The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes down on a House-approved bill that sought to ban gender-affirming care for minors. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

State police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that fatally injured a man and two juveniles from Zwolle on U.S. Highway 171 south of Zwolle yesterday. Louisiana 66-year-old Bill Meshell, the driver of a 2003 GMC pickup truck failed to slow down when a 2012 Peterbilt log truck made a right turn. While the cause of this crash remains under investigation.

Delta Biofuel has announces the construction of a $100 million full-scale renewable fuel production facility in Jeanerette that will convert sugarcane waste into feedstock for low-emissions energy generation. CEO Phil Keating says the project will add jobs with an average salary of around 63 thousand dollars.

Cut 6 (12)  “…for everybody.”

The company is expected to break ground in late June.

Nearly 42 million people will travel out this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 7 percent increase from last year, that’s according to AAA. 3 million people are boarding planes for the weekend, that’s an 11 percent increase over last year. Analyst Don Redman says that’s about 170,000 more passengers than the pre-pandemic level.

Cut 12 (13)    “…people fly.” 

The good news, if you plan to take a road trip, gas prices are lower this year compared to last year when the national average was more than $4 a gallon.

Despite support from Governor John Bel Edwards, the House Criminal Justice Committee rejected a bill that would eliminate the death penalty in Louisiana. Defense attorney Ralph Capitelli, says the process-from conviction to actual execution—simply takes too long to play out and it should be eliminated….
cut 8 (11) “….criminal justice sytem”
It’s been since 2010 since Louisiana has executed anyone. But John Sinquefield, chief deputy of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, worries what message ending capital punishment might send…
cut 10 (12) “…..no death penalty”
The bill was defeated on an 11-to-4 vote which is a death sentence for this session on an effort to end capital punishment.

After a lengthy debate, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted down a House-approved measure that would have prohibited gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment’s bill would prohibit doctors from giving minors puberty blockers or performing any gender-transitioning procedures. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says there are no cases of a parent allowing their child to have a sex change before they are 18….
Cut 15 (13) “…has occurred”
Republican Chairman and New Iberia Senator Fred Mills casted the tie breaking vote which resulted in the bill’s defeat.

Triple-A estimates 42-million people will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Spokesperson Don Redman says today is a good day to make sure your vehicle is ready for the long road trip…
cut 13 (13) “…for help”

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. HB 228 is from Marrero Democrat Representative Kyle Green, who tells committee members the death penalty needs to go…:
Cut 7 (09) “…innocent people.”
Louisiana has not executed anyone since 2010, but Republicans believe the punishment serves a deterrent for murder.

The LGBTQ community got a big win in the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. The panel voted against a bill to ban gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. Alexandria Representative Jay Luneau says several major medical organizations support this type of care…
cut 16 (12) “….needed therapy”
Supporters of the legislation say the ban is needed to prevent teenagers from receiving life-altering medical procedures.

Do you plan to travel this Memorial Day holiday? If so, AAA projects a 7 percent increase in travelers compared to last year. Teiko Foxx has more.
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Delta Biofuel will break ground in late June on a $100 million renewable facility in Jeanerette that will produce 340,000 metric tons of biomass fuel pellets annually. CEO Phil Keating says this will solve a serious problem for the sugar cane industry…
Cut 4 (11) “…in utilities”
The facility will also employ 126 workers.

A bill to end capital punishment in Louisiana receives a death sentence in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (33) “…Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police has released more information on the fatal police shooting in Bastrop last Thursday. L-S-P says the man Bastrop Police shot was a suspect in a stabbing and did not comply when the officer instructed him to lay on the ground. Investigators say the man instead charged the officer and was armed with a utility knife.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee kills a bill that would prohibit gender affirming care for minors. The vote was five to four to defer the legislation for the regular session. Republican Chairman and St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills casted the tie-breaking vote…
Cut 14 (07) “…vote yes.”
Opponents of the legislation pointed to studies that show transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal thoughts if they are able to access gender-affirming care.

