The 2020 regular legislative session started up again Monday after a month-long COVID hiatus with 78 of the House’s 104 members in attendance. The Legislative Black Caucus had called for a postponement of legislative work until the 15th, but House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says they can’t wait any longer
The Lower Chamber will be missing one member for the rest of the session: freshman Representative Reggie Bagala of Lafourche Parish died from COVID-19.
The Legislature’s chief economist warns members that revenue is likely to take a significant hit due to oil prices and the COVID Crisis.
The Legislature has until July 1st to pass a budget.
A Senate Committee will hear several sports gambling-related bills Tuesday. Lake Charles Republican Ronnie Johns has a proposal that calls for a proposition election on sports wagering to be held in every parish in November. Johns says sports betting is already happening illegally…
Cut 10 (09) “…legal industry.”
If parishes were to legalize sports gambling, the activity could not begin until the Legislature approves the tax structure during next year’s fiscal session.
The House Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Transportation Committees are set to meet Tuesday starting at 9 AM. Appropriations will be taking up a few, preliminary budgetary procedures. Throughout the day Senate Judiciary A, B, and C will meet. Along with the gaming bills they’re scheduled to tackle video poker, alcohol delivery, fantasy sports, and a proposal that would bar seizure of federal COVID relief money by an individual’s debtors. Senate Ag will also convene.