After years of presenting legislation to ban handheld cellphone use, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill is finally closer to becoming law. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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After several attempts, a bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of someone’s hair has advanced from the House to the Senate. David Grubb has more…
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-average hurricane season with as many as 21 named storms and several major storms. NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad says their outlook is predicting between six and ten hurricanes…
Cut 3 (11) “..111 miles per hour”
The hurricane season begins June 1st. FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell says the public should get ready now…
Cut 4 (13) “…nine states”
Sprinrad says several climate factors give them confidence we’ll see an active hurricane season, including the ongoing La Nina and warmer than average sea surface temperatures…
Cut 5 (10) “…do now.”
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After years of presenting legislation to ban handheld cellphone use, Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s bill is finally closer to becoming law. House Bill 376 passed in the House on a 55 to 38 vote. Huval says a number of lawmakers helped amend the legislation, which makes it a better bill, for example…
Cut 6 (11) “…goes away.”
Current law in Louisiana bans the use of handheld devices in school zones, this bill expands that to public roadways in the state. Huval says the fine for his bill is reduced to $50 to $100.
Cut 7 (07) “…paying a fine.”
The amended legislation also removes the possibility of arrest for the violation.
And while the bill’s intent is to improve highway safety, it’s received criticism that it could be used to racially profile motorists. Huval says the bill has also been amended to address that concern.
Cut 8 (11) “…use of this bill.”
For vehicles without Bluetooth technology, the use of headphones with a phone is permitted so you aren’t holding your phone while driving.
The bill has just under two weeks to receive Senate approval.
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A Senate committee approved a House-backed measure today that would allow non-felons over the age of 21 years to conceal carry a weapon without needing a permit or the training to obtain a permit. Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed a similar bill last year and Tom Costanza, executive director of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops also opposes it…
Cut 9 (09) “…workplaces.”
But Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says allowing for concealed carry without a permit will not lead to more gun violence…
Cut 10 (10) ” ….few issues”
The measure passed on a four to two vote and heads to the Senate floor for final legislative passage. Zelenka says requiring gun holders to get a permit costs as much as 325-dollars, while criminals are carrying guns without a permit,…
Cut 11 (11) “…illegal carrying”
Zelenka says gun owners would still be able to get a permit and training under this legislation. He says a concealed carry permit is needed in order to conceal carry in many other states or at a restaurant that serves alcohol.
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House Bill 1083, also known as the CROWN Act, is on its way to the Senate after receiving overwhelming passage in the House. The bill, authored by New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture, natural hairstyles, and protective hairstyles. It passed after no debate on a 74-24 vote.
Cut 12 (10) “…beyond excited.”
Studies have consistently shown that Black people and Black women in particular with natural hairstyles such as afros, braids, or twists are seen as less professional which leads to bias in hiring and other areas. Representative Newell says that she hopes people in Louisiana are finally becoming aware of an issue that has been on the national radar for a while.
Cut 13 (12) “…has been introduced.”
Newell says that the straight hair standard essentially amounts to a tax on a large number of people forced to spend money simply because their hair doesn’t conform. She says this issue impacts not just Black men and women in the state, but cuts across all demographics in some way
Cut 14 (12) “…of our citizens.”