Former Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco, who is battling cancer, is under hospice care. When state lawmakers gathered yesterday they paused to pray for the former state legislator, public service commissioner and governor. In December 2018, Blanco publicly said there’s no escape from the incurable cancer that has spread through her body.

A Monroe lawmaker wants to make it clear in the state constitution that an abortion is not a protected right. Matt Doyle has more on this proposed constitutional amendment..
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The 2019 Louisiana Survey shows 70 percent of Louisianans support the criminal justice reforms championed by Governor Edwards and approved in 2016….
Cut 7 (07) “independents”
That’s LSU Public Policy Research Lab director, Doctor Michael Henderson. The reforms were aimed at reducing the prison population by reducing sentences and providing non-prison alternatives for non-violent offenders.

Bossier City has been selected as a top retirement destination by Where to Retire magazine. Bossier City will be highlighted in a feature titled “Eight Veteran-Friendly Cities” in the May-June issue. Bossier City is the home of Barksdale Air Force Base and Bossier City Chief Administrative Officer Pam Glorioso says many of those who work on the base return to the area to retire as the area has much to offer for vets.
Cut 5 (09) “…host in Bossier.”

A constitutional amendment is on its way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decide whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights. Governor Edwards backs the measure and his executive counsel Matthew Block says the governor wants to send a strong pro-life message.
Cut 13 (08) “clearly.”
The proposal would need two thirds support in both chambers, and over 50 percent of the vote on the October ballot.

The Louisiana Survey out of LSU shows that 70-percent of Louisiana voters approve of the state’s criminal justice reforms passed in 2016. That’s up 61-percent from last year and director of LSU’s public policy research lab, Doctor Michael Henderson, says growth among Republicans is especially strong…
cut 8 (09) “…ago”

A Bossier Parish wreck that claimed the life of four-year-old Katie Grantham in November 2017 has inspired legislation that would require toxicology tests on drivers at fault for vehicle collisions that cause serious injury. The child’s mother, Morgan Grantham, testified for the bill in a Senate committee and says the driver that caused her daughter’s death was not drug tested and had a history of bad decisions.
Cut 10 (10) “…tricky like that.”
Grantham says the driver was not drug tested at the time, because her daughter was still alive, but she passed away a few days later. The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Where to Retire Magazine has highlight Bossier City as a Veteran-Friendly city. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A clear majority of Louisianans support the 2016 criminal justice reform according to the latest installment of the 2019 Louisiana Survey. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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A Monroe lawmaker would like voters to have the option of deciding whether or not abortion rights are covered in the state constitution. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Bossier City has been selected as a top retirement destination according to Where to Retire Magazine. The city was highlighted in a feature called “8 Veteran-Friendly Cities” in an upcoming issue. Bossier City Chief Administrative Officer Pam Glorioso says the area offers a great part of Louisiana for people to live in and at a low cost.

Cut 4 (11) “…feel safe in.”

Bossier City is the home of Barksdale Air Force Base and Glorioso says many of those that have worked on the base, either in a military career or civilian career, have returned to the area to retire as the area has much to offer for vets.

Cut 5 (09) “…host in Bossier.”

Glorioso says the area certainly has much to contribute to the state’s reputation as being a Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 6 (08) “…here doing that.”

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The 2019 Louisiana Survey shows 70 percent of Louisianans support the criminal justice reforms championed by Governor Edwards and passed by a bi-partisan Legislature in 2016.

The reform now has majority Republican support, and Director of LSU’s Public Policy Research Center Dr. Mike Henderson says responsible for a dramatic rise in overall support.

Cut 7 (07) “independents”

The reforms were aimed at reducing the prison population by reducing sentences and providing non-prison alternatives for non-violent offenders.

60 percent of Republicans now support the reform efforts. in 2018 only 46 percent of Republicans backed the changes, and Henderson says it’s taken a few years for the average GOP voter to buy in…

Cut 8 (09) “…ago.”

79 percent of Democrats support the reforms, up five percent from last year, and 74 percent of Independents are on board, a 12 percent increase over 2018.

But the survey did reveal that despite the reform effort, most Louisianans are not happy about the state of the criminal justice system in Louisiana. Henderson says only a third of respondents thought the system was fair, and only a third thought it kept them safe.

Cut 9 (11) “…today″

65 percent of those polled say “mandatory minimum sentencing” should be eased so that judges have the flexibility to determine sentences on a case by case basis.

