Heated debates have been ongoing for more than three hours as a Senate committee takes up two proposals aimed at protecting Louisiana’s confederate monuments. One of the measures would require a public vote to remove military monuments, while the other requires legislative approval. Spectators, supporters, and opponents pack the committee room, and the debate has no end in sight.

The House approves a proposal to allow drug felons to receive food stamps. Michelle Southern has more…

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Two bills seeking to close loopholes in domestic violence laws have won final passage. The bills add dating partners and same sex couples to domestic abuse statutes. Interim executive director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mariah Wineski, says now all domestic abusers will face the same penalties.

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Wineski says previously abusers same-sex or dating partners could only be charged with simple battery.

A measure to change the name of the Louisiana School of Math, Science and Arts to the Jimmy D. Long Louisiana School of Math, Science and Arts passed on a 5 to 2 vote in the House Education Committee. Delhi Senator Francis Thompson says his bill by no means diminishes the contributions of the great men and women that have graduated from LSMSA.

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The measure met steep opposition from LSMSA alumni.