10:30 LRN Newscast March 21

A bill that increases the penalty for hazing by increasing fines and jail time is before the House Criminal Justice Committee today. The maximum penalty ones who are found guilty face is a 100 dollar fine and up to 30 days in jail. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry wants to change that…

Cut 15 (10) “a crime.”

Maxwell Gruver’s parents are at the capitol today testifying about their son’s death and is supporting Landry’s bill.

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on requiring unanimous jury verdicts for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurors are needed to convict someone of a felony in the state. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says the current laws aren’t making people any safer…

Cut 11 (10) “to jail”

A Senate Committee votes for legislation giving the residents of Tangipahoa Parish the opportunity to vote on a proposed riverboat casino.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

Four Angola prison employees have been arrested with a fifth placed on administrative leave. Penitentiary investigators say the allegations range from having inappropriate relationships with offenders, drug smuggling and receiving money from offenders and their relatives. Authorities say more arrests are expected as they continue the investigation.