A bill that would give voters the opportunity to decide if they would want legalized sports betting at establishments that already have gaming passes out of a Senate committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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A bill that would bar those under 21 from purchasing assault weapons has passed committee and is headed to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.
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A bill prohibiting inmates guilty of first or second degree murder from receiving medical furloughs passed out of a Senate committee. Legislation passed last year that allowed convicted murderers the opportunity to get released from prison temporarily for medical reasons. But Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says it’s not fair to the victim’s family…
When an inmate is transferred into a hospital or nursing home, doctors, nurses and other staff are unaware if they are treating a convicted criminal. Gatti’s bill would also change that…
Victim Dennis Bamberg of Bossier Parish, testified in favor of the bill. His mother was brutally murdered in 1963 by Clyde Giddens. Giddens recently sought a medical furlough, but was denied. Bamberg believes he should never have another opportunity to get out of Angola…
The bill now goes to the Senate Floor.
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Senate Judiciary “B” passes a bill to allow sports book wagering in any facility that has gaming, including video poker. Houma Senator Norby Chabert argued in favor, because other states could soon allow sports book wagering and put Louisiana gaming interests at a competitive disadvantage.
Under the bill, parishes that already have gaming would have a vote on whether they want legalized sports betting to take place in their area. Much of the discussion was not on the whether sports betting is good for Louisiana, instead should bars and restaurants with video poker have sports wagering equipment. Chabert says no.
Chabert says he understands the need to try and raise additional revenue for the state, but he is fundamentally opposed to doing it through video poker halls.
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A Senate committee passed a bill by New Orleans Senator Troy Carter that would prohibit the sale of assault weapons under the age of 21. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says 18-year-olds aren’t emotionally mature enough to own a firearm.
Cut 9 (12) “responsible adult.”
The bill is receiving support from New Orleans police, and Superintendent Michael Harrison was in attendance to support the legislation. Harrison says a large portion of the city’s 585 gun victims were shot with assault weapons.
But Kaplan Senator Jonathan Perry says attempts to tighten gun laws will only hurt legal gun owners because criminals don’t care about laws.
The bill was inspired in large part by the suspected Parkland school shooter, 19-year-old Nickolas Cruz, who used an assault rifle to kill 17 people, but Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White says if a shooter wants a high body count, he doesn’t need a rifle to do it.
The measure passed 4-3.
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Ville Platte Senator Eric Lafleur withdrew his bill that would allow 18 to 20-year-olds with parental consent to purchase alcohol, after the committee balked at the potential loss of federal funds. Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control Commissioner Juana Marine-Lombard says if passed the state would have been out of compliance with the federal drinking age law.
The legislation would have issued special certificates to those under 21 who get their parents’ permission, and take an alcohol safety class.
Louisiana State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says there’s no need for a change, because current drinking laws, enacted in 1995, have been successful at reducing the number of drunk driving fatalities.
Despite voluntarily withdrawing the legislation, Lafleur stands by the idea that the state is promoting dangerous behavior in 18 to 20 year old’s by not allowing them to legally drink.
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