The items include expanding methods for administering the death penalty and harsher penalties for carjacking. The governor is also seeking stricter treatment of juvenile offenders and tighter provisions for granting parole.
He is also proposing placement of the state’s indigent defender system under the governor’s office.
Source: LA Illuminator
Federal Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst on Jan. 31 approved the replacement of Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel McCoy with John Luke Walker in the federal felony case of Dusty Guidry.
McCoy acted as lead attorney in court appearances in December and January by two others involved in the bribery schemes, both of whom pleaded guilty and, like Guidry, are awaiting sentencing.
Source: The Advocate
Twelve plaintiffs contend the map passed by the Republican dominated Legislature and signed into law last week by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry is unconstitutional because they allege lawmakers drew the boundaries solely based on race.
Source: The Advertiser
Emerson, a Carencro Republican, will chair the House Ways and Means committee, a post previously held by former Rep. Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette. The committee plays a big role in shaping state infrastructure spending.
Source: The Advertiser
It’s time for Louisiana to stop building urban highways, investing in transportation infrastructure that makes our cities poorer.
The Legislature’s new maps create a second majority-Black district, a major win for civil rights advocates who have called for a map that more accurately represents Louisiana’s current demographics. More than one-third of Louisiana’s population is Black.
Lawmakers also approved a plan to move to a closed party primary system for Louisiana’s congressional, state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Public Service Commission and state Supreme Court elections.
Source: nola.com
The bill would switch Louisiana to a closed system in which candidates of the same party face off in their own partisan primary election.
[Leonard Franques] admitted to his role in a pay-to-play scheme that netted his company contracts with the state Wildlife and Fisheries department, and faces up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Source: KATC
The ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth, passed in 2023, has been challenged in court. That legislation tops the list of just under 20 bills now in effect as of Jan. 1.
Source: Bills implemented by Louisiana lawmakers on Jan. 1 may affect residents
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot was expected to take over as the University of Louisiana System president Jan. 1. But with only a few days remaining in the year, the UL System board has not extended him a contract offer.
Gov.-elect Jeff Landry indicated, in an interview with reporters Wednesday, he wants to talk to both the board and Gallot before the deal is finalized.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator
Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, is expected to become the next Louisiana House speaker after the four other major candidates vying for the position dropped out of the race Monday.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator
State officials want to divert the Louisiana Watershed Initiative’s third and final round of local project funding, potentially bypassing communities waiting to apply.
Get it first. Sign up for our free newsletters. Learn more »