A constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials flies through the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards has put out the call for a special session that would begin May 22^nd, and end June 4^th. The budget shortfall has forced the legislature to reckon with a lack of funds. Edwards says they have no choice but to raise revenues in response.

Cut 11 (09) “fiscal year”

A bill that would renew the state’s contract with Harrah’s New Orleans Casino passed a Senate Committee on a 4-3 vote. The legislation, which was heavily amended, is a 20 year contract with a ten year renewal option. Caesar’s Entertainment, who owns Harrah’s, sent their regional president Dan Real to argue for the contract renewal.

Hel argued that the tens of millions of dollars the casino has agreed to pay to the state, and large number of employees they employ would be irreplaceable.

Cut 8 (10)  “hope”

The amendments added increased the amount of money Harrah’s would contribute to the city and state.

Houma Senator Norby Chabert engaged Real about just how much the business would be contributing to state coffers.

Cut 9 (11)  “staff yet”

The bill heads to Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.