State

Senate bill removes budget mandates

The bill before the Senate Finance Committee removing the statutory mandate that state funds go to itemized state and local programs was held to allow the author additional time to build her case. Senate Bill 226, by Sen.

GOP presents its budget

Louisiana Republicans advanced their vision for the state’s spending plan Monday, cutting more than $236 million from Gov. John Bel Edwards’ proposed budget by targeting areas like health care, social services and a host of other agencies.

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Medical marijuana may prove lucrative for LSU, Southern

The lucrative nature of marijuana sales was at the center Thursday of a House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development discussion of a law that puts the state into the marijuana distribution business.

Business tax withdrawn

Rep.

House rejects shorter waiting period for divorce

The Louisiana House of Representatives Tuesday defeated 44-52 a bill to shorten waiting periods for couples seeking a no-fault divorce. Opponents warned it would undercut reconciliation efforts.

Senate bill challenges death penalty; victims protest

A bill to eliminate the death penalty moved to the Senate floor Tuesday after hours-long testimony from victims, faith leaders and law enforcement representatives. Sen. Dan Claitor’s Senate Bill 142 was sent favorably after a 6-1 vote, with Sen. Bodi White, R-Baton Rouge, the lone opposing vote.

Nungesser argues against tourism budget cuts

Despite record-breaking year for tourism, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism warned will not be able to sustain that volume with any more cuts in funding. The Office of Lieutenant Governor told House Appropriations subcommittee it, too, is a hardship case. Lt. Gov.

Senators debate bills for cheaper medicine, lowering obesity, tighten opioid regulations

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee reported to the full chamber for debate Tuesday bills to create cheaper medicine, to lower obesity rates and to provide more stringent opioid regulations. Senate Bill 14 by Sen.

Highway construction priority list question

The joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works set the tone for what is expected to be a raucous debate in the 2017 Legislative session that opened Monday over the proposal to raise the gas tax.