The 2025 Legislative session wrapped up with some sweeping changes made to state government, and state law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry says the legislative session was a huge success.  He says a lot was accomplished in just sixty days, including…

Cut 10 (10) “…and insurance companies.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process in which inmates seek to have their sentences shortened or overturned. It accomplishes this by setting tighter deadlines for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys handling post-conviction relief petitions. Murrill says this is a huge win for the families of the victims of heinous crimes.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

Bill Pearson will be just one of thousands of LSU fans descending on Omaha this weekend, but his perspective will be unlike any other. This Father’s Day weekend, he’ll get to watch his two sons, Josh and John in the College World Series. Senior outfielder Josh Pearson has been an outstanding outfielder and clutch hitter for the Tigers.

Cut 13 (08)  “…just so fast.”

The 2025 Legislative session wrapped up with some sweeping changes made to state government, and state law. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of a bill aimed at speeding up the post-conviction relief process, with an emphasis on death penalty cases. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Bill Pearson will be one of many hoping for an extra special Father’s Day present in Omaha this weekend, but as the father of two LSU Tigers, his gift may be a cut above the rest. Kace Kieschnick has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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The 2025 Legislative session is in the books, and Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin calls it a significant session. Erwin says the highlight is legal changes to how car crashes are handled in court, hoping it will bring down insurance rates.

Cut 4 (09) “…we go forward.”

One of the last acts of the legislature was the decision to take 1.2 billion dollars from the Revenue Stabilization Fund, which is a savings account for the state and allocate hundreds of millions of dollars for road improvement, economic development initiatives and improving local water systems.

Erwin says legislation was also approved to reorganize the state Department of Transportation.

Cut 5 (09) “…more effectively.”

On the final day of the session, the legislature approved a bill that expands the TOPS scholarship program, creating a new “excellence” level. Erwin says students with an ACT of 31 or higher will receive higher scholarship amounts in an effort to combat the brain drain…

Cut 6 (09) “…places in Mississippi.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process in which inmates seek to have their sentences shortened or overturned. It accomplishes this by setting tighter deadlines for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys handling post-conviction relief petitions. Murrill says this is a huge win for the families of the victims of heinous crimes.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

While its main focus is on death penalty cases, Glorioso’s bill is much more encompassing. Murrill says it ends the process of drawing out the appeals process for years and even decades.

Cut 8 (09) “…that from happening.”

Murrill says the longer these cases drag on, the longer the families of the victims are traumatized.

Cut 9 (09)  “…see this through.”

Opponents say the bill would place too many burdens on prisoners who usually have few resources to pursue post-conviction relief. Murrill rejects that notion, saying the opposition usually comes from those opposed to the death penalty. The bill is awaiting Governor Landry’s signature.

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Governor Landry hails the legislative session as a huge success.

Cut 10 (10) “…and insurance companies.”

In a video posted to social media immediately after the session adjourned sine die, Landry said the legislature accomplished a lot over the last 60 days.

Cut 11 (13) “…not against you.”

And Landry said the legislature put the people of the state on a path to live healthier lives.

Cut 12 (08) “…generations to come.”

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Bill Pearson will be just one of thousands of LSU fans descending on Omaha this weekend, but his perspective will be unlike any other. This Father’s Day weekend, he’ll get to watch his two sons, Josh and John in the College World Series. Senior outfielder Josh Pearson has been an outstanding outfielder and clutch hitter for the Tigers.

Cut 13 (08)  “…just so fast.”

Bill watched Josh’s heroics help LSU win a championship in 2023, but this will be the first time he’s seen two sons in Omaha. Freshman first baseman John hasn’t seen much diamond time this year, but Bill says Josh has helped his younger brother stay patient.

Cut 14 (09) “…him to do.”

Along with wife Anna and older son Jacob, who was selected in the third round of the 2017 MLB draft, the family operates the Pearson Baseball Academy in West Monroe. Bill says he loves watching young players achieve their dreams.

Cut 15 (11) “…kind of surreal.”

