Legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or disability is heading to the Senate floor after it was approved on a two to one vote by a Senate committee. The author of the measure, New Orleans Senator JP Morrell…
cut 5 (11) “…like them”
There’s also a bill in the Senate that says businesses can’t ban employment based on sexual or gender identity.

A measure that calls on Louisiana to enforce surrogacy contracts is moving closer to final legislative passage. Louisiana Right to Life’s Diana Wallace is concerned a surrogate may be pressured to have an abortion, if it turns out she will have more than one child…
cut 8 (10) “….live birth’
If the bill is approved by the full Senate, it heads to the governor’s desk.

Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the autopsy is complete on the body of two-year-old Willow Rain Renteria-Molina, but authorities are not releasing the cause of death. 33-year-old Rodney Bailey of DeRidder is the person of interest in the case and is in jail on felony drug charges.

Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton’s bill that creates a Bullying Awareness and Treatment Task Force is advancing to the House floor. Norton says this group would identify how and where bullying starts and how it progresses. She says the taskforce findings could also help adults…
cut 16 (11) “…level too”

A Senate committee barely passed legislation to add members of the LGBT community to Louisiana’s anti-discrimination laws. Jeff Palermo has more…

CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Legislation that would create a legal framework between parents and surrogate mothers moves to the full House. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Students could be allowed to attend any public school in their district, under a proposal approved by the House Education Committee. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Legislation that seeks to protect gays and transgender individuals from discrimination is heading to the Senate floor after barely getting enough votes to pass out of a committee. Author of the measure, New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says there shouldn’t be any discrimination in the law.

cut 4  (10)  “treated fairly”

The Louisiana Family Forum and the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry oppose the bill, but they need not speak out in opposition during committee debate. Morrell says it’s not fair to deny someone of a job or license because of your personal views on them.

Cut 5  (11)  “like them”

The measure would broaden existing anti-discrimination laws to include LGBT individuals and people with disabilities. Morrell says if you’re going to protect one group form discrimination, you should protect everyone.

Cut 6 (07)  “at will”

The bill passed on a 2-1 vote and heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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A bill that would set up a legal framework in Louisiana between parents and surrogate mothers now moves to the full Senate for final legislative passage. The proposed law would grant immediate custody of the child to the genetic parents rather than the surrogate mother.  Norco Sen. Gary Smith says this measure will protect Louisiana families…

CUT 7 (10)  “be involved” 

Diana Wallace with the Louisiana Right to Life spoke in opposition to the bill because she says it doesn’t protect unborn human beings to the extent that Louisiana should. She says she is concerned a surrogate may be pressured to have an abortion if it turns out she will have more than one child.

Cut 8  (10)  “live birth” 

Currently, a baby born to a surrogate is considered that woman’s child. Author of the legislation, Lafayette Rep. Stuart Bishop, says….

Cut 9 (09)  “the child”

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The House Education Committee has approved a bill that would allow students to attend any public school in their district. Hammond Representative Chris Broadwater supports the proposal. He says this opens the doors for children to attend the best schools, no matter where they are zoned, provided the school they choose has room for more students.

Cut 10 (09) “public system”

Under current law, public school students who attend a “D” or “F” graded school can attend a higher performing school in their district. The bill by Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop gives students who attend an “A,” “B” or “C” school a choice as well. Broadwater says Bishop’s bill would mean schools will have to step up to the plate to be the best in their district.

cut 11 (05) “can you not”

Associate Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, Donald Songy, says this would be a difficult policy to put in place. He says principals usually don’t know their capacity until the school year begins, and wonders how many times students would be able to switch schools.

cut 12 (04) “to manage”

Songy says he has concerns about what would happen if there were 15 spots open at a school and 85 parents trying to get their children in.

Cut 13 (06)  “other situation”

The measure heads to the House floor.

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The House Health and Welfare Committee unanimously approved legislation that would establish a Bullying Awareness and Treatment Taskforce aimed at ending bullying in Louisiana. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton says a large number of Louisiana students are being bullied, and many are too afraid to speak up about it.

cut 14 (11)  “bullying them”

Norton says this taskforce would include representatives from the Department of Education, as well as the Department of Health and Hospitals’ mental health services. She says the goal is to help children on both sides of the bullying.

Cut 15 (09) “as well”

Norton says this group would identify how and where bullying starts and how it progresses. She says the taskforce’s findings could help both children and adults.

Cut 16  (11)  “level too”

Norton says this would not create more costs for the state, because they would only pay for travel and meals for the four members of the taskforce. The measure moves to the House floor for more consideration.

Governor Edwards signs into law a bill that means the TOPS scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover the full cost of a student’s tuition, starting in the fall of 2017. The bill locks in the amount of a TOPS scholarship at next year’s amount, and the award will not automatically increase, even if tuition costs go up. Executive Director of the Taylor Foundation, Dr. James Callier, says tuition increases have hurt the scholarship program.

