Parents would have to sign a consent form in order for a school official to use corporal punishment on their child under a bill approved by the House. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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Louisiana fentanyl overdoses were up by 41.6% last year compared to 2019 so, the Louisiana Department of Health has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the alarming rates of overdoses in the state. Teiko Foxx has more.
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A parent would have to sign a consent form allowing school officials to use corporal punishment on their child under a bill approved by the Louisiana House. This is Metairie Representative Stephanie Hilferty’s third attempt in trying to pass such legislation…
A report from last school year shows 19 school systems still allow paddling in schools. Hilferty’s bill heads to the Senate after it passed the lower chamber on a 74-21 vote.
New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez believes the legislation should allow parents to opt out of corporal punishment instead of opt in…
Corporal punishment was widely used in public schools in the 19th and 20th centuries, but Amite Representative Robbie Carter says this method of discipline is outdated
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Legislation that would require the national motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every school classroom in public schools across the state was approved by the House in a 98-4 vote. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says it’s not pushing religion on anyone.
Legislation was passed in 2018 by Senator Regina Barrow requiring the motto to be placed at every public school. An opponent of the bill, Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the bill could be seen as promoting a particular religious belief.
The bill does not require public funds to be spent on purchasing the displays. Instead, public school governing authorities, management boards, and institutions may spend their funds or accept donated displays. Horton says there are no penalties and no burdens on taxpayers.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
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The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the powerful opioid fentanyl and actions everyone can take to save lives. Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed today as Fentanyl Awareness Day in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana overdose rates are well ahead of national averages.
The number of fatal fentanyl overdoses in Louisiana has increased sharply since 2019. In 2022, 64.9% of suspected drug-related fatalities in Louisiana involved fentanyl – that was up from 41.6% of fatalities in 2019. Kanter says just 2 milligrams can trigger a lethal overdose.
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt proposed a bill that would increase penalties for individuals convicted of producing drugs containing fentanyl with a first conviction of 10-to-40 years in prison, with at least ten years without parole and up to a $50,000 fine.
The miracle drug Naloxone (Narcan) helps save lives by reversing an overdose. Kanter says knowing the signs can help save lives.
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In support of Fentanyl Awareness Day, LDH has partnered with Louisiana Radio Network to air public service announcements educating about the dangers of fentanyl and the availability of Naloxone. Visit opiodhelpla.org for information about fentanyl and resources.
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Legislation to make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence advances from Senate Judiciary C. The bill already cleared the House 73 to 28. Bill author Jefferson Parish Representative Debbie Villio says single women with children are the most popular victims of this crime and guns are usually what’s stolen.
Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says while she applauds the intent of the bill, she worries it could lead to a slippery slope because of the bias in some courtrooms.
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Some lawmakers argue burglary of an inhabited dwelling isn’t a crime of violence if the victim is never impacted physically. Villio believes otherwise.
The bill advances from the committee to the Senate on a 4 to 2 vote.