12:30 Newscast, May 12th, 2016

Legislation that would let victims of domestic violence with a protective order carry a concealed handgun for 45 days without training will be heard in the Senate after getting approval from the House. Denham Springs Rep. Valarie Hodges, says her bill provides an expedited process for a victim to seek concealed carry training….:
CUT 6 (08) “a class”
Opponents are concerned about people without proper training having weapons.

The Revenue Estimating Conference met this morning and did not change next fiscal year’s revenue forecast, which lawmakers were hoping for to reduce the budget deficit. Economist Manfred Dix says low tax collections impacted the estimates…:
CUT 9 (07) “relatively low”
Leaders says legislators may need to take another look at raising revenues when they meet for a second special session next month.

State police are looking for two vehicles involved in a fatal hit and run that took the life of a skateboarder in Hammond near SLU. Trooper Dustin Dwight says 26-year-old Erin Gerhard was hit twice by two vehicles that fled the scene. He says they are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the motorists responsible for Gerhard’s death…:
CUT 4 (09) “the case”
Troopers believe the vehicles involved are a pickup truck and a dark colored sedan.

A bill that would reduce penalties for possessing, selling and using drug paraphernalia is headed to the governor’s desk. The measure mirrors that of the lessened marijuana penalties law that passed last year.