Governor Edwards tells the Senate Energy Committee that he wants the Biden Administration this summer to lift the moratorium on new lease sales for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The CDC releases new recommendations saying those who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask or social distance indoors in most situations. That does not include tightly packed indoor areas, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and on airplanes.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12 to 15 year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says parents questioning whether or not their child should receive the vaccine, should seek professional advice.

Cut 13 (08)“…than later”

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot. 

Beginning today the second Louisiana-themed episode of Restaurant Recovery airs on Discovery Plus. It’s the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries impacted by the pandemic downturn. Graves says an important part of the show is teaching owners about the need for advertising. He says reminding existing and potentially new customers of your business is vital to keeping the door opens.

Cut 11 (09) “…go eat”

Graves says the series has also been picked up by the Cooking Channel.

Governor Edwards is in D.C. today lobbying the Biden Administration to end the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico. The governor requests that the pause be lifted in the third quarter to help an industry that employs 250-thousand Louisiana…

Cut 4 (10) “…and their families 

Edwards made the comments to the Senate Energy Committee.

A bill by Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman is headed to the House floor that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to end or modify a governor’s emergency declaration. Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency. Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

The bill would take effect in 2024.

Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12 to 15 year-olds. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this is a step in the right direction.

Cut 12 (12)   “…semester” 

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot.

Legislation requiring all kids who turn five years old on or before Sept. 30th to attend kindergarten clears the Senate on a 34-1 vote. Gonzales Senator Edward Price spoke in support of the bill by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields. He says there’s ample evidence showing just how beneficial kindergarten is to educational development.

Cut 15 (10)“…state.”

The House votes to decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, meaning those found in possession would only face a 100 dollar fine and no jail time. Currently, a person who possesses 14 grams or less of marijuana could face up to 15 days in jail and up to six months if convicted a second time. The bill had the backing of some of the chamber’s most conservative Republican members along with Black Caucus members like Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle…

Cut 4 (06) “…of marijuana” 

By one vote the House approves legislation that would partially roll back the near blanket current qualified immunity protections for police officers. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says his bill blocks officers from utilizing qualified immunity in a wrongful death or injury suit if a judge deems their conduct to be “unreasonable”.

Cut 12 (11)   “…immunity” 

The legislation is the result of a police reform task force that was formed after last year’s George Floyd Protests

The Louisiana House has unanimously passed a bill extending the period in which victims of child sexual abuse can pursue legal actions against their abusers from 10 to 35 years. Lead sponsor and New Orleans representative Jason Hughes…

Cut 6 (10) “…at 52 years old”

In a surprise reversal from a decision last week the House Education Committee approved legislation barring trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girls’ sports. Franklin Representative Vincent St. Blanc says trans athletes have an unfair advantage…

Cut 11 (04) “….broke.”

But Forum for Equality Executive Director Sarah Jane Guidry called it discriminatory…

Cut 13 (04) “…pelican state.”

The bill already has Senate approval but faces a likely veto by Governor Edwards should it the House pass it.

The House votes to decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, meaning those found with the substance would only be hit with a 100 dollar fine and face no jail time. Even one of the most conservative members of the House voted for it, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh,…

Cut 5  (10)  “…incarcerate em.”

The measure passed on a 67-35 vote.

The House votes 53-42 in favor of legislation that would partially limit qualified immunity for police officers in some cases. House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez opposes the bill. He told bill author Representative Edmond Jordan that passing this legislation would make it more difficult to recruit law enforcement officers.

Cut 13 (12)“…good actors”

Ochsner Health says they are ready to begin vaccinating teens ages 12-15 with the Pfizer vaccine once state health gives the go-ahead following the CDC’s approval today. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

In a surprising reversal the House Education Committee approves legislation barring trans athletes from playing girls sports 10-4, just a week after rejecting a similar bill. This version of the legislation already has veto-proof Senate approval but Governor Edwards has warned should it hit his desk he will veto it.

On a 67-35 vote, the House approves legislation decriminalizing possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana. Under the bill, those found with 14 grams or less of pot would only face a 100 dollar fine and no jail time. Even one of the most conservative members of the House voted for it, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh,…

Cut 5  (10)  “…incarcerate em.”

The legislation heads to the Senate for more discussion.

It’s termite season and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain wants you to get your house tested by a professional as the first swarms begin to show up. Strain says he’s witnessed first-hand how active termites currently are.

