The Senate approves legislation to allow riverboat casinos to operate on land, despite objections it’s an expansion of gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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A House committee is expected to take up a Senate-approved proposal that seeks to change the state constitution so that unanimous juries are required in felony convictions. Jeff Palermo previews the debate…
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A wave of teacher’s strikes is sweeping the south, and which has Louisiana Teacher’s Unions looking at their options. Matt Doyle has more.
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The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he can’t support the legislation, because it is an expansion of gaming.
But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the bill allows the riverboats to invest more into their properties, which will bring more tax dollars to the state…
Opponets argue that an expansion of gaming would lead to more gambling addiction, but the Metairie Republican says gamblers will find a way to get their fix whether we legislate against it or not.
The bill moves to the House.
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The switch to make Louisiana juries come to unanimous decisions will face a tough test in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Currently only 10 out of twelve jurors have to agree if someone is guilty of a crime. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to make all felony convictions unanimous. Christie Smith is the legislative liaison for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
The measure has already passed the Senate, despite concerns the proposal will make it more difficult to get convictions. Smith says that’s not the case….
Smith also says if you compare Texas and Mississippi they both are getting their share of convictions with a standard of unanimous juries.
That House committee is made up of 10 Republicans, 8 Democrats, 1 independent.
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A teachers strike in Kentucky that led to increased funding for schools and higher pay is inspiring educator walkouts and work stoppages across the south. Louisiana Federation of Teachers is now polling its members to see what actions they would favor to address quality of life for teachers and students. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says it’s not just about winning a bigger paycheck.
Landon says six year ago, Louisiana teachers we’re paid about the same as other southern educators, but in 2018, that’s no longer the case.
Cut 11 (11) “regional average”
Landon says they’ve already polled around 3,000 members, and will release a report in mid to late may with the results.
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A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.
Milkovich says 15 week old fetuses show clear signs of life.
Milkovich says abortions after 15 weeks are particularly difficult for potential mothers.
The bill moves to the House.
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