Legislative briefs: Hairstyle bill fails in House; Senate OKs anti-social media censorship; Senate levies hefty sports wagering fees
On second look, the Senate passed a pair of bills that previously failed to advance.
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News + Notes
Council approves $20 million in emergency spending for stormwater projects and spot dredging Bayou Vermilion
The administration took advantage of emergency declarations made by LCG and the state to push the appropriations through. Now it’s got a pool of funding that can be deployed without going to bid, just ahead of hurricane season.
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Legislative Roundup: Sports wagering; family politics for civil servants
Lawmakers approved sports wagering and an amendment allowing civil servants to engage in political activities in support of relatives.
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Tax reform amendment falls short of needed 70 votes in House
A crucial 14 members were not recorded voting on the constitutional amendment, including Rep. Julie Emerson, R-Carencro, who was absent Wednesday, and Rep. Vincent Pierre, D-Lafayette, who was present and had voted on other bills shortly before.
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Legislative Roundup: Legal marijuana pulled again after tax bill fails
Among Lafayette Parish’s seven members, Republican Jean-Paul Coussan and Democrats Marcus Bryant and Vincent Pierre voted yea and Republicans Beau Beaullieu, Stuart Bishop, Julie Emerson and Jonathan Goudeau voted nay.
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Roundup: Bill to increase penalty on insurers for slow disaster claims fails in House
Other action Monday: House sends sales tax consolidation bill back for changes; rules for when drones rule the skies.
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Is the tide turning for north Lafayette?
Several high profile economic development headlines have come out of the northside. Do you think the tide is turning? Are you optimistic? Tell us.
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5/18 Council Preview: More tax abatements, more drainage projects, and more police protests
On the docket for Tuesday night’s council meetings are approval for more drainage projects, a request to increase the LUS Fiber director’s salary, a report on police training, a request for another restoration tax abatement, and more.
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Lafayette e-commerce fulfillment company to take over closed Northside Walmart
The project fills a big hole on the Evangeline Thruway. Years of bad headlines and disinvestment have made the region a tough sell, and local officials hope news like this can polish the area’s image and attract investment down the line.
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Roundup: House unanimously passes Bishop’s spending bill
Included in the bill are three capital outlay projects for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette: $18 million for the Madison Hall renovations; $13.8 million for planning and construction of an engineering classroom building; and $13,350,000 for planning and construction of a health care education and training facility.
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After video of Pellerin’s death is released, calls for greater transparency renew
Pellerin’s family and local activists want Lafayette to adopt a proactive policy for releasing body-worn camera footage.
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Roundup: Legal marijuana delayed again; sales tax collection passes Senate; early voting for president expanded
Already punted twice, floor debate on marijuana legalization was rescheduled for Tuesday. Also postponed was a bill to allow industrial polluters to audit themselves.
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