A report is out from Loyola, the ACLU, and Solitary Watch, showing Louisiana has a four times higher rate of the use of solitary confinement for prisoners than the national average. Loyola Jesuit Social Research Institute Research Fellow Dr. Sue Weishar says over 500 prisoners in their survey reported solitary stays of more than a year, which she describes as torture.
Cut 3 (11) “…hopelessness”
The Department of Corrections responded, saying 3.75 percent of prisoners are in “restrictive housing” at the moment, and the use of solitary has declined in recent years following reforms.
A bill that would have allowed golf carts to cross LA 35 and other state highways within the town limits of Church Point is now one of only six bills to be vetoed from the recent legislative session. Rep. Phillip DeVillier says the town already had a well thought out plan for permitting put into place.
Cut 6 (09) “…piece of legislation.”
Senator Bill Cassidy says a proposal to end surprise medical billing, lower the cost of prescription drugs, increase transparency in the healthcare system, and secure a patient’s personal data will get a hearing in front of a Senate committee today. Cassidy says a second Senate committee hearing will take place in July. If both committees pass the measure, it heads to the Senate floor.
Cut 5 (07)“…it into law.”
Cassidy says the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2019 faces hurdles but has a good chance of reaching the President’s desk.
The Governor has signed into law a bill authored by Shreveport Representative Thomas Carmody allowing delivery services to bring low alcohol content adult beverages along with a food order to your front door. Carmody says there is a catch, as only W-2 employees of delivery services can make the drop-offs, which disqualifies several popular services.