After a long, emotional debate, the House approved a measure to expand the list of conditions medical marijuana can be used to treat. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno carried the bill on behalf of Park Senator Fred Mills. She says medical marijuana is going to help a lot of people and feels personally affected by this bill…:
CUT 1 (05) “get better”
But Bossier City Representative Mike Johnson says he doesn’t want to give more people in Louisiana access to this schedule I narcotic…:
CUT 15 (04) “Pandora’s Box”
The bill was approved by a wide margin and now heads back to the Senate for minor changes made on the House side.

The Crimestoppers reward for information in the killing of the Tulane grad, who was in New Orleans to plan his wedding, has now jumped to $30,000. Cops believe Thomas Rolfes was robbed before being shot to death over the weekend. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

The full House is expected to discuss today whether the TOPS scholarship program should be fully funded for next school year, as they address the proposed budget for the financial year that begins July 1st. Publisher of LaPolitics.com, Jeremy Alford, says he’s spoken with some lawmakers on the Senate side who are torn on the matter…:
cut 4 (10) “other organizations”
Alford says TOPS was not fully funded in the governor’s proposed budget, but it is funded in the modified proposal from the House Appropriations Committee.

The House has given final legislative passage to a bill that extends the waiting period for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours. The measure was unanimously approved and heads to Governor Edwards’ desk to be signed into law.