Busy day at the Capitol Thursday as lawmakers plowed through a series of controversial bills.
A Senate Committee hosted a debate about legislation allowing a concealed handgun permit holder to bring a gun into a church without informing the congregation. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says it will make churches a safer place.
But Church Attorney Andrew Wilson spoke out against it…
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That bill is headed to the Senate floor for final passage.
Three bills are also heading to the Governor’s desk. One of them, if signed, creates a fall ballot question asking voters if they would like sports betting to be legalized in their parish. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says this will help make full legalization easier to pass next year…
Another bill removes most restrictions on what conditions doctors can prescribe medical marijuana to patients for. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says is not an effort to legalize recreational marijuana…
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And finally legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk that would create a 300 million dollar grant program for small businesses. The money will be drawn from an 800 million dollar CARES Act payment sent to Louisiana. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says this money was supposed to help save local governments…
Proponents argue the grants will be crucial to saving businesses with fewer than 50 employees who did not receive federal assistance.