Votes are expected today on bills that are part of Governor John Bel Edwards’ criminal justice reform package. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny has a couple of bills that would provide parole eligibility for more prisoners and reduce sentences for first-time offenders….
cut 10 (11) “…productive citizens”
Supporters of the criminal justice reform package say it will decrease Louisiana’s inmate population by 10-percent over the next decade and save the state 262-million dollars during that time.

The LSU Baseball team is Super Regional bound after defeating Rice 5-0 last night to win the Baton Rouge Regional. Freshman pitcher Eric Walker struck out eight and scattered eight hits. LSU will host either Southern Miss or Mississippi State in the Super Regionals this weekend.

Drivers ed courses will soon be required to teach those seeking a driver’s license how to act when stopped by a law enforcement officer. Legislation calling for this requirement has reached the governor’s desk . Lafayette Senator Page Cortez says it helps police officers when drivers know what to do during a traffic stop….
cut 13 (10) “….as well”

Louisiana’s 2017 coastal master plan has received final approval from state lawmakers, which will allow the state to move forward on several projects designed to protect and restore the state’s coast. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Jimmy Frederick….
cut 9 (11) “….communities”
Frederick says unfortunately, they will not be able to break ground on a major sediment diversion project until 2022, because of the permitting process.

The regular session ends Thursday at 6 p.m. and lawmakers are optimistic a special session will not be needed. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says it remains to be seen if a budget deal can be reached between the House and Senate…:
Cut 6 (10) “in the past”
It would be the fourth special session since Governor John Bel Edwards took office.

Three criminal justice reform senate bills will be heard in the House today. One of the biggest problems certain lawmakers have had with the legislation is that it would give parole eligibility for second degree murderers sentenced in the 1970s. But Natalie Laborde with the Department of Corrections says the legislature removed parole eligibility for these offenders in the 1980s…:
Cut 12 (07) “the offenders”
The measures would also reduce sentences for some first-time offenders.

State lawmakers have approved the 2017 Coastal Master Plan and implementation can now begin. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Two bills requiring traffic stop etiquette to be taught in driver’s education courses are waiting for the governor’s signature. Student drivers would learn what to do if they get pulled over. Bossier City Representative Ryan Gatti says this will not increase the cost of the driving course…:
Cut 14 (09) “their instructor”

The Louisiana legislature approved the 2017 Coastal Master Plan and now implementation can begin. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says the cornerstone of the Master Plan is sediment diversion from the Mississippi River…:
Cut 8 (07) “of years”
He says they now have a road map to work to ensure that this land loss crisis can end sooner than later.

Lawmakers said Sunday they are optimistic they won’t have to go to a special session once the regular session ends in four days. The Senate approved a budget that spends more money that what the House wants to spend in an effort to avoid cuts to various state agencies. Jeremy Alford of LaPolitics.com says this is closer to compromise.:
Cut 5 (11) “and spend”
He says a conference committee with leaders from both chambers will now take place.

A flash flood watch is in effect until 7pm for portions of southwest and central Louisiana. The National Weather Service says an additional 1 to 3 inches of rainfall with isolated amounts of 3 to 4 inches will be possible through Monday night. The ground is very soggy and saturated which will make for slow draining and possible flooding conditions.

Freshman pitcher Eric Walker pitches a masterful game as the LSU Tigers beat Rice 5-0 to advance to the Super Regionals. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lawmakers are working towards avoiding another special session just minutes after the regular session ends on Thursday…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

In New Orleans, three people died and 10 more wounded in what authorities say are the most shootings the city has had in a single day this year. It was Saturday. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu is urging citizens who may have any information to please come forward, saying the silence following incidents like this is deafening especially in this age of social media.

Today the House takes up three Senate bills aimed at implementing criminal justice reform lawmakers promised to deliver during the session. Albany Representative Sherman Mack raised concerns about a provision that provides parole eligibility for second degree murderers sentenced in the 1970s, which means 160 inmates serving life sentences would become parole eligible…:
Cut 11 (07) “out of jail”
Despite Mack’s opposition, all three bills advanced to the lower chamber. If they pass, the governor expects Louisiana’s prison population to fall by 10 percent over the next decade.

Legislation that would require traffic stop etiquette to be taught in driver’s ed is on the governor’s desk for his signature. Lafayette Senator Patrick Cortez believes it would be better for all involved if a motorist knew what documentation to have ready and where their hands should be when they get pulled over …:
Cut 13 (10) “as well”
They say this would not cost any additional money.

The regular session ends Thursday at 6 p.m. and lawmakers are optimistic a special session will not be needed 30 minutes later. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the legislature will need to approve a budget for next fiscal year, and a financing bill plan for construction projects…:
Cut 4 (09) “legislative limbo”
It would be the fourth special session since the governor took office, but lawmakers seemed to agree Sunday that one won’t be necessary.

Today the House takes up three Senate bills aimed at implementing criminal justice reform. The measures would provide parole eligibility for more prisoners and reduce sentences for first-time offenders. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says this isn’t about being soft on crime:
Cut 10 (11) “productive citizens”

The Louisiana legislature approved the 2017 Coastal Master Plan and now implementation can begin. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana Spokesperson Jimmy Frederick…:
Cut 7 (11) “we can”

LSU is heading to the Super Regionals thanks to a masterful performance by pitcher Eric Walker. The freshman from Texas pitched eight plus innings of shutout baseball to help the Bayou Bengals blank Rice 5-zip. Coach Paul Mainieri says Walker continues to pitch big on the big stage:
Cut 15 (09) “to a championship”
The Tigers will find out today who they’ll play in the Super Regionals.

The state Senate is meeting today and it’s expected they will approve a 29-billion dollar budget for next year. The Senate’s spending plan allocates about 200-million dollars more to state agencies than the House plan. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it remains to be seen if a budget deal can be reached…
cut 6 (10) “…in the past”
If the House and Senate can’t agree on a budget, a special session will begin Thursday night.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis is upset his bill to make it easier to recall elected officials died without a fair hearing. Hollis says he only had 7 minutes to present his measure in committee after the controversial confederate monuments bill…
Cut 12 (10) “voted down”
Hollis plans to bring the measure back up next year.

It wasn’t pretty but LSU defeated Texas Southern 15-7 in the Baton Rouge Regional opener. The Tigers committed five errors and Head Coach Paul Mainieri can’t explain his team’s sloppy play….
cut 28 (09) “…it was a shame”
But LSU will play in a winner’s bracket game tonight against Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions took advantage of seven errors by Rice to beat the Owls 12 to 6. Alex Lange will pitch against S-L-U and Lions head coach Matt Ricer on what it will take to beat LSU’s ace….
cut 29 (15) “…he’s on”
Southeastern will start Mac Sceroler (Suh-roller). The Denham Springs native is a nine-game winner.

Despite committing five errors, LSU defeated Texas Southern 15 to 7 in the opening game of the Baton Rouge Regional. Freshman Zach Watson hit two home runs to lead the offensive attack…
cut 28 (13) “…clutch hits”
The Tigers will play Southeastern Louisiana tonight at 7 PM in a winner’s bracket game. The Lions defeated Rice 12-6 last night and now they’ll be looking for their first win over the Tigers since 2008. Head Coach Matt Riser on the matchup….
cut 29 (16) “…when it counted”

The House supports a bill to suspend child support payments for certain inmates. Michelle Southern has more…
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

The current legislative session has not addressed tax reform or the loss of one-point-three billion dollars in temporary taxes next year and the Daily Advertiser blames House Speaker Taylor Barras. The Lafayette newspaper is calling for him to step down as Speaker. But conservatives in the House say Barras has shown great leadership.

Despite five errors, LSU beat Texas Southern 15-7 to win the opening game of the Baton Rouge Regional. Coach Paul Mainieri couldn’t explain the sloppy play…
cut 30 (12) “…funny baseball”
LSU will face Southeastern Louisiana tonight. The Lions defeated Rice 12-to-6 last night.

The Daily Advertiser editorial board is calling for Taylor Barras to step down as House Speaker over the fact not much has been accomplished in the current legislative session. UL-Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross doesn’t think what’s happening at the Capitol is entirely Barras fault…:
Cut 13 (06) “ungovernable”
Editorial blaimes Barras for not helping to pass any legislation to address the state’s myriad of problems.

Long-term inmates paying child support would have their payments suspended under a measure the House approved. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s hard for inmates to walk out of jail and find a job, and this will give them a chance to get financially stable..:
cut 4 (10) “…it doesn’t happen”
The proposal still needs Senate approval and the legislative session ends Thursday.

A bill to revamp the film tax credit program has received final legislative passage. The measure makes it easier for film makers to redeem these credits and Lafayette Representative Jean-Paul Coussan says that would help grow the industry.
Cut 8 (10) “Louisiana”
There will be a 180-million dollar limit on the amount tax credits that will be handed out for TV and movie productions.

Inmates would get a break on their child support payments while incarcerated under a House-approved measure. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James says it’s hard for inmates to walk out of jail and find a job, and this will give them a chance to get financially stable.

Cut 4 (10) “doesn’t happen”

The proposal still needs Senate approval, and the legislative session ends Thursday.

The Daily Advertiser is calling for House Speaker Taylor Barras to step down, as the legislative session has been slow going. UL-Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says many lawmakers are following their constituents’ wishes by shooting down tax bills.

Cut 14 (08) “trust government”

The publication accuses Barras of not being able to lead effectively.

A Covington lawmaker says he is disappointed his bill died in committee without a fair hearing. State Representative Paul Hollis sought to make it easier for large districts to recall an elected official. Hollis says he was only afforded seven minutes to discuss his bill in front of the panel.

Cut 10 (09) “bipartisan”

Hollis says he plans to bring the legislation back next year.

A bill to revamp the state’s film tax credit program is nearing final passage. Critics say the return on investment isn’t there with the program, but Lafayette Representative Jean Paul Coussan says the film industry creates jobs.

Cut 9 (10) “compromised on”

The measure heads back to the Senate to approve changes made by the House.

The House approves a proposal to suspend child support payments for inmates who’ve been incarcerated longer than 180 days. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says 20 other states have similar legislation, and his bill complies with federal law.

Cut 5 (08) “is zero”

The proposal needs Senate approval before the session ends Thursday.

The legislative session has been slow going, and the Daily Advertiser blames House Speaker Taylor Barras. The editorial says Louisiana’s problems will not come with Barras at the helm, and it’s time for him to step down. UL Lafayette political science professor Pearson Cross says it seems like the journalists are good government types.

Cut 15 (07) “the legislature”

Cross says what’s happening at the Capitol isn’t entirely the Speaker’s fault.

A measure to revamp the film tax credit program is nearing final legislative passage. The lower chamber overwhelmingly supported the bill with an 89-8 vote. But Slidell Representative Kevin Pearson thinks our priorities are not in the right place.

Cut 7 (08) “healthcare”

The bill heads back to the Senate for approval on changes made by the House.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis says his bill to make it easier to recall elected officials did not get a fair committee hearing. He says he can’t understand why the bill failed when no one on the panel expressed any concerns.

Cut 11 (09) “long time ago”

Hollis plans to bring the bill up again next year.