By Kaylee Poche
The latest report in the 2018 Louisiana Survey conducted by LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab found that a majority of Louisiana residents believe that both gender discrimination and sexual harassment are major issues and that the country should continue making changes to give men and women equality in the workplace.
Read the story in The Shreveport Times.
By Joby Richard
A divided House committee on Thursday approved three bills that would tighten eligibility for the popular TOPS scholarships and require some recipients to first attend two-year colleges.
Read the story in The Daily Advertiser.
By Kaylee Poche
A bill that would expand the medical conditions for which doctors could prescribe medical marijuana was passed by a House committee Thursday in an 8-4 vote.
The bill, proposed by Rep. Ted James, D-Baton Rouge, would also allow inhalation of medical marijuana.
Read the story in Fox 8/fox8live.com.
By Devon Sanders
The Senate Education Committee on Thursday refused to approve a bill that would have forced Louisiana Superintendent of Education John White out of office.
Read the story in KALB/kalb.com.
By Joby Richard
A bill unanimously cleared the House Education Committee on Wednesday that would allow public and charter schools to provide up to 30 days of leave for female employees who adopt children.
Read the story in KALB/kalb.com.
By Drew White
Anti-sexual harassment policies and mandatory training for all state public servants are one step closer to becoming a reality.
The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee approved anti-sexual harassment bills Wednesday sponsored by three female legislators — Rep. Barbara Carpenter and Sen. Regina Barrow, both Democrats from Baton Rouge; and Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell.
Read the story in The Town Talk.
By Joby Richard
A joint legislative subcommittee is looking to free up $152.5 million this year by eliminating 48 funds that are set by law and cannot be adjusted in the annual budget process.
The panel is trying to eliminate dedicated funding for some of the organizations and projects to keep budget cuts from falling disproportionately on higher education and medical care for the needy.
Read the story in The Shreveport Times.
By Tryfon Boukouvidis
A House committee on Wednesday voted 9-7 to reject a bill that would have authorized some elementary and high school teachers and administrators to carry concealed handguns on school property.
Rep. Ray Garofalo, R-Chalmette, who sponsored the bill, said gun-free zones are “basically a welcome mat to criminals and crazies,” inviting them to “come slaughter our students.” He said the bill is “about taking off the welcome mat.”
Read the story in The News Star.
By Kaylee Poche and Ryan Noonan
Sen. Eric LaFleur on Tuesday withdrew one of the most talked-about bills of the legislative session–his proposal to allow 19- and 20-year-olds to drink legally–amid fears that the state could lose federal highway funds.
LaFleur, a Democrat from Ville Platte, said he thought his bill, which would have required parental consent and alcohol education courses, would have led to more responsible drinking.
Read the story in Fox 8/fox8live.com.
By Paul Braun
The Senate passed legislation that would establish a framework for temporarily transferring firearms from individuals targeted by a restraining order. The bill also would stiffen penalties for possessing firearms in violation of a protective order.
Read the story in The Daily Advertiser.
LSU Manship School Statehouse Bureau 