Busy day at the Capitol Thursday as lawmakers plowed through a series of controversial bills.

A Senate Committee hosted a debate about legislation allowing a concealed handgun permit holder to bring a gun into a church without informing the congregation. Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says it will make churches a safer place.

Cut 13 (09) “to speak”   PM

But Church Attorney Andrew Wilson spoke out against it…

Second sound bit from PM Cut 2, 11 seconds, sword

That bill is headed to the Senate floor for final passage.

Three bills are also heading to the Governor’s desk. One of them, if signed, creates a fall ballot question asking voters if they would like sports betting to be legalized in their parish. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says this will help make full legalization easier to pass next year…

Cut 3 (05)  “…should go”  

Another bill removes most restrictions on what conditions doctors can prescribe medical marijuana to patients for. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says is not an effort to legalize recreational marijuana…

Cut 7 (04) “…medcinal issue” ”

And finally legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk that would create a 300 million dollar grant program for small businesses. The money will be drawn from an 800 million dollar CARES Act payment sent to Louisiana. New Orleans Representative Gary Carter says this money was supposed to help save local governments…

Cut 13 (11) “…dollars” 

Proponents argue the grants will be crucial to saving businesses with fewer than 50 employees who did not receive federal assistance.

Governor Edwards says the current slowed pace of new infections, deaths, and hospitalizations is encouraging news for the possibility of entering Phase Two in June. Edwards says we are making progress, but its no reason for people to slack off on wearing a mask due to the risk of asymptomatic transmission.

Cut 10 (10) “…everybody else”

A House-approved bill allowing a concealed handgun permit holder to bring a gun into a church without informing the congregation heads to the Senate floor for final passage. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham began the hearing by addressing one of most commonly cited concerns related to the bill…

Cut 12 (09) “…firearms”

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that will ask voters on November 3rd if sports betting should be legalized in their parish. An effort to legalize sports betting failed in the legislature last year. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry say by putting the issue before the voters, lawmakers can then decide how they should vote when the sports betting and taxation bills come before them in 2021…

Cut 4 (09)_ “…pass the tax”

A bill that removes many restrictions on who can be prescribed medical marijuana is nearing final legislative passage. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says the treatment has helped many, including former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Mills says Blanco’s daughter said the medical cannabis gave her mom a few more good days before she died…

Cut 6 (06) “ …little while”

Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraged by the state’s recent COVID-19 numbers, but as for a decision on Phase Two reopening that will have to wait. Edwards says the data is still being analyzed, but it is encouraging to see the number of hospitalizations has fallen below 800

Cut 9 (10) “…decision is”

He hopes to make the announcement on June 1^st on possible movement to Phase Two.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that will ask voters on November 3rd if sports betting should be legalized in their parish. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says if a parish approves the referendum, then lawmakers will vote next year on the regulation and taxation of sports wagering, which will be controversial

Cut 3 (05)  “…should go”  

A bill that removes many restrictions on who can be prescribed medical marijuana is nearing final legislative passage. Under current law, cannabis can only be used to treat a specific diagnosis such as cancer, seizures, Parkinson’s, and PTSD. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says this legislation removes those restrictions…

Cut 8 (10) “…to you””

Before the bill goes to the governor, the House will need to approve Senate changes.

A House-approved bill allowing a concealed handgun permit holder to bring a gun into a church without informing the congregation heads to the Senate floor for final passage. Church Attorney Andrew Wilson spoke against the bill. He says the measure would call for anti-carry churches to post large “no gun signs”, ruining church atmospheres.

Cut 14 (11) “…afraid”

Voters will have a chance to weigh in on whether or not sports betting should be legalized if the Governor signs off on legislation that won final approval today in the Legislature.  Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says the ballot question will ask voters if sports wagering activities and operations should be permitted in your parish. He says lawmakers will determine next year where sports bets can be taken

Cut 5 (05)  “…next step”.

Opponents say legal sports betting will produce more problem gamblers, which ends up costing taxpayers.

A bill that removes many restrictions on who can be prescribed medical marijuana is nearing final legislative passage. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills assured the Senate this was not an effort to legalize recreational marijuana…

Cut 7 (04) “…medcinal issue” ”

On a 28-to-six vote, the Senate approved the measure.

A House-approved bill allowing a concealed handgun permit holder to bring a gun into a church without informing the congregation heads to the Senate floor for final passage. The legislation still requires people who concealed carry to get their pastor’s permission first, and Louisiana Shooting Association President Dan Zelenka says it will make churches a safer place.

Cut 13 (09) “to speak”  

Churches can currently allow concealed carry, but the congregation must be informed who is carrying. Bill sponsor Representative Bryan Fontenot says that requirement made carriers a target.

Reverend John David Andrew, speaking on behalf of the Episcopal Dioceses of Louisiana, says this bill endangers the safety of students going to schools attached to churches…

Cut 15 (09)“ targets”

The Senate Judiciary C reported the bill to the floor on a 4-1 vote.

Governor John Bell Edwards says the most recent COVID-19 numbers are encouraging but as for a decision on Phase Two reopening that will have to wait. Edwards says the state has made great progress going from number two in the country to number nine of COVID-19 cases per capita because so many have cooperated with guidelines, but we must continue to do so.

