Louisiana Network
Senate Labor committee approves legislation for paid family leave
Legislation that would require Louisiana businesses to provide employees with paid leave to deal with family or medical issues cleared its first legislative hurdle.
LA Wallet app’s $5.99 fee waived, but only for a limited time
The LA Wallet app, which allows Louisiana drivers to present their license on their smartphone, is now free, but only until the end of May.
Harrahs Extension Picks Up Momentum
The Harrah’s Casino 30-year license extension effort rolled through the House and is on it’s way back to the Senate, where it died last year.
A House committee approves legislation giving medical marijuana patients the option to inhale the drug
The House health committee approves legislation that would allow medical marijuana patients to receive the drug through an inhaler, instead of a liquid or pill.
Report Questions Nungesser’s Use Of State Police & Staffers
A WWL-TV report says Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has State Police troopers drive him everywhere he goes, but he still receives $8400 in annual salary to drive a personal vehicle to work.
House Committee To Debate Bill To Raise Age For Buying Tobacco
The House Health and Welfare Committee is expected to vote on a bill on Wednesday that would raise the age to purchase or possess tobacco from 18 to 21 years old.
Governor’s Mansion security breach raises questions about security protocol
State Police announce 34-year-old Reynard Green of Baton Rouge was able to get into the governor’s mansion last Wednesday and broke an antique table.
Sports betting legalization advances in Senate
A law that would allow a parish by parish vote on the legalization of sports gambling at established gaming sites passed a Senate Judiciary Committee 3-1.
Blanco’s Family: Fmr. Governor Still Moving Around, Visiting W/ Friends & Family
Kathleen Blanco’s family wants the public to know the former governor is not as close to death as reports indicated when it was announced she was in hospice care.
Governor Edwards Backs Lethal Injection Secrecy Bill
Hammond Representative Nicky Muscarello has legislation that would conceal the identities of companies that sell lethal injection drugs or equipment to the state.
Senate Bill Aims For Free College Courses For H.S. Juniors & Seniors
A Senate Bill could see a change in public high schools allowing every junior and senior to take two college courses free of charge starting next school year.
Bunnies and Chicks not the best gifts for Easter baskets
Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Rebecca Melanson said many people do not realize the commitment of rabbit ownership.
Bill One Step Closer To Toxicology Tests For Crashes W/ Serious Injury
A Bossier Parish wreck that claimed the life of four-year-old Katie Grantham in November 2017 has inspired legislation that would require toxicology tests on drivers at fault for vehicle collisions that cause serious injury.
Civil Rights Trail To Be Established In Louisiana
Louisiana will be one of several states to participate in a Civil Rights trail.
Senate bill proposes regulation on hybrid rental scooters
When electric scooter companies Bird and Lime placed their electric scooters in Lafayette, there were no ordinances in place to govern their use on the city’s streets. Now a bill introduced by Lafayette Senator Page Cortez gives more clarity to regulation.
Severe weather, including tornadoes and flash flooding, could be headed to the Bayou State Saturday
There’s a big threat for severe weather on Saturday. State Climatologist Barry Keim says ingredients are in place for numerous thunderstorms, some of them could produce a significant severe weather event.
ACLU Publishes Blueprint To Reduce Prison Population By Half
A report from the ACLU of Louisiana lays out a blueprint for cutting the state’s prison population by 50 percent.
Oyster Consumption Could Help With Anxiety & Depression
A Columbia University professor says eating oysters can help a person with anxiety and depression.
Many Louisiana Residents Wrong In How Much They Think They Pay In Taxes
The latest report from the Louisiana Survey shows many residents are wrong when it comes to how much they pay in taxes.
Bill Would Mandate Drug Testing Following Auto & Boat Crashes
A fatal wreck in November 2017 is inspiring a Bossier Parish representative to push an extension of a law that could make drug tests a requirement after serious auto and boating accidents.