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Ultra-conservative groups craft parental rights legislation for Louisiana lawmaker
A change to the Louisiana Constitution that says “parents have the paramount right to raise their children” — and not co-parent with the government — will likely get a second chance at life this week, even though the proposal fell short of passage in the House of Representatives last week. Conservative groups, some with leaders […]
Rapides assessor adjusts some property values for elected officials; repercussions limited
ALEXANDRIA — Rapides Parish Assessor Rick Ducote has updated some of his numbers after the Illuminator published an investigation that revealed he assigned super low property values for multiple elected officials, resulting in minimal tax obligations — and even tax bills totaling zero in some cases. Sheriff Mark Wood, for example, has been billed $0 […]
Lawmakers back bail minimums for violent crimes despite legal concerns
A bill that advanced from a Louisiana House committee Wednesday would set minimum bail amounts for suspects of violent crimes, a practice that critics say tips the scales of justice against the poor. There have also been federal challenges to minimum bail laws in other states on the grounds that judges should have the flexibility […]
Three-judge panel in U.S. appeals court hears arguments in abortion pill case
NEW ORLEANS — A federal appeals court panel quizzed lawyers during oral arguments Wednesday over a Texas judge’s decision that could end access to the abortion pill nationwide. Observers see the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals as a legal way station for the case, in which anti-abortion groups sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, […]
Students inspire bill to improve response to mass shootings on campus
A state Senate committee agreed Monday to support a nearly $9 million plan to help Louisiana public schools better prepare for mass shootings. The idea for the legislation came from a panel of students who told lawmakers current emergency drills don’t account for incidents that happen when they’re not inside a classroom. Sen. Barry Milligan, […]
Secondary event ticket websites under the spotlight in Louisiana proposal
Louisiana is the latest venue for a showdown that involves fans of live music and sporting events, performers and free market proponents. A proposal under consideration in the state legislature would set limits on non-transferable tickets, which can’t be sold or given away except through the original point of sale. The original version of House […]
Bill revised to keep Louisiana’s movie tax credits intact, but for a shorter time
The movie and television industry in Louisiana will continue to get generous incentives from the state, though they would end earlier than originally planned based on legislation advanced Thursday from a state Senate committee. The original version of House Bill 526 from Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, proposed a gradual phase out of the $150 million […]
Recess could be required for K-5 students
Louisiana public schools would have to schedule at least one 15-minute recess for students in kindergarten through fifth grade under a proposal that advanced Wednesday from a legislative committee. Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Schriever, excluded charter schools from House Bill 121 because state law allows them to establish their own policy on classroom time versus recess. […]
Simple burglary when someone’s home closer to becoming a violent crime
A person who breaks into a home while someone is inside could soon be charged as a violent criminal in Louisiana, eliminating the defendant’s opportunity for probation. Rep. Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, proposed House Bill 65 after her home was burglarized, she said. The Louisiana Association of District Attorneys supports the legislation. Under current Louisiana law, […]
Committee rejects bill to shield pregnancy outcomes from lawsuits, criminal consequences
A Louisiana House committee voted down a bill Monday that would have protected patients and medical professionals from lawsuits and criminal consequences if a pregnancy doesn’t result in a live birth. Opponents of House Bill 226 said it’s unnecessary because existing law already shields someone who is pregnant from being arrested for an abortion. The […]
Republicans’ callous indifference on minimum wage could cost all state lawmakers
There’s a good argument to be made for giving Louisiana lawmakers a pay raise, starting with the fact members of the state legislature last received one in 1980. You wouldn’t have to try too hard to convince me that being a legislator is a full-time job, given the near 24-7 accessibility to constituents via smartphones […]
How movie tax credits fit into Louisiana’s budget debate
The lucrative incentives Louisiana provides to motion picture productions have been linked to money spent on early childhood education in the ongoing debate over the state budget in the legislature. It’s just a flimsy fiscal paper chain for now, but a separate measure lawmakers have advanced could ultimately do away with tax credits for movies […]