If you have yet to file your 2018 state income tax return, your time is running out. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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A bill establishing 18 as the legal age for marriage passed committee, where dramatic written testimony was heard from a woman who was pressured into a marriage with a much older man…
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A bill allowing medical marijuana patients access to an inhale-able version of the drug heads to the Senate after passing the House. Matt Doyle has more.
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A New Orleans farmer enters the race for agriculture commissioner. Marguerite “Margee” Green is running as a Democrat. Green says she’s running because she realized that the barriers for small and midsize farmers to being successful were becoming untenable.
Cut 4 (09) “… the effects most.”
Green is an LSU graduate and has been farming professionally for just over ten years. When it comes to the topic of medical cannabis, Green says the current administration has been very limiting by throwing up lots of red tape, adding it hurts those that want the product as well as the farmers who could benefit from it.
Cut 5 (11) “…more economically viable.”
When it comes to the topic of climate change, Green says significant changes need to be made and she doesn’t think that the state has the time to have another administration sleep on the issues related to agriculture industry.
Cut 6 (11) “…this entire country.”
Green becomes the second Democrat to challenge current Ag Commission Mike Strain. Natchitoches Parish farmer Charlie Greer is also running for the position.
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Today marks the deadline for Louisiana taxpayers to file their 2018 state income tax return. If a taxpayer needs more time to prepare and file the paper work, Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says an extension needs to be filed today.
Cut 7 (09) “…late filing penalties.”
Henderson says filing an extension will only give someone the extra time to prepare and file a return.
Cut 8 (10) “…late payment penalties.”
Henderson says so far this year has been a smooth tax filing season with no major issues.
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A bill setting the minimum age for marriage in Louisiana to 18 cleared a Senate committee.
Tigers Against Trafficking Vice President Claire Stagg says a nonprofit called Unchained At Last documented cases of children being married to adults in rural areas of the state, with their parents permission. She says that’s unacceptable.
The proposal passed without objection, but concerns were raised by Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau about the bill blocking two 17-year-olds from getting married in the event that there’s an unplanned pregnancy…
Luneau says he supports the legislation, but will work to get an amendment addressing this issue.
STAR Center Legal Director Morgan Lamandre says if it’s illegal for unmarried adults to sleep with children, it shouldn’t be legal for the two groups to get married, and enter a situation where sex is likely.
The bill heads to the Senate floor.
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Legislation allowing medical marijuana patients access to an inhale-able form of the treatment passes 73-3 on the House floor, and is headed to the Senate.
Bill author Ted James used his time to remind lawmakers, and constituents that this bill does not legalize smoking medical marijuana for those who get a prescription…
James says patient groups, veterans in particular, came to him and asked for the expanded option for treatment. He says particularly for people suffering an acute episode, the fast acting relief from an inhaler can be lifesaving…
The proposal included a separate piece of policy that would allow doctors who live out of state to be licensed to prescribe medical marijuana, as long as they’re credentialed with the right agencies.