Legislation that could see municipalities stripped of state construction funds should they defund their police departments is headed into conference committee amid some major Senate-side changes.
When it left the House HB 38 was designed to stop police department budget cuts of more than 10 percent. Now it’s up to 25 percent and includes a number of other departments…
Cut 13, 10 seconds, areas
That’s Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux who brought the amendment, saying those other services are also vital to protect. Bill author Alexandria Representative Lance Harris opposed the changes.
The bill had some vocal detractors like New Orleans Senator Joseph Bouie…
Cut 15, 12 seconds, maker
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A Senate Committee kills a bill that would give religious leaders and their flock immunity from prosecution should they gather for in-person services against state orders during an emergency, like was banned earlier in the pandemic. The bill was brought by Oil City Representative Danny McCormick who had an animated back and forth with Shreveport Senator Gregory Tarver before the legislation ultimately failed 3-2…
The legislation was inspired by the arrest of Central Pastor Tony Spell.
Governor Edwards not-so-subtly indicates he does not view a bill that would allow the Legislature to overturn parts of a public health emergency favorably. HB 4 is sitting on his desk and Edwards says he can’t approve of any bill that limits his ability to make lifesaving pandemic restrictions…