The Senate approves legislation to allow riverboat casinos to operate on land, despite objections it’s an expansion of gambling…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

It doesn’t look like Tangipahoa Parish will vote on whether they want a riverboat casino in their parish. A bill that called for a local referendum in November did not pass the Senate on a 15-18 vote. A House bill that would have done the same thing, failed to get out of the House Criminal Justice Committee this morning.

The House Criminal Justice Committee is considering a measure that would change the threshold for a jury to find a defendant guilty in a criminal case. Currently, it’s 10 out of 12 jury members, but the proposal would require a unanimous verdict for a conviction. Christie Smith is with the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys….
cut 7 (10) “…in Louisiana”
The measure has already passed the Senate.

And the Senate has approved legislation that would ban abortions 15-weeks following conception. The bill’s author is Shreveport Democrat John Milkovich…
cut 14 (10) “….frowning”
If the legislation receives Governor Edwards signature, it will only go into effect if the federal courts approve Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban law.

The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water.

Opponets argue that an expansion of gaming would lead to more gambling addiction, but Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says gamblers will find a way to get their fix whether we legislate against it or not.

Cut 6 (11) “nothing”

The bill moves to the House.

The switch to make Louisiana juries come to unanimous decisions will face a tough test in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Currently only 10 out of twelve jurors have to agree if someone is guilty of a crime. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to make all felony convictions unanimous. Christie Smith is the legislative liaison for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys says if you compare Texas and Mississippi they both are getting their share of convictions with a standard of unanimous juries.

Cut 9 (10)  “that matter”

That House committee is made up of 10 Republicans, 8 Democrats, 1 independent.

A teachers strike in Kentucky that led to increased funding for schools and higher pay is inspiring educator walkouts and work stoppages across the south. Louisiana Federation of Teachers is now polling its members to see what actions they would favor to address quality of life for teachers and students. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says they’ve already polled around 3,000 members, and will release a report in mid to late May with the results.

Cut 12 (11) “strike”

A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.

Cut 13 (06)  “worth it”

A wave of teacher’s strikes is sweeping the south, and which has Louisiana Teacher’s Unions looking at their options. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says the bill allows the riverboats to invest more into their properties, which will bring more tax dollars to the state…

Cut 5  (09)  “that money”

The switch to make Louisiana juries come to unanimous decisions will face a tough test in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Currently only 10 out of twelve jurors have to agree if someone is guilty of a crime. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to make all felony convictions unanimous

The measure has already passed the Senate, despite concerns the proposal will make it more difficult to get convictions. . Christie Smith is the legislative liaison for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, he says that’s not the case….

Cut 8 (08)  “or better”

A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.

Milkovich says abortions after 15 weeks are particularly difficult for potential mothers.

Cut 15 (10) “to pieces”

The bill moves to the House.

A House committee is expected to take up a Senate-approved proposal that seeks to change the state constitution so that unanimous juries are required in felony convictions. Jeff Palermo previews the debate…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Senate passed a bill 22-14 that would allow riverboat casinos to expand their operations on land. Louisiana is the only state that requires floating gambling halls to keep all gaming operations on water. Franklin Senator Bret Allain says he can’t support the legislation, because it is an expansion of gaming.

Cut 4  (10) “what is” 

A teachers strike in Kentucky that led to increased funding for schools and higher pay is inspiring educator walkouts and work stoppages across the south. Louisiana Federation of Teachers is now polling its members to see what actions they would favor to address quality of life for teachers and students. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says it’s not just about winning a bigger paycheck.

Landon says six year ago, Louisiana teachers we’re paid about the same as other southern educators, but in 2018, that’s no longer the case.

Cut 11 (11) “regional average”

A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.

Milkovich says 15 week old fetuses show clear signs of life.

Cut 14 (10) “frowning”

The Senate approves legislation to allow riverboat casinos to operate on land, despite objections it’s an expansion of gambling. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The switch to make Louisiana juries come to unanimous decisions will face a tough test in the House Criminal Justice committee today. Currently only 10 out of twelve jurors have to agree if someone is guilty of a crime. A proposed constitutional amendment seeks to make all felony convictions unanimous. Christie Smith is the legislative liaison for the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Cut 7 (10)  “in Louisiana”

A teachers strike in Kentucky that led to increased funding for schools and higher pay is inspiring educator walkouts and work stoppages across the south. Louisiana Federation of Teachers is now polling its members to see what actions they would favor to address quality of life for teachers and students. LFT spokesperson Les Landon says it’s not just about winning a bigger paycheck.

Cut 10 (09) “to be”

A 15 week abortion ban passes the Senate on a 31-3 vote. The bill mirrors a Mississippi law recently passed that has been halted by a federal judge. Shreveport Senator and Democrat John Milkovich says he’s well aware his potential law will lead to an expensive court battle, but it’s a price he’s willing to pay.

