The House Health and Welfare Committee has approved legislation that would increase Louisiana’s legal smoking age from 18 to 21-years-old. It passed on a 10–2 vote, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagwell was one of two no votes, because he believes 18-year-olds are old enough to decide whether they should smoke…
cut 15 (11) “…do that here”
Supporters of the age change say it will save lives and reduce health care costs.

A House committee has decided the state boxing and wrestling commission should no longer regulate pro wrestling events in Louisiana. New Orleans resident Brett Landry says states like Texas and Florida have no pro wrestling regulation and house WWE training facilities. He says that could expand to the Big Easy…
Cut 11 (09) “…to broaden”
The House floor will have more discussion on this topic.

The House approves legislation aimed at addressing the factors that result in the state’s high auto insurance rates. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill lowers the jury threshold from 50-thousand to five-thousand dollars, which Talbot says would lead to more cases settled out of court and lower costs for insurance companies. But LaPlace Representative Randal Gaines is skeptical…
Cut 7 (05) “…either side.”
Additional debate on the bill will take place in the Senate.

54-year-old Jessie Guillory of Lake Charles, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been booked for manslaugher after the nurse he allegedly attacked died from her injuries. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says their investigation has determined the victim, Lynne Truxillo, was trying to help a fellow nurse…
Cut 4 (11) “ struck”
Guillory allegedly slammed Truxillo’s head into a desk and she also injured her leg trying to get away from him.