A big travel weekend is coming up and Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says despite inflation they estimate 42-million Americans will travel this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a seven percent increase from last year…
cut 11 (12) “….in 2000”
Air Travel is up eleven percent and road trips are up six percent from last year.

Here is today’s legislative Report…

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana has failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. HB 228 was from Marrero Democrat Representative Kyle Green, who tells committee members the death penalty needs to go forever…:

CUT 07(09)      “…innocent people.”

Opposing the bill was West Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Tony Clayton, who tells members the death penalty still has a place in Louisiana justice as punishment for the worst of the worst…:

CUT 09(09)      “…the death penalty

Louisiana is one of 27 states that still allow capital punishment, but no one has been put to death here since 2010. The measure failed by a vote of 4 “yeas” to 11 “nays”, which is a death sentence for Green’s bill.

A bill would’ve allowed tenants to break their lease if two or more violent crimes were reported within a 1/10th mile fails to win passage in the House. The vote was 28 “yeas” and 70 “nays.” Many lawmakers worried it would make it too easy to break a lease or skip on rent.

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee votes down on a House-approved bill that sought to ban gender-affirming care for minors. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Palermo.”

The House passes a bill limiting foreign purchase of property in our state. Denham Springs Rep. Valarie Hodges says her bill is about “Louisiana sovereignty”…:

CUT 28(09)      “…major assets.”

The bill affects nations unfriendly to the U.S.

Louisiana Congressman Garrett Graves is in the middle of the federal debt ceiling talks. Jeff Palermo reports the Republican from Baton Rouge gives an update on how talks are going…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Palermo.”

This isn’t Louisiana news, but legendary rock and soul superstar Tina Turner has passed away. She died at her home in Switzerland, after a long illness. Tina Turner was 83.

A bill that would limit certain foreign entities from leasing or buying property in Louisiana has won approval in the state House of Representatives. The bill would ban agents of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela or Russia from buying and titling property in the state. In committee, many Asian Americans voiced worries the bill would limit their ability to buy land or businesses here. To help allay those fears, Houma Republican Representative and Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee offered a language-clarifying amendment…:

CUT 11(08)      “…foreign adversary.”

By a 78-to-22 vote (pretty much down party lines) HB 537 moves now to the Senate.

The state Department of Treasury is sending out almost 26-thousand Unclaimed Property checks today; totaling nearly $4 & ½-million. State Treasurer John Schroder says, if you get a check in the mail, it is likely legit…:

CUT 03(11)      “…of Treasury.”

Check to see if you have any money waiting for you at “LACashClaim.org.”

As the federal debt ceiling drama continues to play out in Washington DC, Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves remains one of the top negotiators for House Republicans, who will agree to that but only with spending cuts. Graves says the government needs to learn to spend less, and be less generous with other people’s money…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…to Japan.”

At the state capitol, a bill to bar foreign entities from buying up Louisiana land or businesses has passed the full House. Bill Sponsor and Livingston Parish Republican Rep. Valarie Hodge says concerns the bill will limit foreign residents ability to own property are unfounded…:

CUT 10  (06)        “…our farmland.”

The bill passed by 78-22 vote and heads to the Senate. Lawmakers have two weeks to conclude business.

The Department of Treasury is shipping out nearly 26,000 unclaimed property checks today, totaling $4.4 million. State Treasurer John Schroder says one-in-six in Louisiana has “unclaimed property” awaiting them to claim it…:

CUT 05(11)      “…cash it.”

Check to see what you have coming at “LACashClaim.org”

The top ranked LSU baseball team moved into the winner’s bracket of the SEC Tournament today, with a 10-3 win over South Carolina. Left fielder Brayden Jobert homered for the Tigers and Thatcher Hurd and Nate Ackenhausen were outstanding on the mound. It was career win #400 for Coach Jay Johnson…:

CUT 12(11)      “…well today.”