Cut 11 (11) “…my mother-in-law”

A bill that removes many restrictions on who can be prescribed medical marijuana is nearing final legislative passage. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills says the treatment has helped many, including former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Mills says Blanco’s daughter said the medical cannabis gave her mom a few more good days before she died…

Cut 6 (06) “ …little while”

A Senate Committee approves legislation allowing people to concealed carry in houses of worship with the pastor’s permission, but without having to inform the congregation. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The smallest ever baby to born in Louisiana made history this week by being discharged from the hospital.  Dionna Ambrielle  Miracle Taylor was born January 27^th weighing just 11 ounces at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. She left the hospital yesterday and currently weighs 4 pounds and 13 ounces.

Governor Edwards says the current slowed pace of new infections, deaths, and hospitalizations is encouraging news for the possibility of entering Phase Two in June. The state sees a decline in COVID hospitalizations by 37 today, along with only 18 new reported deaths. Edwards says that’s a good sign, but no reason for people to slack off on wearing a mask due to the risk of asymptomatic transmission.

Cut 10 (10) “…everybody else”

House Legislation allowing people to take concealed handguns into churches without informing the congregation advances to the Senate floor for final passage. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham began the hearing by addressing one of most commonly cited concerns related to the bill…

Cut 12 (09) “…firearms”

The legislation still requires a concealed carrier to ask the pastor for permission.

Governor Edwards has the final say on whether voters will decide if they want sports betting legalized in their parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Governor John Bell Edwards says the most recent COVID-19 numbers are encouraging but as for a decision on Phase Two reopening that will have to wait. During his pressing briefing Wednesday, he said that the number of hospitalizations was at the lowest they have been in two months.

Cut 9 (10) “…decision is”

He hopes to make the announcement on June 1^st on possible movement to Phase Two, Phase One is currently in effect until June 5^th.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that will ask voters on November 3rd if sports betting should be legalized in their parish. An effort to legalize sports betting failed in the legislature last year. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says by putting the issue before the voters, lawmakers can then decide how they should vote when the sports betting and taxation bills come before them in 2021…

Cut 4 (09)_ “…pass the tax”

The Louisiana House has rejected a proposal that would have banned handheld cell phone use while behind the wheel. Some lawmakers worried it would give law enforcement an excuse to pull over a driver to racial profile them and other lawmakers also complained that the legislation is a violation of our civil liberties. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 6 (07) “…them too” 

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in conjunction with the Helis Foundation have pooled funding to help support humanity organizations impacted by COVID-19. Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities President and Executive Director Miranda Restovic says a variety of organizations are eligible to apply for the grants.

Cut 10 (12) “…varied festivals”

For information on the grants go to leh.org the deadline is June 30^th

A mysterious illness linked to COVID-19 in young adults and children claims its first life in Louisiana. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

A private memorial service is under way at this hour on the Southeastern Louisiana University campus for State Trooper George Baker, who died early this week from injuries he sustained during a police chase in Hammond last week. Trooper Baker is survived by his wife Heather, daughter Harper, his parents, sisters and extended family.

Legislation is heading to the governor’s desk that will ask voters on November 3rd if sports betting should be legalized in their parish. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says if a parish approves the referendum, then lawmakers will vote next year on the regulation and taxation of sports wagering, which will be controversial
Cut 3 (05) “…should go”
Henry says the ballot question will ask voters if sports wagering activities and operations should be permitted in your parish.

The Louisiana House is set to take up legislation today that would set aside 200 million from the 1.8 billion dollar federal CARES Act to provide small business grants. N-F-I-B State Director Dawn Starns says many small businesses are still at risk of going under.
Cut 13 (09) “…to be”
Governor Edwards opposes the effort because the money state lawmakers want to use is, should go to local governments according to the federal government.

The state health department says it’s seen 13 cases and the death of a young person from multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which is a condition that develops in coronavirus patients under the age of 21. Governor Edwards says the development is concerning, but fatal outcomes are rare…
cut 9 (08) “…care”
M-I-S-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed.

Humanities organizations are eligible for emergency relief grants to help pay for operational expenses. Executive Director for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Miranda Restovic, says so far 42 organizations have received funding…
cut 11 (10) “…private sector”
For more information go to l-e-h-dot-org.

A Senate-approved bill that would prohibit a driver from holding a cell phone gets rejected in the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is investigating ten schools for allegedly holding summer workouts before the June eighth start date. The LHSAA says they’ve received information about six schools in the New Orleans area, two from the Lafayette area, and two north Louisiana schools allegedly held organized practices supervised by coaches. Executive Director Eddie Bonine declined to name the schools.

Louisiana reports its first death from a rare disease believed to be caused by COVID-19 in children and young adults. Governor Edwards says the state has reported 13 cases…
Cut 7 (08) “…discharged.”
Edwards says multisystem inflammatory syndrome can occur up to four weeks after a young person gets COVID-19 and it causes some body parts to become inflamed.

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has joined forces with the Helis Foundation to provide emergency relief grants to humanities organizations with awards ranging from three-thousand to 20-thousand dollars. L-E-H executive director Miranda Restovic says the grants are for operational expenses…
cut 12 (08) “…utilities”
For more information visit l-e-h-dot-org and the deadline is June 30th.

The full House is set to discuss this morning a proposal that would take 200-million in federal CARES dollars to set up a small business grant program. The 200-million would come from 811-million dollars that the federal government designated for local governments. NFIB Director Dawn Starns likes the proposal…
cut 16 (09) “….possible”
But Governor Edwards says the feds could allocate additional funds dedicated to businesses in the future, but may not offer any more for local governments, so….
cut 15 (05) “…do that’
The measure has already passed the Senate and is awaiting action in the House this morning.