A bill that would allow bullet proof backpacks in public schools is one step away from the governor’s desk after clearing committee. Don Molino has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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A pair of medical marijuana bills are nearing final passage. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill allowing concealed weapons on K-12 and university campuses passed the House. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A bill that would allow students to wear bulletproof backpacks in public schools is set for final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. The legislation, inspired by the Parkland, Florida Shooting, received unanimous support. West Monroe Republican Mike Walsworth says something needs to be done about the lack of safety for school children.

Cut 4  (10) “no kid” 

The bill has received some criticism from legislators, like Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith, who says the 50-300 dollar price tag for the backpacks could lead to shooters targeting low income schools that they know can’t afford the protection.

Cut 5  (08)  “this sort”

Newman High Student Pierce Nelson says the backpack would give him greater peace of mind while at school.

Cut 6 (07) “my life”

The bill moves to the House floor

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Two bills that would expand access to medical marijuana are close to being put into law after moving through the full House, and now being passed by a Senate committee. One bill would allow some children with autism, if prescribed, access to the treatment. The bill’s sponsor, Harvey Representative Rodney Lyons, says he was moved by an appeal from his constituents.

Cut 7 (11)  “help them”

Lyons says current autism medications have devastating side effects that he says aren’t a problem with medical marijuana.

Cut 8 (09)  “this day”

The other bill would add other new conditions to the ten already in place, including PTSD, to the list of those who can be prescribed the oil or pill based treatment. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says medical marijuana is a safe treatment that has helped fight opioid use.

Cut 9 (08)  “of marijuana”

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The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office has arrested a 50-year-old man on bigamy charges. Spokesperson Casey Rayborn Hicks says Chaffie Brown had a wife in Baton Rouge and in LaPlace, who he married in 1993. Hicks says Brown married another woman in 2013

Cut 10 (10) “second wife”

Property tax records indicate Brown owned a home in St. John and in East Baton Rouge. Hicks says Brown told his first wife that he needed a home in Baton Rouge, because he often worked in the capital city and for long hours…

Cut 11 (04) “second wife”

Hicks says clerk of court records show Brown had two certificates of marriage for two different women, showing he was married to both at the same time. She says when the first wife started asking questions, Brown came up with another lie…

Cut 12 (10) “annulled”

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A concealed carry on campus bill passed the House. The bill allows school visitors with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm while on campus, but does not allow school officials or students with a permit to carry. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says allowing concealed handguns on campus would detract from educator’s time with students.

Cut 13 (13)  “on campus” 

Campuses include K through 12, and universities.

Westwego Representative Robert Billiot says the legislation only further stresses teachers who would then be saddled with the responsibility to asking armed individuals for their concealed carry permit.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. Milkovich raised concerns that the level of development in a 15 week old fetus could lead to potentially dangerous medical complications.

Cut 7 (11)  “significant injuries”

The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill also measures the time from conception.

cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”

The law would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

A bill allowing riverboat casinos to build on land from their current water bound facilities cleared a House committee 10-4, one of the few gaming related bills to gain traction this session.  Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says taking the casinos off the water will make it easier for casinos to bring in bigger crowds.

Cut 12 (06)   “go bigger”

The Mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with Felony Abuse of Power related to two undisclosed incidents in 2017 involving the alleged mishandling of town funds. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says the charge is similar to misappropriation of funds and malfeasance.

Cut 14 (08)  “fit it”

The arrest took place after Webster Parish Sheriffs informed the LSP about the incidents. Younger says Alexander is now out of detention, while the investigation continues.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court that would make it illegal to provide an abortion after 15 weeks. The Shreveport Democrat says fetuses are alive, and deserve a chance at life.
Cut 6 (09) “protect them”
The measure heads to the House floor for final passage.

The Senate has approved legislation that puts policies in place for state government to follow in sexual harassment cases. New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says the measure is timely with Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s resignation…
cut 4 (11) “…agency head”
The measure heads back to the House to see if they agree on Senate changes.

