State

Lawmakers chip away at sunshine law

Legislation to allow local governments conceal public records for economic development reasons advanced Thursday from the Louisiana House of Representatives. House Bill 461, sponsored by Rep. Steven Jackson, D-Shreveport, passed in a 79-18 vote and will head to the Senate for consideration.

Louisiana might tap into state savings to build juvenile correctional facilities

Louisiana legislative leaders are giving thought to withdrawing money from a state savings account to build and refurbish juvenile justice facilities around the state.

Ban on cellphones in public schools gets Senate approval

The Louisiana Senate unanimously passed a bill Monday that would prohibit students from using their phones during the school day. Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, authored Senate Bill 207 to keep students from using cellphones in the classroom.

House OKs public money for private schools

Public money for K-12 students in Louisiana is closer to being steered to private schools under a proposal the state House of Representatives approved Monday.

Louisiana blueberry harvest season arrives

It’s blueberry harvest season. Blueberries are packed with important nutrients, including vitamins and ascorbic acid. They’re also a superior source of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, procyanidins, chlorogenic acid and various flavonoid compounds.

Proposal to lower Louisiana Citizens insurance rates narrowly fails in tied vote

A proposal to lower insurance rates for homeowners covered under the state-backed Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. was narrowly defeated Wednesday in a tied committee vote.

Legislation mandates ‘God’s law’ in schools

The House Education Committee voted 10-3 Thursday to advance a bill to require public schools to display the 10 Commandments. House Bill 7l, by Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, is attempting to navigate the traditional legal divide between church and state.

Gulf’s next wind auction puts focus on Louisiana after Texas shuns renewables

Political winds, rather than the strength of actual air currents, are steering offshore wind energy development from Texas to Louisiana.

Education Savings Account passes in House panel despite cost concerns

Parents in Louisiana would receive from $5,000 to $15,000 in state money to send their children to private schools under a Landry administration bill that is moving through the State Legislature.

Bill expands liability for COVID-19 vaccine mandates

The Louisiana House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure advanced a bill Monday that would allow businesses and public entities that require the COVID-19 vaccine to be sued.