Drug felons would be eligible for food stamps for the first time in decades under a House-approved measure by New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno. An amendment was added to the bill that would require drug testing in order to receive the benefits, but Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson says further restrictions hurts these offenders chances of turning their life around…:
Cut 5 (10) “so much”
The amended measure passed in the House on a 77-17 vote.

Governor John Bel Edwards legislative package aimed at reducing the state’s incarceration rate got another step closer to his desk. A House panel advanced the three Senate approved bills dealing with sentencing laws and other ways to expand probation and parole opportunities. The measures now head to the full House after the governor compromised with the district attorneys.

Two bills are heading to the Governor’s desk that seek to close loopholes in Louisiana’s domestic violence laws. A measure by Marrero Representative Patrick Connick includes same-sex partners in the statutes. Interim executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mariah Wineski, says these bills will save lives
Cut 10 (11) “domestic abusers”
The other bill adds dating partners to the laws.

A Senate approved bill to change the name of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and Arts in Natchitoches was approved in the House Education committee today on a 5-2 vote. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson’s proposal would change the school’s name to Jimmy D. Long Sr. Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. LSMSA alumni oppose the name change due to identity purposes, but supporters say Jimmy Long was a moral and hardworking legislator and was dedicated to creating the school.