A Senate bill that would allow riverboat casinos to move onto land was approved by a House committee today despite objections by the Louisiana Family Forum, who say the legislation is expansion of gaming, because it would allow these floating casinos to have more machines. Mills says when the legislature approved gaming over 20 years ago, they put tight regulations on the industry for a reason…
cut 13 (10) “…those industries”
Despite the opposition, The measure is heading to the House for final passage.

The Mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with Felony Abuse of Power related to two undisclosed incidents in 2017 involving the alleged mishandling of town funds. State Police Trooper Glenn Younger says the charge is similar to misappropriation of funds and malfeasance.
Cut 14 (08) “fit it”
The arrest took place after Webster Parish Sheriff deputies informed the LSP about the incidents.

A bill allowing riverboat casinos to build on land from their current water bound facilities cleared a House committee 10-4, one of the few gaming related bills to gain traction this session. The bill has come under fire from gambling critics for being a de facto expansion of casino services, but bill sponsor Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says that’s not the case.
Cut 10 (07) “so ever”
But opponents disagree that the bill is not an expansion of gaming. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says taking the casinos off the water will make it easier for casinos to bring in bigger crowds.
Cut 12 (06) “go bigger”
The legislation heads to the House floor for more consideration and if it passes, it would head to the governor’s desk. John Bel Edwards has said he supports the bill.

The House Criminal Justice committee approved a measure that would prohibit abortions 15 weeks after conception. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling warned legislators that this abortion restriction law would lead to more legal costs as it will surely be challenged in the federal court system…
cut 9 (12) “…like these”
This measure would not go into effect unless the federal courts rule favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

The full Senate approved a measure to enact a statewide policy against sexual misconduct in government. The bill passed the same day Secretary of State Tom Shedler announced he was stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson is a co-author
Cut 3 (12) “those ways”
The measure heads back to the House for final passage.

Louisiana is moving closer to having the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the country as a House-committee approved a bill that would ban abortions after 15 weeks. Shreveport Senator John Millkovich says terminating a pregnancy 15 weeks after conception is bad for the fetus and mother….
cut 7 (11) “….significant injuries”
The Senate-approved bill passed on a 9-8 vote and heads to the House for final legislative passage. It will only go into law if the federal courts uphold Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban law.

In Webster Parish, the mayor of Cotton Valley, Joseph Alexander, has been charged with Felony Abuse of Power after he allegedly misused town funds on two occasions last year. State Police Trooper Glen Younger says the investigation remains active as Alexander has bonded out of jail…
cut 15 (06) “…dollar bond”
No other information was provided by State Police.

The state legislature is close to allowing riverboat casinos to expand gaming activity on land. Matt Doyle reports a House committee approved the Senate-passed measure today.
Voicer 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The Senate has approved legislation that puts policies in place for state government to follow in sexual harassment cases. New Orleans Senator Karen Peterson says the measure is timely with Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s resignation…
cut 4 (11) “…agency head”

Legislation that would give riverboat casinos the opportunity to move gaming operations on land cleared the House Criminal Justice committee and it’s just a House floor vote away from final passage. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns says his legislation will help an industry that provides the state over 900-million dollars in tax revenues…
cut 11 (09) “…enormous casinos”
The state’s 15 riverboat casinos have not left the dock in 17 years. Louisiana Family Forum Executive Director Gene Mills reminded the committee on why the legislature approved riverboat gaming to only be conducted over water…
cut 13 (10) “….those industries”
Despite the opposition the bill passed on a 10-4 vote.

A proposed 15 week abortion ban moves closer to final legislative passage after a House committee approved the measure on a 9-8 vote…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jim Shannon”

And the state legislature is close to passing legislation that creates a policy for state government to follow when it comes allegations involving sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson…
cut 5 (12) “…in appropriate”

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved two high profile bills of the legislative session. One of the measures would allow riverboat casinos to move some of their gambling operations on land and also change the rules regarding gaming space. Opponents say the measure expands gambling, but the bill’s author Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns disagrees…
cut 10 (06) “..what so ever”
The bill passed on a 10-4 vote.