LSU’s next game in the SEC Tournament is Thursday afternoon at 4:30 PM.

At the State capitol, a bill that would limit certain foreign entities from leasing or buying property in Louisiana has won approval in the state House of Representatives. HB 537 comes from Livingston Parish Republican Rep. Valarie Hodges, who call the bill a “Louisiana sovereignty bill”…:

CUT 09(08)      “…major assets.”

Asian-Americans opposed the bill in committee; feeling it would limit their opportunities to own homes and businesses. Hodges says the bill targets foreign corporation buying up farmland and business infrastructure. The bill passed by 78=-22 vote and moves now to the Senate.

The Shreveport City Council has voted to roll back its ban on smoking in casinos within the city. Starting June 1, 25% of gaming floors in casinos will be designated as non-smoking areas, while smoking will be allowed in the other 75%. Anti-smoking folks say that’s a huge step backward, but others says it should help increase business.

State Treasurer John Schroder announce more than 25 thousand unclaimed property checks totaling $4.4 million dollars will be mailed out to Louisiana residents today. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

At the Capitol, a bill would’ve allowed tenants to break their lease if two or more violent crimes were reported within a 1/10th mile fails to win passage in the House. The vote was 28 “yeas” and 70 “nays.” Many lawmakers worried it would make it too easy to break a lease or skip on rent.

State Treasurer John Schroder announces nearly 26,000 unclaimed property checks, totaling $4.4 million are being mailed out today. Schroder says the Department of Revenue shares its database of current addresses so that recipients have a better chance of receiving checks.

Cut 4 (12)  “…the people.” 

To find out if you have unclaimed property, search LaCashClaim.org or call 888-925-4127.

Netflix has begun sending emails informing its users in the United States that the days of sharing passwords for free are over. You’ll now have to pay an additional $7.99 per month for an extra member slot. Haggai Davis with General Informatics says Netflix is no longer messing around…
Cut 13 (11) “…your account.”  
Netflix says your account is only meant for you and the people you live with.

Louisiana Congressman Garrett Graves is in the middle of the debt ceiling talks. Jeff Palermo reports the Republican from Baton Rouge gives an update on how talks are going…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 31-year-old Casey Hallford and 19-year-old Arianni Williams following a mid-day shooting leaving three injured, one which remains in critical condition. Hallford shot his three siblings during a verbal altercation and fled the scene with Williams. Hallford has been charged with 3 counts of attempted first-degree murder and 1 count of illegal discharge of a weapon while Williams has been charged with 3 counts of principle to attempted first-degree murder.

The Department of Treasury is shipping out nearly 26,000 unclaimed property checks today, totaling $4.4 million. State Treasurer John Schroder says the checks are real, so take it to the bank.
Cut 3 (11) “…of Treasury.”
Each year businesses turn over millions of dollars in unclaimed cash, stocks, bonds, securities, and insurance proceeds to the Treasurer’s Office.

A June first deadline is approaching for leaders on capitol hill to reach an agreement on raising the debt ceiling. If a deal is not reached the federal government could default on its loans. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is one of the main negotiators…
cut 7 (12) “…reasonable”
Graves and Republicans are pushing for a cut in spending before agreeing to raising the debt ceiling.

A bill that would limit certain foreign entities from leasing or buying property in Louisiana has won approval in the state House of Representatives. HB 537 comes from Livingston Parish Republican Rep. Valarie Hodges, who calls the bill a “Louisiana sovereignty bill”…:
Cut 9 (08) “…major assets.”
The bill would ban agents of China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela or Russia from buying and titling property in the state. The measure heading to the Senate would not apply to residential transactions.

The House approves a bill that would allow law-abiding citizens 18 years of age and older to conceal carry a firearm without a permit. Opponents say the legislation will lead to more gun violence, but Oakdale Representative Dewith Carrier disagrees..
Cut 16 (13) “..to happen”
The bill passed on a 71-29 vote and it heads to the Senate, where the legislation died last year.