Gaming issues dominated much of the discussion, as legislation was approved that would allow riverboat casinos to move on land and add more gaming space.
But the bill nearly didn’t make it out of committee, after Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver raised concerns about the lack of minorities in casino management positions…
And the Senate Judiciary B passed a bill to give Tangipahoa residents an opportunity to vote on allowing a casino along the Tangipahoa River near the I12 Robert exit.
The measure escaped deferment two to one, with Houma Republican “Norby” Chabert the lone dissenter. Charbert questioned why Tangipahoa was selected.
Tangi parish President Robby Miller testified in support of the measure.
A Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would allow citizens to vote on whether Louisiana should require unanimous juries for felony convictions. Currently, only 10 of 12 jurists are needed to convict someone of a felony.
New Orleans Senator JP Morrell argued that research done by the Innocence Project, a group that helps overturn wrongful convictions, proves unanimous juries help safeguard civil liberties.
Cut 12 (08) “jury convictions”
Louisiana and Oregon are the only two states that do not require a unanimous jury.
A House bill to establish a rebate for first time home buyers in Louisiana passed the Ways and Means Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Paula Davis told the committee that young people are strapped with a heavy economic burden these days that this could help.
But Monroe Representative Marcus Hunter says some wealthy homeowners could take advantage of the proposed tax break.