Lawmakers got down to business for the first real day of work in the special session that began Tuesday evening, with major legislation addressing gubernatorial authority during an emergency passing a Senate committee.
The legislation, by Senate President Page Cortez, would mandate the Governor meet with the Legislature before extending any public health emergency or state of emergency order beyond its first 30 days. Cortez says his legislation would create a committee of legislative leaders who the Governor must speak with should he want to extend an expiring public health order.
But Democrats aren’t happy with efforts to intervene in the Governor’s public health authority. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James called it hypocritical…
The legislation moves to the Senate floor.
Hurricane-Laura ravaged southwest Louisiana could get some help from the Capitol this special session. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his constituents need a number of items addressed from securing school funding to making sure businesses don’t lose their licenses because they were shut down due to storm damage. Johns says his region was devastated.
Wednesday morning a Joint Committee will meet to discuss occupancy caps for spectators at athletic events. Chalmette Republican Ray Garafalo says lawmakers want more answers as to why outdoor athletic events are capped at 25% occupancy when indoor restaurants can operate at 75 percent.