The same panel voted for a measure that would prohibit abortions 15 weeks after conception. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling warned the committee that this abortion restriction law would lead to more legal costs for the state as it will surely be challenged in the federal court system…
cut 9 (12) “…like these”
This measure would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

Gnats are overstaying their welcome this year as a result of the abnormally cooler temperatures. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The mayor of Cotton Valley in Webster Parish has been arrested on a charge of felony abuse of power. Joseph Alexander allegedly mishandled town funds on two different occasions.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approved Senator John Milkovich’s 15 week abortion ban bill 9-8, after it passed with little opposition in the Senate. The bill mirrors an effort in Mississippi that’s been halted in federal court that would make it illegal to provide an abortion after 15 weeks. The Shreveport Democrat says fetuses are alive, and deserve a chance at life.
Cut 6 (09) “protect them”
The bill is similar to the Mississippi ban, but pro-choice activists note that there are differences. They say Louisiana’s law imposes stiff criminal penalties for providers, and does not allow exceptions for fetal abnormalities. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling says this bill measures the time from conception.
cut 8 (11) “11 weeks”
The measure heads to the House floor for final passage.

The full Senate approved a measure to enact a statewide policy against sexual misconduct in government. The bill was passed the same day Secretary of State Tom Shedler announced he was stepping down following allegations of sexual misconduct. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson is a co-author of the bill
Cut 3 (12) “those ways”
The measure heads back to the House for final passage.

And moving closer to final legislative passage is a measure that would be put on the ballot in November that would ask voters if they want fantasy sports betting legal in their parish. If the legislation is approved, the gaming control board would regulate fantasy sports gambling with companies like Fan Duel and Draft Kings. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says another bill would be introduced next year to determine how it will be taxed
Cut 15 (09) “combination of the two”

U-S Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge is touting legislation that he says will open the door for 2016 flood victims to receive federal grant money, even if they low-interest loans.
cut 12 (09) “…penalizing them”
The bill received near unanimous support in the House. Now they wait to see if the Senate approves.

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal.
Cut 14 (12) “the site”
Talbot says if the legislation passes, he bring another bill next year to put in the mechanics on how they can tax this new gaming activity.

First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will take over the agency that handles elections starting May 8th . Ardoin is replacing Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who submitted his resignation papers in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. Ardoin knows he’s been put in charge during a pivotal time for the department.
Cut 4 (10) “this state”
The Secretary of State’s office is in the process of purchasing new voting machines and they announced today they received bids from three different companies.

If you’ve been outside, you may have noticed that gnats are particularly bad this year. LS Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says the cool spring has extended the gnat season, but there are some country tested ways to keep the gnats away….
cut 9 (11) “…work well”
Brown says once we get a few days of 80 degree weather the gnats will go away, but then we’ll have to battle the mosquitoes.

First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will take over the agency that handles elections starting May 8^th . Ardoin is replacing Secretary of State Tom Schedler, who submitted his resignation papers in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal.

LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremey Alford says the statewide elected post opening gives lawmakers an opportunity to move up the ladder.

Cut 6 (11) “this fall”

Cooler weather this year has extended the usually brief gnat season, making trips out to the river a bit unpleasant for some. If you’re looking to make an outdoors trip, LSU Ag Center entomologist Sebe Brown says some folks might even find gnat bites are more of a problem than being swarmed by mosquitos.

Cut 10 (10) “coagulant”

The US House passed a bill that would allow Louisiana residents impacted by the 2016 floods to become eligible for grant money, even if they received low interest loans to help with their recovery. Baton Rouge US Representative Garret Graves, the bill’s sponsor, says this opens up recovery money to thousands. Graves says they also managed to fix a few other issues from the 2016 flood with this legislation.

Cut 13 (11)  “of FEMA” 

Legislation to give voters an opportunity in November to decide if fantasy sports gambling should be legal in their parish is one step away from final passage. A Senate committee approved River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s proposal.

The vote in Judiciary B committee was four to one in favor. New Orleans Senator Karen Carter Peterson, who did not explain her objection, was the lone no vote. Houma Senator Norby Chabert says he’s received a lot of calls in support…

Cut 16 (10) “clamoring for”