A Senate Committee votes for legislation giving the residents of Tangipahoa Parish the opportunity to vote on a proposed riverboat casino. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A Senate Committee has advanced a constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts for felony convictions. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A bill that increases the penalty for hazing will go before the House Criminal Justice Committee today.  Kelley Ray has more.

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Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I-12 Robert exit. If adopted, the Diamond Jack Casino in Bossier could be relocated. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, who is in favor of the project, called on the committee to leave the potential re-location to the people of his parish.

Cut 4  (05) “to decide” 

Tangi Council member Lewis Joseph says if approved, the casino would help the parish fund its education system.

Cut 5  (10)  “to spend”

Tangipahoa voters recently shot down a millage increase that would have raised teacher salaries, which currently sit below the state average.

The measure escaped deferment two to one, with Houma Republican “Norby” Chabert the lone dissenter. Charbert questioned the decision to move the casino to Robert, saying the area may not be the best location to support the venture.

Cut 6 (08) “the state.”

Chairmen of Peninsula Pacific Brent Stevens, the company that owns Diamond Jack, responded to Charbet’s critique. He says after a thorough analysis, his company realized that the region was ripe for a new facility.

Cut 7 (12)  “Tangipahoa Parish.”

The proposal heads to the Senate floor

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A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis told the committee that a lack of cash and college debts are making it nearly impossible for young persons to own a residence in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (06)  “should promote.”

Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter voiced concern over the bill. He says since parishes don’t share homestead exemption records between them, that some homeowners could take advantage of the proposed tax break…

Cut 9 (10)  “of it.”

Monroe Representative Jay Morris says the state doesn’t have money to fund this 15-million-dollar rebate plan. Since the Governor is calling for reductions to balance the budget, Morris says there’s no room to find money to fund Davis’ bill…

Cut 10 (10) “TOPS fully.”

If passed, the bill will not go into effect until 2019.

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A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurists are needed to convict someone of a felony. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says our current laws aren’t making people any safer in one of the most crime ridden states in the nation.

Cut 11 (10) “to jail”

Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states that do not require a unanimous jury.

Morrell argued that research done by the Innocence Project, a group that helps overturn wrongful convictions, proves unanimous juries help safeguard civil liberties.

Gaming issues dominated much of the discussion, as legislation was approved that would allow riverboat casinos to move on land and add more gaming space.

But the bill nearly didn’t make it out of committee, after Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver raised concerns about the lack of minorities in casino management positions…

Cut 13 (12) “in that”

And the Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I12 Robert exit.

The measure escaped deferment two to one, with Houma Republican “Norby” Chabert the lone dissenter. Charbert questioned why Tangipahoa was selected.

Cut 6 (08) “the state.”

Tangi parish President Robby Miller testified in support of the measure.

A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurists are needed to convict someone of a felony.

New Orleans Senator JP Morrell argued that research done by the Innocence Project, a group that helps overturn wrongful convictions, proves unanimous juries help safeguard civil liberties.

Cut 12 (08) “jury convictions”

Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states that do not require a unanimous jury.

A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis told the committee that young people are strapped with a heavy economic burden these days that this could help.

Cut 8 (06)  “should promote.”

But Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter says some wealthy homeowners could take advantage of the proposed tax break.

A Senate committee approved legislation today that gives riverboat casinos the opportunity to move on land and add more gaming space. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his legislation is not an attempt to expand gaming…

Cut 11 (09) “since 1991”

The bill nearly didn’t make it out of committee, after Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver raised concerns about the lack of minorities in casino management positions…

Cut 13 (12) “in that”

The bill now heads to the Senate Floor. It faces opposition from religious leaders. A pastor from Ponchatoula says the Louisiana Department of Health has estimated that problem gambling costs the state 845-million dollars per year.

Recent Louisiana flood victims can qualify for flood rebate dollars by re-filing 2016 tax returns. If you lost more than 500 dollars that wasn’t covered by insurance or government grants, during the flood, you can deduct the difference from your 2016 income tax return. Some residents could make significant adjustments to their tax returns for significant cash. Plus, Baton Rouge area CPA Bryan Lagarde says you have another year and a half before you must file.

