A proposal to end the death penalty in Louisiana advanced out of a Senate committee today. Supporters of the constitutional amendment say the death penalty needs to go because there’s the chance the state could execute an innocent person. But 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says the intricacy that goes into death penalty cases today ensures the accuracy of the current system.
Cut 9 (10) “…system currently works“.
On a 4-2 yes vote, the measure heads to the Senate floor, where it needs a two-thirds vote to pass.
The Louisiana House passes a bill that says banks with gun control policies can not refuse to do business with companies involved in the manufacturing and selling of guns and ammunition. During floor debate, Baton Rouge Democrat Denise Marcell asked bill sponsor, Erath Representative Blake Miguez if he thought his bill was fair
Cut 5 (10) “…the case”
The House approved the measure on a 66-27 vote.
Governor Edwards is confident tornado ravaged Ruston and Louisiana Tech will receive federal disaster recovery funds once damage assessments are complete, and an application for aid has been filed. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning reportedly has already identified at least 1,200 damaged structures, and Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says they’re hoping to get started on the assessment process, but some areas still need to be checked for safety before the crews go out.
A former St. Landry Parish priest was sentenced to seven years in prison today and received three years probation. Michael Guidry pleaded guilty in March to giving a 16-year-old boy alcohol and then sexually molesting him. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s a harsh sentence…
cut 13 (12) “…significant reduction”
Guidry was a long time leader of St. Peter Church in Morrow.