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A wreck that claimed the life of four-year-old Katie Grantham in November 2017 has inspired legislation to run toxicology tests on drivers at fault for vehilcle collisions that cause serious injury. The child’s mother, Morgan Grantham, spoke to a Senate Committee Tuesday and says the driver was not drug tested and had a history of bad decisions.

Cut 10 (10) “…tricky like that.”

Currently a drug test is only mandated if someone dies at the scene of a crash. Grantham’s daughter died in the days that followed. Grantham says evidence was found that could indicate the driver’s impairment, even though he was able to pass a field sobriety test.

Cut 11 (09) “…of custody issue.”

The bill won the approval of the committee. Grantham says victims should not have to die at a crash to mandate a drug test and adds she has experienced issues, both physical and mental, since the wreck.

Cut 12 (08) “…moment of impact.”

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A constitutional amendment is on it’s way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights.

Governor Edwards is backing the measure and his spokesperson Matthew Block says the Governor wants to send a message to his constituents.

Cut 13 (08) “clearly.”

The proposal would need two thirds support in both chambers, and over 50 percent of the vote at the October 12th ballot that also features the primary round of the governor’s race.

The amendment was brought by Monroe Democratic Representative Katrina Jackson who says it’s an opportunity for voter to show the rest of the country that the Bayou State is the no. 1 pro-life state.

Cut 14 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Several states have adopted similar additions to their constitutions.

Pro-choice advocates were on hand to contest the proposal. Steffani Bangel with the New Orleans Abortion Fund disputed the amendment, saying a persons right to determine her own future, and her bodily autonomy are inextricably linked.

Cut 15 (13) “…pregnancy.”

Bangel says outlawing abortion in Louisiana would hit those living in precarious economic and social situations the hardest.

Cut 16  (12) “…assaulted.” 

The law would not outright ban abortion, and thus is unlikely to be challenged in federal court, but it may create a legal framework to outlaw the procedure if the US Supreme Court ever undid Roe vs. Wade.

A 14-3 vote in the House Transportation Committee has defeated a resolution aimed at reducing billboards in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
A constitutional amendment is on it’s way to the House floor that would let Louisiana voters decided whether or not the state constitution protects abortion rights. The law would not outright ban abortion, and thus is unlikely to be challenged in federal court, but it may create a legal framework to outlaw the procedure if the US Supreme Court ever undid Roe vs. Wade.
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Lawmakers are seeking to bring back sales tax holidays. They were accidentally suspended for seven years when legislators crafted new tax laws last June. Monroe Representative Jay Morris’ measure would benefit consumers by reinstating a tax holiday for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness and hunting supplies
Cut 6 (08) “…for the like.”
The school supply sales tax weekend would occur in August, hurricane preparedness would be in May and the second amendment sales tax weekend would take place in September.
The Senate Ag Committee approved and expanded a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes. Louisiana rice industry representative Scott Franklin says the “substitute” industry is well aware that they are misleading the public, and they’d have trouble selling their product if it was labeled properly.
Cut 11 (12) “…here”

Campaign numbers for the 2019 governor’s race have been updated. Jeff Palermo looks at what the candidates are reporting…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

A Pineville man has been charged with 100 counts of first degree rape. On April 1^st, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputies received a complaint of possible criminal sexual conduct involving juveniles. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in the early 1970s and continued into the 80s. On April 9^th, the suspect, 71-year-old Harvey Joseph Fountain, was located and taken into custody. The investigation is on-going.

The Senate Ag Committee approved and expanded a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes.
It’s legislation brought by Delhi Senator Francis Thompson who says while most of these “fake” products are not made in the Bayou State, they shouldn’t be outlawed, just forced to be upfront about what’s in the package.
Cut 10 (11) “…not true.”
Legislation has advanced to the House floor that seeks to lower auto insurance rates. Louisiana reportedly has the second-highest average auto insurance rates in the nation and River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill would create a legal environment that would reduce the costs for insurance companies…
Cut 3 (11) “…costs up.”

The House Transportation Committee voted 14-3 to turn back an effort to prevent new highway billboards in Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office has charged 71-year-old Harvey Joseph Fountain of Pineville with 100 counts of first-degree rape as he is accused of criminal sexual conduct involving minors. Deputies say the allegations against Fountain date back to the early 1970s. A tip into the sheriff’s office on April 1st sparked the investigation.

