niece.
Cut 6 (09) “…Schedule IV drug. ”
More than 200 doctors signed a letter in opposition warning it could make it harder to prescribe the drugs, which have other reproductive healthcare uses.
Language in the law protects pregnant women who obtain the drugs without a prescription for personal use. The law has been hotly contested across the country, which Landry mentioned at the signing.
The new law will take effect October 1st.
Governor Landry also signed legislation sponsored by Kenner Representative Joseph Stagni that makes Louisiana the first state to ban retail sale of nitrous oxide. Stagni says the law is in response to the abuse of nitrous oxide, which is on the market for food preparation, as a party drug.
The Gator Scholarship program, an expanded version of school vouchers, is nearing final passage. The amended bill passed in the House on a 67-29 vote. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson presented the amendments in the House and says instead of phasing in a dollar amount annually…
The amended bill returns to the Senate for final passage. Governor Landry, who’s expressed his support of the bill, is expected to sign the legislation.