Cut 13 (06)  “worth it”

We’re at the halfway point of the regular session, and major changes to hot button issues appear to be off the table. Matt Doyle has more.
Vocier2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The state senate has approved legislation that would prohibit abortions 15 weeks after conception. It passed on a 31-3 vote and now moves to the House for its consideration. Mississippi also passed a 15-week abortion ban, but a federal judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing that new law.

A House approved bill to make hazing a felony, which means harsher penalties for those convicted, moved a step closer to final passage, when it was approved by a Senate committee. The parents of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, who died in a suspected hazing incident were on hand to testify…
cut 5 (11) “…saved Max’s”
The proposal would make hazing a felony, which it currently is not in Louisiana.

And there’s also a resolution moving through the legislative process that would create a panel to look at options on reducing traffic during the morning commute in Baton Rouge. One of those ideas is to have classes at LSU start after 10 AM. Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter….
cut 14 (08) “….one suggestion”

This week marks the halfway point of the regular legislative session and it’s unclear whether the Senate will take up the House approved budget that is disliked by the Edwards adminstration because of its deep cuts to health care services. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it remains to be seen how the legislature will pass a budget…
cut 8 (08) “…or tried”
The governor is calling for a special session and to pass tax bills to close a 648-million dollar deficit.

The House approved Max Gruver Act moved a step closer to becoming law today when it passed out of a Senate panel. The proposal strengthens the criminal penalties for hazing. It’s named after the LSU student, who died last fall in a suspected hazing incident involving large amounts of alcohol. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore testifed in support….
cut 4 (06) “…it’s fair”
Currently, hazing is just a misdemeanor crime.

A Senate-approved resolution to create a panel to find a solution to Baton Rouge’s horrible traffic problems flew through a House committee today. The Capital City is plagued with rush hour gridlock, and Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter says the sponsor of the measure was inspired to bring forth the legislation after one too many bumper to bumper trips through BR.
Cut 12 (08) “this resolution”

Festival International begins tomorrow in Lafayette. New to the five-day musical festival is electronic bracelets to purchase drinks and merchandise. Marketing Director Carly Viator says you can link your bank card to the wristband…
cut 10 (08) “….really smooth”
Festival International is expected to attract 300-thousand visitors.

We’re at the halfway point of the regular session, and major changes to hot button issues appear to be off the table. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

LSU announces House Majority Whip Steve Scalise will deliver the keynote address at LSU’s commencement on May 11th. The Louisiana Congressman will also deliver the commencement speech for the LSU Law Center on June 1st. Scalise is an LSU almunus.

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate Judiciary Committee without objection this morning. It calls for tougher penalties for those convicted of hazing. Police say Gruver died after an alcohol induced hazing incident last September at LSU. Lafayette Representative Nancy Landry authors the bill.
Cut 3 (:11) “Your support”

A Senate-approved resolution made it out of the House Transportation committee that will study whether LSU should start classes after 10 AM to ease the morning traffic congestion in Baton Rouge. State Representative Steve Carter says it’s a concept local downtown businesses have discussed as well….
ct 13 (10) “…this resolution”

The regular legislative session is at the halfway point, with issues like TOPS reform, gun control, and gambling expansion mostly dead, while new sexual harassment policies, tougher hazing laws, and medical marijuana expansions have received broad support. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the session has been bogged down by one issue.
Cut 6 (10) “gunna have”

A bill to make hazing a felony, which means harsher penalties for those convicted, moved a step closer to final passage, when it was approved by a Senate committee. The parents of LSU student Maxwell Gruver, who died in a suspected hazing incident were on hand to approve it…
cut 5 (11) “…saved Max’s”

Festival International begins tomorrow in Lafayette, a five-day music festival that features music groups from over 20 countries. The festival attracts 300-thousand people every year and has an estimated economic impact of 49-million dollars. Marketing director Carly Viator says there’s no other festival in Louisiana you can attend for free and hear music from across the globe.
cut 11 (11) “…this year”

84-year-old Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith has passed away from complications related to a lung illness. Smith led the north Louisiana town for 16 years. Homer Representative Patrick Jefferson says Smith was a man of the people.
cut 30 (11) “was everywhere”

This week marks the halfway point of the regular session and once again legislation that would change the TOPS scholarship failed to advance very far. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says at this point legislators should just give up trying to change the popular program.
Cut 7 (11) “ever passed”
Legislation to make it more difficult to get the taxpayer funded scholarship was killed on the House floor last week.

The largest international music fest in the United States begins tomorrow in Lafayette as Festival International de Louisiane starts a five-day fun that features music from over 20 countries. Marketing director Carly Viator says its free to attend…
cut 9 (09) “….pretty cool”
Viator says to make things easier on fairgoers this year, they will issue electronic bracelts instead of selling tickets to buy drinks and merchandise.

The House-approved Max Gruver Act is sailing through the legislative process, passing out of a Senate committee without objection today. Jim Shannon has more.
Voicer 1 (:31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

LSU Head Football Coach Ed Orgeron said today on a Shreveport radio station that they’ll probably play two quarterbacks next season. Coach O says they will name a starter by the end of fall camp. The three QBs vying for an opportunity to start didn’t separate themselves during Spring practice.