Cut 5  (09) “benefit people”.

Mississippi’s governor has signed a bill that bans abortions after the 15^th week of pregnancy instead of the current 20th week. A similar bill has been introduced by Shreveport Senator John Milkovich. During his appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, he says he hopes his bill is a first step towards a total abortion ban…

Cut 6 (08)  “quietly by.”

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order against the new Mississippi law.

The full Senate will debate legislation that rewrites the state’s riverboat casino laws. Jeff Palermo reports the proposal would allow the floating casinos move some of their gaming operations on land…

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Senate Judiciary B has passed a proposal to the Senate floor that would allow a local vote to be had on permitting river boat casino to be built in Tangipahoa Parish. The potential casino would be built along the Tangipahoa River, near the Robert exit on I-12. If it passes through the legislature, the Tangiphaoa would hold a parish wide vote on the matter.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has reached out to his constituents with a Facebook video to remind them the state republican party is watching the budget. Harris says they are dedicated to cutting spending during this session and not raising taxes if another special session is called to increase state revenues.

Cut 10 (11) “other way around”

Mississippi’s governor has signed a bill that bans abortions after the 15^th week of pregnancy instead of the current 20th week. A similar bill has been introduced by Shreveport Senator John Milkovich. There are three abortion clinics in Louisiana – Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. Milkovich says they don’t care about the patients they are treating. Their only concern is their financial gain…

Cut 8 (09) “Dunkin’ Donuts.”

Alexandria Republican Lance Harris is reaching out to his republican constituents to remind them the state republican party is watching the budget. Harris is the House chair of the Republican Party and announced his take on the budget issue.

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There is some relief for Louisiana residents that can qualify for flood rebate dollars by re-filing your 2016 tax returns. Basically if you lost more than 500 dollars that wasn’t covered by insurance or government grants, during the flood, you can deduct the difference from your 2016 income tax return. Brandon Lagarde is the tax director at postlethwaite and Netterville in Baton Rouge. He says

A key issue in this benefit is taxpayers did at the time NOT have to itemize their return to make the adjustment.

Cut 4  (11) “of loss”

A federal judge has blocked a Mississippi law that bans abortions after a 15 week pregnancy instead of 20.

Mississippi’s governor has signed a bill yesterday… A similar bill has been introduced by Shreveport Democrat Senator John Milkovich. During his appearance on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster, he said the issue mentioned to him the most when he ran for office was how and when Louisiana would ban abortions.

Milkovich isn’t worried about what federal judges might decide,.

Cut 7 (09)  “federal courts.”

There is some relief for Louisiana residents that can qualify for flood rebate dollars by re-filing your 2016 tax returns. Basically if you lost more than 500 dollars that wasn’t covered by insurance or government grants, during the flood, you can deduct the difference from your 2016 income tax return. Baton Rouge area accountant Brandon Lagarde…

Cut 3 (11) “now i can”

Louisiana Senator John Milkovich is praising the efforts of Mississippi’s governor after he signed a bill banning abortions after the 15^th week of pregnancy. A suit has already been filed against Mississippi by the state’s only abortion clinic. Milkovich is sponsoring a similar bill. He isn’t worried about what federal judges might decide in the Mississippi case…

Cut 7 (09)  “federal courts.”

Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chairman. Johnson says there are several items on his plate already, including the 1 billion dollar budget shortfall. Governor Edwards has pushed for tax revenues in order to keep some services in place and would only cost the average taxpayer around $40.00 annually. He says it’s a small price to pay…

Cut 14 (07) “that nature.”

Shreveport-Bossier will play host to both this year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It’ll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back. The competition will bring contestants from all 50 states and DC together in Shreveport, and draw in a national TV audience. Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Crawford says the crush of tourists will be a big boost to the region.

