A bill that would require public schools statewide to schedule at least 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured free play time of recess for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says under this legislation no special accommodations are required.

Cut 3 (12) “…funded mandate.”

The bill heads to the Senate.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 6 (10)  “…did that.” 

Stefanski says the majority of the time Judges set bonds accordingly, but this is his attempt to make Louisiana safer.

Louisiana ranks the fourth unhealthiest state for adults 65 and older for the second year according to the United Health Foundation’s 11^th America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. Chief Medical Officer for the Medicare and Retirement Division Dr. Phillip Painter says there are a number of challenges that weigh against seniors living in the Bayou State.

Cut 9 (12) “…should be”

Louisiana falls below Mississippi which is the unhealthiest state in the nation.

A bill to ban social media platforms from allowing minors to have their own account without parental consent passed in the Senate but it would only go into effect if funds are allocated for enforcement.  Bill author, Covington Senator Patrick McMath…

Cut 12 (11) “…health crisis.” 

Minors in the bill are defined as ages 15 and younger.

Legislation to set minimum bail amounts for crimes of violence and or the use of a firearm advances from House Criminal Justice. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill would set a minimum bail of $50,000 for a violent crime and $100,000 for one that involves the use of a firearm.

Cut 6 (10)  “…did that.” 

The bill heads to the House floor.

Legislation that would require public schools to provide supervised recess of at least 15 minutes each day for grades kindergarten through fifth was approved by the House in a 66 to 28 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says 89 percent of schools currently have recess and 56 percent offer more than 15 minutes, however…

Cut 4 (08)  “…of schools.” 

The bill heads to the Senate.

Former LABI head and candidate for Governor Stephen Waguespack releases his first campaign ad; introducing himself to voters by his nickname, “Wags.” The statewide spot is called “Louisiana’s Comeback” and features Waguespack in various casual settings, and in a highly likable light. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says the ad’s tone is too light for talk of crisis…:

Cut 11 (05)  “…you’re in crisis.”

Fletcher says future ads need to convey solutions; for Waguespack and all candidates. You can view Waguespack’s campaign ad at “wags4la.com”

The NCAA Softball Baton Rouge regional gets underway today at Tiger Park. Two-seeded UL-Lafayette will face third-seeded Omaha at 2 PM and at five o’clock LSU will play Prairie View A-and-M. Former Cajuns and Tigers softball coach Yvette Girouard wish LSU and U-L hosted their won regionals…

Cut 17 (17) “…together.”

A bill to add paid Family Medical Leave benefits in Louisiana is pulled from consideration. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state Office of Technology Services says systems affected by the network outage yesterday are starting to come back up. Internet, email, and applications for multiple state agencies across the state were affected, including DCFS, the Office of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Louisiana governor candidate and former LABI head Stephen Waguespack introduce himself by his nickname “WAGS” in his first TV campaign ad. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says perhaps the candidate should have come out with a stronger message because this video tells voters very little about him or how he would lead…:

Cut 12 (08)    “…that’s it.” 

Fletcher says future ads need to convey solutions; for Waguespack and all candidates. You can view Waguespack’s campaign ad at “wags4la.com”

The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation that requires written permission from the parents, for schools to use corporal punishment on a child. Franklinton Republican Beth Mizell is handling the bill in the Senate…

Cut 15 (03)  “..doesn’t know why.”

The Senate Education also advanced a bill that requires all public schools from elementary to college to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in every classroom is heading to the Senate floor. 

On his monthly Ask the Governor radio program Governor Edwards wouldn’t say if he plans to veto any legislation this year similar to what he vetoed two years ago. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana Division of Administration announced a system hardware failure that has affected the main system and the redundancy backup systems at multiple state offices. Internet, email, and applications for the Louisiana executive branch were affected, but the outage did not elected officials or higher ed. Crews are reported to be working to get the systems back up. All agencies are expected to resume business today.

The Louisiana House passed a bill that would make menstrual products available for free to public school students. one out of four teen girls missed class due to a lack of access to feminine products in 2021. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says hopes lawmakers will keep female students in mind when casting their votes.

Cut 8 (06)  “…those issues.” 

Eleven states already have bills requiring schools to provide menstrual products, and at least 20 states have eliminated the tax on menstrual products. passed by the House in a 79 to 17 vote.

Video of Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins physically moving an activist away from a news conference on Capitol Hill is gaining attention online. The activist asked Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert about her divorce from her husband and that’s when Higgins ushered him away.

