Legislation to raise the gas tax to fund infrastructure projects gets shelved due to a lack of support, prompting bill author, Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter, to request the winner of the fall gubernatorial election call a special “infrastructure” session next year.  Carter says crumbling roads and bridges are some of the biggest threat facing the state.

Cut 13 (11) “…of us”
Louisiana was slammed with another round of twisters yesterday that’s knocked out power to hundreds in Acadiana, damaged over 50 homes and businesses, and left three people with minor injuries.  National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist in Charge Andy Patrick says they’ve identified six tornadoes that touched down during the severe weather event so far, all of them having sustained winds of about 105 miles per hour.

Cut 10 (10) “…EF 1.“

Patrick says a large set of upper level disturbances has been contributing to the rash of tornadoes statewide.

Louisiana has produced the state’s first American Idol winner with Livingston Parish native Laine Hardy taking the top honors in the season 17 finale last night on ABC.  He returned to the show for a second season to play guitar for a friend who was auditioning.  While he wasn’t trying to make it back on the show, both of them got offers to advance in the competition.  His mom, Cindy Hardy, says in the time since last season, he has been playing more gigs, working on his stage presence.

Cut 4 (10) “…tried back out.” 
She says the family comes home tomorrow, but Laine will be staying in California for a few more weeks working on music.

Livingston Parish has produced the state’s first American Idol winner with Laine Hardy taking the top honors in the season 17 finale last night on ABC.  The eighteen-year old’s mother, Cindy Hardy says in the hours since being crowned champion, his music is shooting up the charts.

Cut 3 (09) “…rock charts on iTunes.”

This season marks Hardy’s second run on the TV show.

The House Appropriations committee approves legislation that would raise the legal age to smoke from 18 to 21 years old. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman says the measure will reduce health care costs for the state

Cut 6 (11) “…for many.”

An amendment has been added to the bill that exempts military personnel, law enforcement and first responders. It also grandfathers existing 18-year-olds.

Louisiana was slammed with another round of twisters yesterday that’s knocked out power to hundreds in Acadiana, damaged over 50 homes and businesses, and left three people with minor injuries.  Nation Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist in Charge Andy Patrick says the most severe damage occurred in Ville Platte, where the twister cut right through the middle of town…

Cut 9 (09) “…as well”

For the second year, Louisiana state parks will be partnering with the Workforce Commission to hire people with disabilities and special needs to fill jobs for the summer season. Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says the program was popular last year.

Cut 12 (05) “…with disabilities.”

Many of those that were hired for the summer ended up staying on beyond the tourist season.

Hundreds of people remain without power in Acadiana and three people are recovering from minor injuries after an EF-1 tornado cut through Ville Platte yesterday morning. Officials say over 50 homes and businesses were damaged.

One person was killed and four others are suffering from gunshot wounds from a shootout that occurred in Alexandria in the early morning hours. Authorities responded to the scene in the 19-hundred block of Bacon Street and found one man dead.

The state department of education is collecting information on silent alarm systems. Assistant superintendent of Education Erin Bendzily…
cut 9 (08) “…system leaders’
Bendzily says they will talk with school leaders, emergency response experts and national organizations focused on school safety so that local education leaders can determine if the installation and use of silent alarms is feasible.

Louisiana state parks are helping those with disabilities and special needs gain employment this summer. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

And the 2019 American Idol winner is….
cut 30
That’s right Laine Hardy is the first person from Louisiana to win the popular signing competition on ABC television. The Livingston Parish’s first single is entitled “Flame.”

The National Weather Service says an EF-1 torando with estimated winds of 90 miles per hour that went through downtown Ville Platte on Sunday morning. Governor Edwards says at least 50 homes and businesses were damaged by strong winds…
cut 25 (12) “…weather related’
The National Weather Service says there was also an EF-0 tornado that touched down south of Mamou.

The Louisiana Department of Education is on a fact finding mission regarding the use of silent alarm systems as part of an effort to enhance school safety. Assistant Superintendent of Education Erin Bendzily says she’s a mother of a 10-year-old son and understands the importance…
cut 10 (12) “….critical”
Bendzily says they are studying the feasibility and cost of installing silent alarms.

The online fantasy sports regulatory bill has an amendment on it that stipulates you can only play, if you’re at over 21-year-old only establishments like video poker parlors, bars, or casinos. Video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy advocated for the amendment and says legalizing the activity without restrictions provides no benefits to Louisiana businesses.
Cut 4 (09) “… of Louisiana.”
But Fairness for Fantasy Sports Louisiana spokesperson Ryan Berni says the requirement is so unfeasible that it raises questions as to whether the amendment is just a bad faith effort to kill the activity, or cripple it in favor of local gaming…
Cut 7 (08) “…fantasy sports.”
The legislation will be discussed on the House floor Tuesday.