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LSU will face Arkansas in their first game of the College World series tomorrow. The Tigers bats have been alive this postseason, averaging over ten runs a game. The trip to Omaha, however, will be their first time leaving the comfort of the Box, where LSU has been a different team. Coach Jay Johnson says this offense can produce in many different ways.

Cut 16 (19) “…throughout the year.”

LSU won the regular season series at home against the Razorbacks two games to one, including a 5-to-4 10-inning win. Arkansas ace Zach Root will return to the mound for revenge against the Tigers tomorrow. Root has an 8-and-5 record with a 3.59 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 17 starts. LSU slugging first baseman Jared Jones says the Razorbacks have one of the best pitching staffs in the country.

Cut 17 (19)  “…to the plate.”

One of the many challenges of the College World Series is the possibility of having to battle back from the loser’s bracket and play four straight days of baseball. That’s exactly what LSU had to do on their 2023 championship run, and Johnson says the Tigers are ready for whatever Omaha has to offer.

Cut 18 (18)  “…for anything.”

First pitch between the Tigers and Razorbacks is set for 6:00.

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ULM announced it will be hiring Bossier City native Ford Pemberton as its new head baseball coach. Pemberton spent the last two seasons with Memphis as the Tigers’ hitting coach and recruiting coordinator. He previously served in the same roles at Southeastern Louisiana. Pemberton says he’ll start his tenure in Monroe by building a quality staff.

Cut 19 (18) “…of people.”

The Warhawks finished at the bottom of the Sun Belt this season with an 8-and-22 conference record. Pemberton says he wants to emphasize player recruitment and development, both physically and mentally. He believes, with the help of the Monroe community, he can turn a struggling ULM program around.

Cut 20 (19) “…get going.”

Cut 26 (12) (applause fades)

With that, the 2025 legislative session comes to an end. Governor Landry released a video immediately at the conclusion of the session, hailing it a success.

Cut 10 (10) “…and insurance companies.”

Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says the big highlight of the session is legal changes to how car crashes are handled in court, hoping it will bring down insurance rates.

Cut 4 (11) “…we go forward.”

The legislature also approved a bill that expands the TOPS scholarship program, creating a new “excellence” level.

The legislature approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for next fiscal year, albeit only giving Governor Landry 43-million out of the 93-million dollars he was seeking for the L-A GATOR scholarship program. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this is the first year of the program, so it’s best to take a conservative approach when funding it.

Cut 14 (10) “…of this.” 

Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process by setting tighter deadlines for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Murrill says this is a huge win for the families of the victims of heinous crimes.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

At the top of the hour, the 2025 legislative session will be over, and Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin calls it a significant session. Erwin says the highlight is legal changes to how car crashes are handled in court, with the hopes it will bring down insurance rates.

Cut 4 (11) “…investment pay off.”

The legislature approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for next fiscal year, albeit only giving Governor Landry 43-million out of the 93-million dollars he was seeking for the L-A GATOR scholarship program. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this is the first year of the program, so it’s best to take a conservative approach when funding it.

Cut 14 (10) “…of this.” 

Attorney General Liz Murrill is hailing the passage of House Bill 675. That’s the bill by Slidell Republican Brian Glorioso that speeds up the post-conviction relief process by setting tighter deadlines for judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Murrill says this is a huge win for the families of the victims of heinous crimes.

Cut 7 (10) “…in our state.”

Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking can now have remote access technology on their vehicles disabled, thanks to a new law signed by Governor Landry. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey collaborated closely with lawmakers and survivors, saying 80-percent of all domestic homicide victims were stalked.

Cut 4 (12) “…helps both sides”

Governor Landry signed into law a bill that offers critical legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking by requiring car manufacturers to disable remote access technology

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

CVS sent out a mass text message to its customers telling them if House Bill 358 was approved, it would result in the closure of CVS pharmacies in Louisiana. Attorney General Liz Murrill says CVS may have violated state law by using personal information to push a political message.

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape is re-releasing a PSA warning of the dangers of babies sleeping in the same bed with others after a tragedy involving an infant who died last weekend while sharing a bed with his mother and a sibling. Coroner’s spokesperson James

Hartman says when putting infants to bed, always use the ABC rule – Alone, on their Back and in a Crib.