Cut 14 (09) “…new home.”

A Lafayette grand jury declines to indict the officers who fatally shot Trayford Pellerin last August. District Attorney Don Landry showed extended video including Pellerin fleeing from officers while holding a knife after causing a scene at a nearby gas station and then being shot to death as he attempted to enter another corner store. Landry says the shooting was justified.

Cut 11 (11) “….hindsight.”

Pellerin Family Attorney Ronald Haley called the result disappointing and says Pellerin was clearly in the midst of a mental health crisis and had good reason to flee from police at that time…

Cut 13 (13) “…enforcement.”

Haley says failure to comply should not be a death sentence.

The House approves a tax and fee structure for sports betting. The legislation calls for a ten-percent tax on the net proceeds of an operator for on-premise sports wagering and an 18-percent tax on net proceeds from mobile betting. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill also allows the Louisiana Lottery to oversee sports betting at bars and restaurants, where alcohol is served

Cut 9 (10) “…kiosk”

Stefanski says most of the tax money from bets placed at kiosks run by the Louisiana Lottery will go towards education…

Cut 10 (09) “.in children 

Voters in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved sports betting.

The House approves legislation that would roll back the use of non-compete clauses for doctors.

An effort to end the use of nearly unpaid involuntary servitude in Louisiana prisons was defeated in committee. Bill author Brusly Representative Edmond Jordan contended the current practice is tantamount to slavery, and cited the fact it’s only allowed under the state’s “slavery exception” for convicted criminals. The effort failed 9-5 with some opponents arguing that because the 13^th Amendment also includes the prison work exception the legislation would have no effect.

The National Federation of Independent Businesses is calling on lawmakers to roll back federally enhanced unemployment benefits as state businesses begin reopening only to find a critical lack of workers.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea says labor shortages are impeding economic recovery.

Cut 7 (09)  “…usually is.”

Opponents argue if businesses are having troubling hiring right now it’s because their pay is too low. (5-11-2021 AM)

AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman warns gas prices could see a bit of a jump due to a cyber-attack that shut down one of the nation’s largest pipelines. The average cost of a gallon of gas in Louisiana sits at two dollars and 66 cents, but Redman says nationally that number is just under three dollars and expected to rise quickly…

Cut 7 (07) “…2014.”

The price is up a dollar and six cents from this time last year when the futures price of a barrel of oil dropped below zero.

The future of legislation that would fully legalize recreational marijuana in Louisiana is in question after a vote on the bill was delayed for a second time Monday. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says lawmakers are split between the public and some powerful constituencies.

Cut 14 (10) “…issue.”

Wine consumers in Louisiana could soon have their favorite beverage shipped directly from the manufacture. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington” 

Gas prices look likely to rise nationwide after a cyber-attack shut down the Colonial Pipeline, one of the nation’s largest fuel veins. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says Louisiana likely won’t be as impacted as other states due to our local production, but to the east of us…

Cut 6, 11 seconds, gallon

The pipeline carries fuel from Texas up to the East Coast.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson once again postponed a vote on his bill that would legalize recreational marijuana. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this bill may be stalling out for this session, but like medical marijuana could find success after a few more attempts.

Cut 15 (08)“…over time.”

Business groups are calling on lawmakers to cease federally enhanced unemployment to help end the worker shortage. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards is traveling to Washington D.C. to testify to Congress about the economic impact of President Biden’s moratorium on issuing new oil and gas leases in the Gulf. He’ll also be on hand to discuss the state’s efforts in fighting climate change, and to attend Congressman-elect Troy Carter’s swearing-in.

Legislation that would bar landlords from discriminating against LGBTQ tenants is seemingly dead after being voluntarily deferred in a House committee by the author. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick spoke against the bill, saying if a landlord doesn’t want to rent to someone who is gay, they shouldn’t be forced to do so…

Cut 14 (08) “…rent to” 

But housing advocates argue such discrimination is immoral and out of step with federal law.

Legislation backed by the Governor and early childhood education advocates that would mandate kindergarten attendance clears another Senate committee. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says there’s ample evidence showing the long-term benefits of kindergarten…

Cut 4 (06) “… would be.” 

Opponents argue it’s better for children to be at home at that age.

A bill to give school systems the option to for year-round school awaits debate in the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

A vote on legislation that would fully legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana has once again been delayed. It was set to be heard on the House floor this evening.

This week marks the halfway point of the legislative session.