Legislation is heading to the House floor that supporters of the bill say will help reduce auto insurance rates, because it would make changes to the state’s legal climate when it comes to crash payments and litgation. The House Civil Law committee approved the legislation on a five to two vote. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins voted against it, because he believes insurance companies can do more on their own to lower rates…
Cut 5 (10) “…that side”

And heading to the Senate floor is a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s the government’s job to keep advertisers honest and prevent products from tricking customers.
Cut 9 (11) “…responsibility”

The Senate ag committee approved legislation that would require truth in labeling for food products. It goes after products that label themselves as Soy milk or Almond milk, which is not really milk. Cauliflower rice is also getting more popular, but Louisiana Rice Industry representative Scott Franklin says it’s not rice…
cut 11 (12) “…here”
The legislation heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

Heading to the House floor is legislation that brings back sales tax holidays for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness supplies and hunting gear. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says it’s something the public wants…
cut 8 (10) “…school uniforms”
The House Transportation committee slammed the breaks on a resolution pushed by Jonesboro Rep. Jack McFarland aimed at reducing the number of billboards on Louisiana roadways. Louisiana’s trucking industry backed the effort, because McFarland says ads for crash attorneys are impacting the cost of doing business for truckers.
Cut 12 (11) “…as we drive”
Supporters also say the number of billboards are distracting and take away from Louisiana’s scenery. But Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says placing a moratorium on billboards is the wrong way to address clutter…
cut 14 (13) “…not doing that”
The legislation was killed on a 14-to-3 vote.

The Senate Ag Committee approved and expanded a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes.
It’s legislation brought by Delhi Senator Francis Thompson who says while most of these “fake” products are not made in the Bayou State, they shouldn’t be outlawed, just forced to be upfront about what’s in the package.
Cut 10 (11) “…not true.”
Legislation has advanced to the House floor that seeks to lower auto insurance rates. Louisiana reportedly has the second-highest average auto insurance rates in the nation and River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill would create a legal environment that would reduce the costs for insurance companies…
Cut 3 (11) “…costs up.”
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Lawmakers are seeking to bring back sales tax holidays. They were accidentally suspended for seven years when legislators crafted new tax laws last June. The school supply sales tax weekend would occur in August, hurricane preparedness would be in May and the second amendment sales tax weekend would take place in September. Monroe Representative Jay Morris says businesses also like the sales tax holidays…
Cut 7 (12) “…out of state.”
The latest results from the 2019 Louisiana Survey show 70 percent support the state’s criminal justice reforms championed by Governor Edwards and passed by bipartisan majorities in the legislature.

The Senate Ag Committee approved and expanded a bill that would require “truth in labeling” for food products like Almond “milk”, “riced” cauliflower, and “sugar” substitutes.
Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s the governments job to keep advertisers honest, and prevent misleading products from tricking customers.
Cut 9, 11 seconds, responsibility
Legislation has advanced to the House floor that seeks to lower auto insurance rates. Louisiana reportedly has the second-highest average auto insurance rates in the nation and River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill would would lower the state’s threshold for requiring a civil trial to $5,000 from the current $50,000, take away the ability to sue an insurance company directly and extend the time limit to file a suit from one year to two…
Cut 4 (07) “…drive costs down”

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Campaign numbers for the 2019 governor’s race have been updated. Jeff Palermo looks at what the candidates are reporting…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”
Fundraising efforts are beginning to spread to help the three historically black churches that were torched in St. Landry Parish get back on their feet. A GoFundMe has raised 50,000 dollars of a 1.8 million dollar goal, Iberia Bank has promised to match donations up to 50,000 dollars along with an initial 6,000 dollar donation, and former Saints tight end Ben Watson has hit the trail to assist in fundraising efforts.

Today at the Capitol, lawmakers will be faced with a crucial question… just what exactly counts as milk? Matt Doyle has the story.

 Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A Pineville man has been charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape. On April 1^st, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputies received a complaint of possible criminal sexual conduct involving juveniles. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in the early 1970s and continued into the 80s. On April 9^th, the suspect, 71-year-old Harvey Joseph Fountain, was located and taken into custody. The investigation is on-going.

Lawmakers are seeking to bring back sales tax holidays. They were accidentally suspended for seven years when legislators crafted new tax laws last June. Monroe Representative Jay Morris’ measure would benefit consumers by reinstating a tax holiday for back to school shopping, hurricane preparedness, and hunting supplies

Cut 6 (08) “…for the like.”

The school supply sales tax weekend would occur in August, hurricane preparedness would be in May and the second amendment sales tax weekend would take place in September.

The newspaper the Advocate that covers Acadiana, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans has been awarded a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting of Louisiana’s law that allowed non-unanimous jury verdict for felony cases. Advocate President Judi Terzotis says the staff put in tremendous amounts of effort to achieve the award.

Cut 13 (11) “…the Washington Post.”