The bill that sets up the regulation for fantasy sports gaming in Louisiana says the online games can only be played at over 21-year-old establishments. Video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy says this provision can help push more foot traffic into highly taxed casinos…
cut 6 (10) “…fantasy sports”
But advocates for fantasy sports wants the over 21-year-old venue provision stripped from the bill that’s awaiting a vote on the House floor.

A bill to legalize recreational use of marijuana is still alive in the legislative session and is awaiting a hearing in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is one of the supporters because he says a well regulated program is the best step forward…
cut 15 (11) “…program”
Under the proposal, it would be the state department of ag that would hand out permits to up to 15 companies who grow the marijuana that would be sold to those over 21-years-old.

The Louisiana Department of Education is requesting feedback on silent alarms in public schools. The Louisiana Legislature has requested that D-O-E look to see how viable and cost-effective the safety measure would be. State Education Assistant Superintendent Erin Bendzily says…
Cut 8 (12) “…technology.”
Bendzily says they plan to get input from school leaders, emergency response experts and national organizations focused on school safety.

The Office of State Parks is looking to hire people with disabilities and special needs to work at their sites during the summer. Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says there’s a place on the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s website to apply…
cut 13 (08) “….how to apply”
Last year, nine special needs individuals were hired.

Ville Platte is the latest city in Louisiana recovering from a tornado. Governor John Bel Edwards toured storm damage in Ville Platte yesterday, where about 50 homes sustained damage. Edwards says three people suffered non-serious injuries and hundreds are still without power…
cut 20 (12) “uprooted”
Later today, Edwards will travel to Ruston to give an update on tornado recovery efforts in Lincoln Parish.

There’s still a bill alive in the regular session that would set up a framework to decriminalize recreational marijuana. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says recreational marijuana is now legal in 10 states…
cut 14 (06) “…to be leading”
But the proposal is still long shot to pass this year. It’s awaiting a hearing in the House Criminal Justice Committee.

The House will hear a bill Tuesday that would restrict online fantasy sports playing to over-21 year old establishments. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

And the 2019 American Idol winner is….
cut 30
That’s right Laine Hardy is the first person from Louisiana to win the popular signing competition on ABC television. The Livingston Parish’s first single is entitled “Flame.”

The clean-up continues today in Ville Platte where an estimated 50 homes and businesses were damaged by a Sunday morning tornado. Three people suffered non-serious injuries. Over six-hundred Cleco customers are still without power.

Laine Hardy becomes the first Louisiana native to win American Idol. Judge Katy Perry says the Livingston Parish native will be one of the biggest stars on the planet.

The Louisiana Department of Education seeks advice on installing silent alarms in public schools. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

A House bill that would regulate fantasy sports gaming in Louisiana has an amendment that says fantasy sports contests are to be conducted in a venue where only those over the age of 21 are allowed. Fairness for Fantasy Sports Louisiana spokesperson Ryan Berni says that amendment subverts the inent of the 47 parishes that voted to authorize the activity…
cut 5 (07) “…for any medium”
But video poker lobbyist Alton Ashy says the amendment will help push more foot traffic into casinos. The bill will be heard on the House floor tomorrow.

For the second straight year, Louisiana state parks will partner with the state’s Workforce Commission to hire people with disabilities and special needs to fill jobs for the summer. Assistant Secretary for the Office of State Parks Brandon Burris says the idea came from Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
Cut 11 (11) “…the same time.”
For more information go to the Louisiana Rehabilitation Services webpage.

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report for Monday May 20th, I’m Kevin Barnhart…
The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would give the state’s legislative auditor access to income tax returns of Medicaid recipients. Democrats oppose the legislation, New Orleans Representative Gary Carter had this question for the bill’s author, Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala…
cut 5 (10) “….thank you”
The proposal heads to the Senate, where similiar efforts died in years past.

The House Labor Committee advances a Senate-approved bill to address PTSD and mental health among firefighters and police, adding the mental illness to the list of injuries eligible for public employee benefits. A Jefferson Parish firefighter spoke at the House hearing, saying he did not catch the symptoms of PTSD early enough, even going as far to say the activity among lawmakers were triggering flashbacks.
Cut 11 (12)“…of body bags.”
The measure heads to the House floor for final legislative passage.

The House will hear a bill Tuesday that would restrict online fantasy sports playing to over-21 establishments. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Lawmakers have a little over two weeks to complete their work as the regular session is set to end on Thursday, June 6th at 6 PM.

That’s your legislative report, I’m Kevin Barnhart on the Louisana Radio Network.