The House and Senate find agreement on legislation that would allow lawmakers to strike down select public health emergency restrictions in the Governor’s public health orders. The bill by Covington Representative Mark Wright is now heading to the Governor’s desk on a 54-30 vote.
If signed into law the legislation would allow lawmakers to surgically remove restrictions like mask mandates, capacity limits, or other limitations without rescinding an entire public health declaration on a majority vote of both chambers.
Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his constituents demanded legislative action to check the Governor’s power, and this is a good start…
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But LaPlace Representative Randal Gaines says it endangers public health…
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Governor Edwards has indicated he would veto any attempts to undercut his public health powers.
Legislation that could strip municipalities of state construction funds should they reduce their police budget has stalled amidst opposition from the Louisiana Municipal Association.
The legislation was brought in response to the “Defund the Police” movement, but LMA President John Gallagher says you have to leave these kinds of issues to local leaders…
Bill author Alexandria Representative Lance Harris defended it saying municipal public safety issues can impact the entire state.
The legislation would require local governments that cut police budgets by at least ten percent to testify to a legislative committee. If the committee decides the reduction was political and would hurt public safety that municipality could be denied state construction dollars in the next fiscal year.