Cut 10 (07) “…get off me.”  (4x)

Higgins, a former sheriff’s deputy, says the activist was mentally disturbed and threatening and he was escorted out and turned over to Capitol Police.

On his monthly radio show “Ask the Governor”,  Governor John Bel Edwards was asked if he plans to veto any legislation making its way through the legislature addressing the LGBTQ community. The governor wouldn’t say if he plans to or not but brought up the example of when the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015.

Cut 4 (12)  “…exactly none.” 

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton’s bill that passed in the House on a 67 to 28 vote prohibits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom.

The house passed legislation that would provide access to free menstrual products to female students in public schools in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says under the legislation the products would be in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.

Cut 7 (10)  “…would be.” 

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman reintroduced her bill after it stalled last year on the Senate floor.

Congressman Clay Higgins is seen on video physically removing an activist away from a press conference. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

This is the time of year when you see lots of movement among alligators, and Recent sightings have many wondering if they’ll be sharing their vacation with a reptile. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Alligator Program Manager Jeb Linscombe says that the air temperature is higher than the water is one reason you’ll see them on land, to warm up because they are cold-blooded animals.

Cut 5 (11)   “…time of the year.”

If it’s an urban area where you encounter a gator, Linscombe says contact wildlife agents so they can remove the reptile.

The National Institute of Health has selected LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center as a research site for one of the largest research efforts to find out why diets work for some and not for others. Associate Executive Director for Clinical Science Dr. Eric Ravussin says the results may help to offer personalized guidance to improve overall health.

Cut 9 (12)  “…you live.”

The study will last approximately 2 weeks and participants will be compensated $300. Learn more about enrolling at www.joinallofus.org.

Legislation that would lower the threshold of signatures required in order to recall an elected official was passed by the Louisiana House. Covington Representative Paul Hollis – the bill’s author – says, under current law it is very difficult to recall an elected official….:

Cut 11 (08)  “…smaller districts.”

Hollis’s bill heading to the Senate would require signatures from 50 percent of the number of people who voted in the election for that office. By a vote of 71-to-29, the bill clears the House and will move to the Senate.

Governor John Bel Edwards announced the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program is expanding the criteria for homeowners that sustained damage from disasters in 2020 and 2021 to qualify for assistance. Executive Director for the LA Office of Community Development Pat Forbes says HUD has allocated funding and monies are available.

Cut 14 (13)  “…is eligible.”

To complete a brief survey visit restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to hold third graders back if they are unable to read at grade level. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State police are investigating a physical confrontation between two House staff members that happened outside of the capitol Tuesday. One staffer from House Sergeant at Arms was reportedly carrying a firearm before the incident. Only law enforcement is allowed to carry a weapon inside the Capitol. No other details are available.

A House-approved bill that would allow a pregnant mother to recover 50 percent of the out-of-pocket cost for pregnancy-related medical expenses from the biological father of the child was approved by Senate Committee.  President of STAR, Morgan Lamandre raised concern that the bill’s preemptive period was not long enough.

Cut 6 (13)  “…year period.”

After the baby is born, the mother would have two years to recover these expenses.

Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services was awarded Code for America’s inaugural Government Changemaker Award – for its outstanding commitment to leveraging technology to better serve Louisiana households at a summit in Washington D.C., DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the LA’Message pilot made a difference in their use of technology and using text messages was an important tool during the pandemic.

Cut 12 (13)    “…the pandemic” 

Louisiana was among one the first states chosen last year to participate in Code for America’s Safety Net Innovation Lab.

Almost 900 students at LSU Health New Orleans will receive their degrees Thursday. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Slidell Police says two of their officers and one K-9 were attacked by hundreds of hornets following the pursuit of a car thief that crashed the vehicle near Michaud Boulevard. Both officers and the K-9 were treated and released.

Job satisfaction is at an all time high according to a recent survey by the Conference Board Job Satisfaction 2023, which shows a surge up by 2 points in 2022 –  the highest it has been in 35 years. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says this is a case of the grass being greener on the other side — and people switching jobs and liking it.

Cut 8 (11) “…considered that.”

Job satisfaction has been rising steadily for over a decade, after hitting an all-time low of 42.6 percent in 2010 following the Great Recession.

Senate Finance advanced legislation that would establish the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools under the umbrella of the GOHSEP. Baton Rouge Magnet High School Junior Holly Fan shared with lawmakers about her younger sister who was in gym class when her school went on lockdown.

Cut 11 (11)  “…of safety.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor.