Latest news with #LouisianaPolitics
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
This Week in Louisiana Politics: Jail security, DOJ closes investigation, new crime lab
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — On This Week in Louisiana Politics, Gov. Jeff Landry signs an executive order for jail safety, the Department of Justice closes an investigation into the state police, a report analyzes the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the latest on a new state crime lab. Here's a recap of the latest in Louisiana political news. Landry signed an executive order to improve jail security after 10 Orleans Parish inmates escaped. He wants to implement transparency and accountability in criminal justice systems across the state. New Orleans' jail system was troubled decades before 10 inmates made an audacious escape The order includes Department of Corrections inmates being transferred to state-operated facilities, the Inspector General would oversee audits of case files, court clerks are asked to document continuance requests, and judges are asked to address unnecessary delays. The DOJ closed its investigation into LSP and retracted allegations that state police violated people's Fourth Amendment rights. The DOJ said LSP used excessive force against people who did not pose a safety risk to officers. 'I'm grateful that under Pam Bondi's leadership, the Justice Department is taking a hard look at the biased, politically-motivated conduct of the Biden Administration's DOJ,' said AG Liz Murrill. 'This report was issued two days before inauguration, with one day's notice to the Governor and me, and zero opportunity to even read it, much less comment. I'm thankful to President Donald Trump and the current Department of Justice team.' How federal consent decrees have been used in police reform across the US Louisiana lawmakers in the Select Committee on Homeland Security learned about how the state responded to the pandemic. Rep. Charles Owen (R-Rosepine), who presented the report, said individual rights were violated in the name of protecting the public. 'It addressed our inaction as legislators for not stopping it when we could have, and the previous administration's overreach and its infringement on liberty as opposed to its fascination with protection over liberty,' Owen said. A new crime lab is in the works as over 11,000 murder cases dating back to 1965 remain unsolved. The new 118,000-square-foot lab would feature new technology, more conference rooms, an indoor gun range, and an analysis lab. It is expected to be completed by 2026. Louisiana Survey: Residents identify economy as most important problem How to get weight loss drugs without insurance Planning to fly with a portable charger or power bank? Read this first City employee killed in boat blast at NYC sewage treatment plant PHOTOS | 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 6 LSU sports legends with statues on campus in Baton Rouge Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
This Week in Louisiana Politics: State budget, teacher pay raises, anti-hazing bill
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — On This Week in Louisiana Politics, a funding bill heads to the Senate, teacher pay raises, an update on the anti-hazing bill, and East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards' proposed tax plan. Here's a recap of the latest in Louisiana political news. HB 1, authored by Jack McFarland, passed out of the House Committee on Appropriations. The bill seeks to deliver a balanced budget with $200 million less in revenue, while still funding priorities identified by the legislature and Gov. Jeff Landry, such as state police offices, LDWF, and behavioral health offices. Rep. Josh Carlson's HB 466 is headed to the Senate, along with Julie Emerson's HB 473. Both bills would pave the way for a $2,000 annual raise for all teachers. Lawmakers said if they're getting the stipend, they'd get the actual raise if this becomes a law. The plan is to pay down debt in the Teacher's Retirement Fund. HB 279, or formerly known as the 'Caleb Wilson Act,' passed out of the Education Committee with slight changes. These changes would shift responsibility to educate on hazing from the universities to the organizations and increase the required course hours from one hour to two hours. The majority of Edwards' proposed tax plan was approved by the metro council and will appear on the ballots in November. Edwards' Thrive! Plan aims to address the budget while maintaining critical services and reducing debt without increasing taxes. Capital One is acquiring Discover: Will you be impacted? This Week in Louisiana Politics: State budget, teacher pay raises, anti-hazing bill The best SUVs with 3 rows for 2025 How does the EPA know a pesticide is safe to use in my yard? Scotlandville Library expands with Black Heritage Room, outdoor areas Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
