We’re at the halfway point of the regular session, and major changes to hot button issues appear to be off the table. Matt Doyle has more.
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The state senate has approved legislation that would prohibit abortions 15 weeks after conception. It passed on a 31-3 vote and now moves to the House for its consideration. Mississippi also passed a 15-week abortion ban, but a federal judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing that new law.

A House approved bill to make hazing a felony, which means harsher penalties for those convicted, moved a step closer to final passage, when it was approved by a Senate committee. The parents of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, who died in a suspected hazing incident were on hand to testify…
cut 5 (11) “…saved Max’s”
The proposal would make hazing a felony, which it currently is not in Louisiana.

And there’s also a resolution moving through the legislative process that would create a panel to look at options on reducing traffic during the morning commute in Baton Rouge. One of those ideas is to have classes at LSU start after 10 AM. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter….
cut 14 (08) “….one suggestion”

We’re at the halfway point of the regular session, and major changes to hot button issues appear to be off the table. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU announces House Majority Whip Steve Scalise will deliver the keynote address at LSU’s commencement on May 11th. The Louisiana Congressman will also deliver the commencement speech for the LSU Law Center on June 1st. Scalise is an LSU almunus.

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate Judiciary Committee without objection this morning. It calls for tougher penalties for those convicted of hazing. Police say Gruver died after an alcohol induced hazing incident last September at LSU. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry authors the bill.
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A Senate-approved resolution made it out of the House Transportation committee that will study whether LSU should start classes after 10 AM to ease the morning traffic congestion in Baton Rouge. State Representative Steve Carter says it’s a concept local downtown businesses have discussed as well….
ct 13 (10) “…this resolution”

The regular legislative session is at the halfway point, with issues like TOPS reform, gun control, and gambling expansion mostly dead, while new sexual harassment policies, tougher hazing laws, and medical marijuana expansions have received broad support. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the session has been bogged down by one issue.
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A bill to make hazing a felony, which means harsher penalties for those convicted, moved a step closer to final passage, when it was approved by a Senate committee. The parents of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, who died in a suspected hazing incident were on hand to approve it…
cut 5 (11) “…saved Max’s”

Festival International begins tomorrow in Lafayette, a five-day music festival that features music groups from over 20 countries. The festival attracts 300-thousand people every year and has an estimated economic impact of 49-million dollars. Marketing director Carly Viator says there’s no other festival in Louisiana you can attend for free and hear music from across the globe.
cut 11 (11) “…this year”

84-year-old Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith has passed away from complications related to a lung illness. Smith led the north Louisiana town for 16 years. Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson says Smith was a man of the people.
cut 30 (11) “was everywhere”

This week marks the halfway point of the regular session and once again legislation that would change the TOPS scholarship failed to advance very far. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says at this point legislators should just give up trying to change the popular program.
Cut 7 (11) “ever passed”
Legislation to make it more difficult to get the taxpayer funded scholarship was killed on the House floor last week.

The largest international music fest in the United States begins tomorrow in Lafayette as Festival International de Louisiane starts a five-day fun that features music from over 20 countries. Marketing director Carly Viator says its free to attend…
cut 9 (09) “….pretty cool”
Viator says to make things easier on fairgoers this year, they will issue electronic bracelts instead of selling tickets to buy drinks and merchandise.

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate committee without objection today. Jim Shannon has more.
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LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron said today on a Shreveport radio station that they’ll probably play two quarterbacks next season. Coach O says they will name a starter by the end of fall camp. The three QBs vying for an opportunity to start didn’t separate themselves during Spring practice.

The House approved Max Gruver Act moved a step closer to becoming law today when it passed out of a Senate panel. The proposal strengthens the criminal penalties for hazing. It’s named after the LSU student, who died last fall in a suspected hazing incident involving large amounts of alcohol. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore testifed in support….
cut 4 (06) “…it’s fair”
Currently, hazing is just a misdemeanor crime.

Leaders in St. James Parish are overjoyed about the announcement that a nine-point-four billion dollar chemical facility will be built near the Sunshine Bridge. St. James Parish President Timothy Roussell says the project means over a thousand jobs and the company building the complex, Formosa, is also known for its community involvement….
cut 11 (06) “…organiziations”
Construction is expected to begin next year.

Legislation that sought to raise the fees on certain hunting and fishing licenses failed to muster enough votes on the House floor. The vote on the bill was 54-27. It needs 70 votes to pass, because it’s a fee increase. The measure can be brought up again. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says the public is not opposing this legislation and hopes there’s another vote on the proposal
Cut 15 (09) “not citizens”
Supporters of the legislation say the fee increase is needed to help sustain the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Governor John Bel Edwards and U-S Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy will attend a state dinner tonight at the White House, where the president of France is a special guest.

Formosa Petrochemical Corporation has announced plans to build a 9.4 billion dollar facility in St. James Parish. Once the ten year project is completed, officials say it will employ 1,200 full time workers with an average pay of 84,500 dollars a year. St. James Parish President Timothy Roussell says it’s a big deal.
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Construction is expected to begin next year.

The Bienville Parish town of Arcadia is mourning the death of Mayor Eugene Smith, who passed away at the age of 84. Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson says Smith was an excellent role model for other leaders, because he was great at networking….
cut 9 (11) “…Arcadia”
Smith was Arcadia’s mayor for nearly 16 years. He died from complications related to a lung illness.

Ed Raymond Veillon has been charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 15-year-old son and the victim’s mother was also seriously wounded. St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Corporal James Grimaldi…
cut 5 (10) “…of deputies”
The shooting happened Sunday night in the town of Paradi. A motive has not been given.

The state House has rejected a measure that would have increased some hunting and fishing licenses. The legislation would also consolidate the number of licenses from 117 to 35 and actually lower some fees. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says he’s fine with a consolidation of licenses, but his constitutions are not happy about a fee increase….
cut 14 (09) “…good government”
The vote was 54-27, but needs 70 votes to pass.

The Pelicans could find out tonight if they’ll face Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors can wrap up their series against San Antonio with a win tonight versus the Spurs.

And ESPN reports the Pelicans picked up the team option on Head Coach Alvin Gentry’s contract, so he’ll be back on the sidelines next season. Sources say the decision was made before sweeping the Trail Blazers.

A four-game losing streak has knocked LSU out of the top 25 in all four major polls for the first time since the start of the 2012 season. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says the bullpen needs to get back on the track….

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LSU hosts Lamar tonight.

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Louisiana Tech junior outfielder Mason Robinson was named Hitter of the Week in Conference USA. The Georgia native hit for the cycle in last week’s win over in-state foe UL-Lafayette. The Bulldogs, who have won five in a row, host the Cajuns tonight. Senior Kennon Fontenot has reached base in 21 straight games.

Elsewhere, McNeese, who has won five of its last six, is at ULM tonight. Cowboys outfielder Jake Cochran had three multi-hit games last week.

Northwestern State hosts Mississippi Valley State for a noon first pitch. Tulane takes on Texas Southern. Nicholls visits Southern and Grambling takes on Alcorn State.

Wide receiver Willie Snead is leaving the Saints for the Ravens. Baltimore offered the restricted free-agent a two-year deal and New Orleans decided not to match.

LSU safety Grant Delpit underwent surgery to repair a broken collarbone suffered in the spring game. Rehab time usually lasts six to eight weeks.

And LSU has reportedly offered four-star defensive lineman CamRon Jackson from Haynesville a scholarship. He’s a top 200-prospect in the Class of 2020.