Cut 11 (10) “being here”

A Senate Committee hears a constitutional amendment today from New Orleans Democrat J-P Morrell that will require a jury’s verdict in a felony trial to be unanimous for conviction. Louisiana and Oregon are the only states that allows for ten out of twelve jurors to agree on a guilty verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says its unclear why Louisiana only requires 10 out of 12 jurors for a guilty verdict. He says some say it was established to diminish the affect African-Americans would have on a jury, but there’s another theory as well…

Cut 6 (07) “more efficient.”

Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chairman. The third-term legislator says his caucus has to look beyond short-term problems – including the massive budget deficit. Johnson says he believes constituents will see the hard work Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards has done in trying to get a budget that is fair for everyone….

Cut 15 (10) “crisis solved.”

Shreveport-Bossier will play host to both this year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It’ll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back, and Miss USA will air live on FOX at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

Bossier City mayor Lo Walker fondly remembers the first time the competition rolled into town, back in 1998.

Cut 12 (08) “it is”

Miss USA/Miss Teen USA will stay in the area for 11 days.

Today marks the start of spring in Louisiana. Our winter produced two snow events and a warmer than usual February. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the La Nina effect will dictate our weather the next few months, as it pushes all the rain and colder temperatures to the north…

Cut 7 (10)  “the state.”

State Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chair. Jeff Palermo spoke with the Avoyelles Parish lawmaker on how the Caucus can bring a divided House back together…

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Louisiana and Oregon are the only states that allows for ten out of twelve jurors to agree on a guilty verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino expects the Louisiana District Attorneys Association tol argue against this proposed amendment in front of the legislature today.

Cut 5  (11)  “for concern.”

Louisiana weather has produced two snow events this year and a warmer than usual February. State Climatologist Barry Keim says spring can bring severe weather in the form of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Today marks the first day of spring and He says the clashing of the seasons can be expected once again…

Cut 9 (10)  “and May.”

Shreveport-Bossier will play host to both this year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It’ll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back, and Miss USA will air live on FOX at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Crawford the crush of tourists will be a big boost to the region.

Cut 11 (10) “being here”

Miss USA and Miss Teen USA are rolling into Shreveport-Bossier, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21^st. Matt Doyle reports.

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

A Senate Committee hears a constitutional amendment today from New Orleans Democrat J-P Morrell that will require a jury’s verdict in a felony trial to be unanimous for conviction. Louisiana and Oregon are the only states that allows for ten out of twelve jurors to agree on a guilty verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino .

Cut 4  (10) “by jury.” 

Today marks the start of spring in Louisiana. Our winter produced two snow events and a warmer than usual February. State Climatologist Barry Keim says A very rainy February left the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red rivers inundated. Keim says the record rainfall amounts will benefit many…

Cut 8 (09)  “right now.”

Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chairman. The third-term legislator says his caucus has to look beyond short-term problems – including the massive budget deficit. Johnson says Governor Edwards push for tax revenues in order to keep some services in place, would only cost the average taxpayer around $40.00 annually. He says it’s a small price to pay…

Cut 14 (07) “that nature.”

A senate committee is expected today to discuss a proposed constitutional amendment that would require unanimous jury verdicts for felony cases. Kelley Ray has more….

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Today marks the start of spring in Louisiana. Our winter produced two snow events and a warmer than usual February. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the La Nina effect will dictate our weather the next few months, as it pushes all the rain and colder temperatures to the north…

Cut 7 (10)  “the state.”

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Shreveport-Bossier will play host to both this year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, with Miss USA confirmed for May 21st. It’ll be the first time both pageants have ever been held at the same location back to back, and Miss USA will air live on FOX at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Crawford says the city is perfect for Miss USA.

Cut 10 (09) “Bossier region.”

Marksville Representative Robert Johnson is the new House Democratic Caucus Chairman. The third-term legislator says his caucus has to look beyond short-term problems – including the massive budget deficit. Johnson says the key to a better Louisiana is a united House that’s separated by party lines…

Cut 13 (09)  “years ago.”