Cut 10 (07) “…with a child.”

The Louisiana Legislature has approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for next fiscal year. The spending plan does not contain the 93-million dollars Governor Landry wanted for the LA Gator program, which provides parents with state money to pay for private school tuition.  House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says most of the families that applied for LA Gator funds, already have children attending a private school…

Cut 12 (08) “…private schools.”

The LA Gator program will receive 43-million dollars, 50-million less than what the governor wanted.

Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking have added protections, thanks to a new law Louisiana law requiring car manufacturers to disable remote access technology, like tracking and control features, within two days of receiving a certified protective or restraining order. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey says 80-percent of all domestic homicide victims were stalked and thanks to this law…

Cut 3 (11) “…track or monitor.”

Congress is being urged to protect the Medicare Advantage program which was left intact by the House but Darren Grubb with Medicare Advantage Majority says provisions may be added in the Senate that he says would have a devastating effect on Louisiana’s 540-thousand seniors.

Cut 7 (10) “…services they need.”

The Legislature has passed a budget. The LA Gator program is receiving 43-million dollars, 50-million dollars less than what the governor wanted. LA Gator replaces the state’s voucher program, and House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says most lawmakers believe funding for private school vouchers should remain mostly the same…

Cut 13 (12)  “…for better opportunity”

A two-month-old infant in St. Tammany Parish died last weekend while sharing a bed with his mother and a sibling prompting Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape to re-release a PSA warning people of the dangers of babies sleeping in the same bed with others. Coroner’s spokesman James Hartman…

Cut 11 (14) “…was under her.”

He says always use the ABC rule – Infants should sleep Alone on their Back and in a Crib.

The Louisiana Legislature has approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for next fiscal year but it does not contain the 93-million dollars Governor Landry wanted for the LA Gator program that replaces the state’s voucher program. Thirty of the 50-million dollars Governor Landry wanted for the program went to high dosage tutoring in K-through-12 education. The other 18-million went to sheriffs for housing state prisoners in their local jails. About the LA Gator program, House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says this it’s best to begin with a conservative approach

Cut 14 (10) “…of this.”

A Medicare advocacy group is urging Congress to protect the Medicare Advantage program. When the One Big Beautiful Bill made it out of the House, the program was left intact. However, Darren Grubb with Medicare Advantage Majority says the Senate has the program in its crosshairs.

Cut 6 (08) “…essentially cut funding.”

After the recent death of an infant, St. Tammany Parish Coroner is alerting people about safe sleeping. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A new law is adding protections for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. Car manufacturers will now have to disable remote access technology, such as tracking and control features, within two days of receiving a certified protective or restraining order. Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Detective Kelly Downey was instrumental in getting House Bill 74 passed by highlighting the risks posed by abuser-controlled vehicle systems

Cut 5 (09) “…do the same.”

She says 80-percent of all domestic homicide victims were stalked.

CVS sent out a mass text message to its customers telling them if House Bill 358 was approved, it would result in the closure of CVS pharmacies in Louisiana. Attorney General Liz Murrill says CVS may have violated state law by using personal information to push a political message. It remains to be seen if the pharmacy benefit manager legislation will pass in the final hours of the session.

Governor Landry signed into law a bill that offers legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking by requiring car manufacturers to disable remote access technology

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Legislature has approved a 46-billion-dollar budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1^st. The spending plan does not contain the 93-million dollars Governor Jeff Landry wanted for the LA Gator program, which replaces the state’s current voucher program that provides parents with state money to pay for private school tuition.  House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says most of the families that applied for LA Gator funds, already have children attending a private school…

Cut 12 (08) “….private schools”

The LA Gator program is receiving 43-million dollars, 50-million dollars less than what the governor wanted.

There is a concern the Medicare Advantage Program could be cut as the U-S Senate considers making changes to the House approved One Big Beautiful Bill. Darren Grugg with Medicare Advantage Majority says a recent poll of seniors shows that an overwhelming majority want Congress to preserve the Medicare Advantage program.

Cut 8 (15) “…their family members.”