Brooke Thorington

2 weeks ago | wrkf.org | Brooke Thorington

The regular session ended Thursday, and lawmakers approved a $51 billion budget for the coming fiscal year, which starts in July. The budget includes $1.2 billion for one-time expenses for roads and bridges, college campus improvements and economic development incentives. The Senate cut funding approved by the House for the state’s new school voucher program by more than half, opting to spend some of that money on an in-school tutoring program instead.

2 weeks ago | redriverradio.org | Jeff Ferrell |Brooke Thorington

As the 2025 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session comes to a close this week in Baton Rouge a bipartisan bill, House Bill 479, which aims to enhance the notification process to witnesses and crime victims, received unanimous support in a final House vote on Wednesday 97-0. The bill requires both to receive updates when their perpetrator leaves and/or escapes from a parish prison or jail. Democratic Representative Mandie Landry’s bill was presented in the Senate by Republican Senator Jay Morris.

2 weeks ago | wrkf.org | Brooke Thorington

HB 1, the state’s budget plan, and several companion bills are in conference while lawmakers try to work out their differences and reach agreements on the legislation. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the remaining bills Wednesday afternoon, before the session concludes on Thursday. . A bill that would end diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) courses at Louisiana colleges and universities will not be voted on in the Senate.

2 weeks ago | wrkf.org | Brooke Thorington

A bill that would require insurance carriers to notify the Department of Insurance when they stop, pause or resume writing policies in a particular region of the state passed Monday. If Gov. Jeff Landry signs off on SB 137, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. A bill that would allow pharmacies to sell the anti-parasitic medication Ivermectin for human use without a prescription passed in the Senate after they agreed to changes made in the House. SB 19 is expected to be signed by the governor.

2 weeks ago | wrkf.org | Brooke Thorington

As the 2025 legislative session winds down, both chambers met Sunday and advanced several bills. A bill that would expand the definition of “coerced abortion” received final passage in the Senate. HB 425 defines coerced abortion as any “control” or “intimidation” of a pregnant woman that would compel them to undergo an abortion against their will, regardless of whether they actually had an abortion.