Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that would send 17-year-old non-violent offenders through the juvenile court system, instead of adult court. The measure was approved on a 33-4 vote. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says 17-year-olds who are convicted crimes would be better off if they didn’t go to an adult jail…
jp 1 and cut 30 (08) “…hardened criminal”
The bill, which is supported by Governor Edwards, heads to the House for more discussion.

One of the governor’s main bills for the session, raising the minimum wage is having a difficult time gaining approval in the Senate…
cut 1 (07) “…that bill”
The measure barely got past the Senate Labor committee, but it’s been stuck in the Senate Finance committee, because it will result in pay raises for the state’s lowest paid workers.

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James was unable to get enough votes from the House Commerce Committee to advance a measure that would allow law enforcement to unlock a homicide victims’ phone, if they were able to get a court order. James called the bill the “Brittney Mills Act.” She was murdered over a year ago and her case is still unsolved. Shreveport representative Thomas Carmody voted against it after hearing concerns this legislation could risk consumer protection…
cut 20 (12) “…is doable”
James might bring the bill up for another vote.

The full house has given final legislative passage to a bill is that would lock the value of the TOPS scholarship at its current price and it would not go up automatically, even if tuition rises. That means TOPS students would be forced to pay a portion of their tuition, if it goes up. Governor Edwards is expected to sign it.