The House approves a proposal to suspend child support payments for inmates who’ve been incarcerated longer than 180 days. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says 20 other states have similar legislation, and his bill complies with federal law.

Cut 5 (08) “is zero”

The proposal needs Senate approval before the session ends Thursday.

The legislative session has been slow going, and the Daily Advertiser blames House Speaker Taylor Barras. The editorial says Louisiana’s problems will not come with Barras at the helm, and it’s time for him to step down. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says it seems like the journalists are good government types.

Cut 15 (07) “the legislature”

Cross says what’s happening at the Capitol isn’t entirely the Speaker’s fault.

A measure to revamp the film tax credit program is nearing final legislative passage. The lower chamber overwhelmingly supported the bill with an 89-8 vote. But Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson thinks our priorities are not in the right place.

Cut 7 (08) “healthcare”

The bill heads back to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis says his bill to make it easier to recall elected officials did not get a fair committee hearing. He says he can’t understand why the bill failed when no one on the panel expressed any concerns.

Cut 11 (09) “long time ago”

Hollis plans to bring the bill up again next year.