CUT 6 (06) “increases”

An attack on a member of law enforcement, firefighters or EMS would be considered a hate crime under a measure headed to the Senate floor. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the hate crime law currently covers violence against people because of their race, gender, religion, age, disability or nationality — and this bill expands that…:

cut 15 (07) “EMS”

Authorities say a Prairieville woman has been arrested after her child ate methamphetamine. Gonzales police Sgt. Steven Nethken says 21-year-old Tyler Dauzat took her 2-year-old to the hospital when the child began exhibiting “erratic behavior.” Nethken says Dauzat was staying in a local hotel, when she left her child alone with her purse.

CUT 3 (08)  “her purse”

Nethken says the child was stabilized and taken to a Baton Rouge Pediatric Center.

The yearbook from West Monroe’s Good Hope Middle School is full of smiling children, and one very special furry friend. Presley, a service dog, got her own headshot in the yearbook next to her owner, 14-year-old Joseph “Seph” Ware, who has muscular dystrophy. Sonya Hogg is the yearbook advisor at Good Hope, and she says the 5-year-old golden doodle got her picture because to everyone at the school, Presley is just another student.

cut 12 (04) “quiet student”

Governor Edwards has signed legislation designed to control the cost of the TOPS program in future years. Starting in 2017, TOPS students will have to pay a portion of their tuition, if the legislature does not agree to raise the TOPS payment to match tuition hikes. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue, says this won’t solve all of the TOPS funding issues, but it’s a start…
cut 7 (05) “…we have”
Similar legislation was vetoed by former Governor Bobby Jindal.

A big vote on the House Floor is expected Wednesday over legislation that expands the number of the diseases that would be able to get a prescription for medical marijuana once the drug becomes legally available. Alan Pesch has a son that suffers from Crohn’s Disease and is encouraging the lower chamber to vote “yes”….
cut 11 (10) “…to Louisiana”
Sheriffs and district attorneys have raised concerns about the bill.

An attack on a police officer or firefighter would be considered a hate crime under a measure headed to the Senate floor for final legislative passage. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the hate crime law currently covers violence against people because of their race, gender, religion, age, disability or nationality — and this bill expands that…
cut 15 (07) “…or EMS”
The measure has been dubbed as the “Blue Lives Matter” bill.

Legislation that seeks to protect gays and transgender individuals from discrimination is heading to the Senate floor after barely getting enough votes to pass out of a committee. Author of the measure, New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says there shouldn’t be any discrimination….
cut 24 (10) “…treated fairly”
The Louisiana Family Forum and business groups oppose the measure.

The TOPS Scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover a student’s full tuition, as Governor Edwards has signed a bill into law that decouples the award amount from tuition increases…
voicer 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Flags are at half-staff over the State Capitol and public buildings in honor of Frank Levingston of Webster Parish. He was the oldest verified American World War Two vet, until he passed away last week at the age of 110.

Gonzales Police have arrested a 21-year-old mother from Prairieville after it was learned her two-year-old child ate methamphetamine.Sergeant Steven Nethken says the child was taken to a Baton Rouge hospital and Tyler Dauzat was arrested…
cut 5 (09) “…minor child”
Nethen says Dauzat told investigators her child got the meth out of her purse.

The photo of a service dog in the yearbook for West Monroe’s Good Hope Middle School is receiving national attention. The dog’s name is Presley and his headshot is next to her 14-year-old owner who has muscular dystrophy. The school’s yearbook advisor Sonya Hogg says it was a no-brainer to include Presley in the school yearbook.
cut 14 (08) “….love her”

Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana released two billboards to encourage people to call their legislators to vote in favor of expanding access to medical marijuana. Michelle Southern has more…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern’

Here’s a shocking story out of Thibodaux. Police there say a juvenile beat up an elderly woman who refused to give oral sex. The incident happened as the 61-year-old woman was walking down the street. The juvenile male was charged with simple battery of the infirmed.

Governor Edwards has signed legislation that takes a step towards containing the cost of the TOPS scholarship. It could result in a TOPS recipient paying a portion of their tuition starting in the fall of 2017, if tuition costs go up at the school they attend. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue is the author of the measure and says TOPS has been beneficial to Louisiana students and the program needs to be preserved…
cut 8 (06) “….forever”
Similar legislation was vetoed by former Governor Bobby Jindal.

Legislation that would make it a hate crime if a person targets police officers or firefighters is nearing final legislative passage. The bill’s author, Alexandria Representative Lance Harris, says additonal protections are needed for those who protect and serve…
cut 16 (10) “….hate crime bill”
The measure has been dubbed as the “Blue Lives Matter” bill.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation designed to control the cost of the TOPS program in future years. Starting in 2017, TOPS students will have to pay a portion of their tuition, if the legislature does not agree to raise the TOPS payment to match tuition hikes. The author of the measure, Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue, says this won’t solve all of the TOPS funding issues, but it’s a start…
cut 7 (05) “…we have”

Digital billboards are up in Baton Rouge and Shreveport urging residents to contact their legislators and ask them to support legislation that would expand the number of diseases medical marijuana can treat. Katie Corkern is featured on one of the billboards and she says FDA approved medication doesn’t help her child that has a seizure disorder…
cut 10 (08) “…talk about”
The full House is expected to vote on the bill that Corkern supports.

A 21-year-old Ascension Parish mother is facing charges after police say her two-year-old child ate methamphetamine. Gonzales Police Sergeant Steven Nethken says 21-year-old Tyler Dauzat was at first evasive in answering questions at the hospital, but a blood screen of the toddler showed meth in her system…
cut 4 (10) “….the methamphetamine”

The headshot of a service dog in the yearbook from West Monroe’s Good Hope Middle School has made national headlines. The service dog’s name is Presley and is photo can be found right next to his owner, 14-year-old Seph Ware, who has muscular dystrophy. The school’s yearbook advisor, Sonya Hogg, says Presley has evened signed a few yearbooks, with help from Seph….
cut 13 (05) “…from Presley”
Hogg says it was a natural decision for her to have a picture of Presley in the yearbook.

The TOPS Scholarship will no longer guarantee to cover a student’s full tuition starting in the fall of 2017. Governor Edwards signed the measure which doesn’t tie the award to tuition increases…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The governor has ordered flags on public buildings be flown at half staff today to honor Frank Levingston. The Cotton Valley native was the oldest living man in the US and the oldest verified surviving World War II veteran. Levingston died in Lake Charles a week ago at the age of 110.

Sensible Marijuana Policy for Louisiana has launched billboards in Baton Rouge and Shreveport in hopes to encourage people to contact their legislators to vote in favor of legislation that would expand access to medical marijuana. Spokesperson Jacob Irving says if you don’t make an effort, lawmakers will assume you don’t care…:
CUT 9 (10) “yourselves”
The bill that would add more medical conditions that could utilize medical marijuana is expected to be debated on the House floor tomorrow.

The story about the yearbook of West Monroe’s Good Hope Middle School is going viral and making national headlines. That’s because a service dog, Presley, got her own headshot next to her owner, Seph Ware who suffers with MS. Good Hope yearbook advisor Sonya Hogg says Presley, a Goldendoodle, is just another member of the school…:
CUT 12 (04) “quiet student”
She says Presley even signed the kids’ yearbooks, with a little help from Seph.

Governor Edwards signs into law a bill that means the TOPS scholarship is no longer guaranteed to cover the full cost of a student’s tuition, starting in the fall of 2017. Executive Director of the Taylor Foundation, Dr. James Callier (*Kye-yay*), says tuition increases have hurt the scholarship program:
CUT 6 (06) “increases”
The bill locks in the amount of a TOPS scholarship at next year’s rate, and the award will not automatically increase, even if tuition costs go up. Supporters say this will help make TOPS more affordable and thus more sustainable for the future.

State Police say a teenager from Marksville died this morning following a crash with a school bus in Avoyelles Parish. Investigators determined 19-year-old Joshua Frank lost control of his vehicle and collided with the school bus that was going in the opposite direction. There were no children on the bus at the time, but troopers say Frank wasn’t buckled up and he died at the scene.

An attack on a member of law enforcement, firefighters or EMS would be considered a hate crime under a measure headed to the Senate floor. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the hate crime law currently covers violence against people because of their race, gender, religion, age, disability or nationality — and this bill expands that…:
cut 15 (07) “EMS”
There was no objection in the Senate committee.

A juvenile who allegedly beat up a 61-year-old female because she refused to perform oral sex on him is charged with simple battery of the infirmed, according to the Thibodaux Police Department. They say the suspect was identified by a witness who tried to stop the attack, and he was subsequently booked into the Juvenile Detention Center on the charge.

Governor John Bel Edwards signed the bill that would permanently change the TOPS scholarship program so that, starting in the fall of 2017, awards will no longer automatically go up with tuition increases. The measure was introduced as a way to control the state’s costs, because there was a fear that Louisiana won’t be able to offer TOPS if the financial note isn’t more reasonable. 17 other bills were also signed into law.

A bus driver in Bossier Parish was busted driving drunk following her drop off route, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Lt. Bill Davis says 33-year-old Bridget Whitley was subjected to a random drug test after she showed signs of intoxication…:
CUT 14 (10) “for DWI”
He says this is the second DWI for Whitley, whose bond was set at $50,000.

Lawmakers want to remove Attorney General Jeff Landry’s funds from the state’s general operating budget. Jeff Palermo has more…:
CUT 1 (28) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Prairieville woman has been arrested after cops say her child ate methamphetamine. Gonzales police Sgt. Steven Nethken says 21-year-old Tyler Dauzat took her 2-year-old to the hospital when the child began exhibiting erratic behavior. Nethken says Dauzat was staying in a local hotel, when she left her toddler alone…:
CUT 3 (08) “her purse”
The 2-year-old is in stable condition at a hospital and Dauzat’s charges include cruelty to a juvenile and negligent injuring.