Brooke Thorington

Louisiana

Political Reporter at WRKF-FM (Baton Rouge, LA)

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Articles

Louisiana lawmakers advance income tax and anti-DEI legislation

6 days ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

The House Governmental Affairs Committee Thursday voted 10-6 along party lines for HB 421, a bill that would to remove mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) courses for state employees and college students. Several Black committee members spoke in opposition of the bill, and questioned why they had less than 24 hours to review the legislation, which was heavily revised. There’s been a national push to remove DEI curriculums and job requirements at federal agencies and private businesses.
Lawmakers advance bill to criminalize child grooming; kill insurance score legislation

1 week ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

A Senate committee voted Wednesday to advance a bill that would make child grooming a crime. Under SB 58, those convicted of child grooming could face up to 25 years in prison if the victim is under the age of 13. The House Education Committee advanced HB 202, which would allow colleges and universities to contact a student’s parents if they experience a mental crisis.
Capitol Access Minute: Louisiana bill criminalizing kratom advances

1 week ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

SB 154, a bill that would criminalize the possession and distribution of kratom, passed the Senate and now heads to a House committee. Kratom is a supplement sold as an energy booster, pain reliever and remedy for opioid withdrawal. The House Ways and Means Committee advanced HB 271, which would raise the homestead exemption to $12,500. Rep. Matthew Williard (D-New Orleans) says with the high cost of insurance and property tax increases, he wants to help struggling homeowners as much as possible.
Capitol Access Minute: Louisiana bill criminalizing kratom advances

1 week ago | krvs.org | Brooke Thorington

SB 154, a bill that would criminalize the possession and distribution of kratom, passed the Senate and now heads to a House committee. Kratom is a supplement sold as an energy booster, pain reliever and remedy for opioid withdrawal. The House Ways and Means Committee advanced HB 271, which would raise the homestead exemption to $12,500. Rep. Matthew Williard (D-New Orleans) says with the high cost of insurance and property tax increases, he wants to help struggling homeowners as much as possible.
Louisiana lawmakers advance homestead exemption bill

1 week ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

The House Ways and Means Committee advanced legislation that would give parishes the option to increase the homestead exemption for property owners. The homestead exemption–$7,500 on the first $75,000 value of one’s home– has not increased since 1980, when the average cost of a house in Louisiana was $43,000. Right now, the average price of a home in the state is $200,000. HB 271 sponsor Rep.
Capitol Access Minute: Legislation to overhaul DOTD advances to full House vote

1 week ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

HB 640, which would establish the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction and HB 556, which would restructure the Department of Transportation and Development are scheduled to go before the full House vote Tuesday afternoon. More than 4,000 state employees work at the Department of Transportation. The bills would overhaul the agency and give the governor’s office more project oversight. Proponents say this will help the state to focus on infrastructure critical to economic development.
Capitol Access Minute: Legislation to overhaul DOTD advances to full House vote

1 week ago | krvs.org | Brooke Thorington

HB 640, which would establish the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction and HB 556, which would restructure the Department of Transportation and Development are scheduled to go before the full House vote Tuesday afternoon. More than 4,000 state employees work at the Department of Transportation. The bills would overhaul the agency and give the governor’s office more project oversight. Proponents say this will help the state to focus on infrastructure critical to economic development.
Capitol Access Minute: Legislative session enters 4th week

1 week ago | wrkf.org | Brooke Thorington

Lawmakers have returned to Baton Rouge for the fourth week of the legislative session. Last week, the House passed 25 insurance reform bills, including HB 430, which would crack down on attorney advertising and HB 436, which would prohibit undocumented immigrants from collecting damages in auto accidents. Without any debate in the full Senate, SB 2, a bill that would ban fluoride in public water systems, passed with a 24-10 vote. The bill advances to a House committee.
‘This is what democracy looks like’: May Day protest draws crowds in Baton Rouge

2 weeks ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

Demonstrators around the country took to the streets Thursday for May Day protests against President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies. . The 50501 movement (50 protests, 50 states, one day) has held several demonstrations since Trump took office, including one on President’s Day, and another on May Day, also known as International Workers' Day.
Capitol Access Minute: Nutrition, water fluoridation, insurance advertising bills advance in committees

2 weeks ago | wwno.org | Brooke Thorington

Bills involving nutrition, fluoride in public water systems and the insurance industry advanced in committees this week. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted along party lines to narrowly advance SB 14 on Wednesday. The bill would prohibit schools that receive state funds from serving foods containing specific artificial colors and additives. The bill was amended to allow schools to serve any food products made in Louisiana, even if they contain artificial dyes or preservatives.