Latest news with #RegularLegislativeSession
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bill to put St. George school system on a ballot advances in House Committee
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A bill that paves the way for the newly formed city of St. George to operate its own school system has moved forward in the Regular Legislative Session. Senate Bill 25 passed out of the Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday. 'All Senate Bill 25 does as a companion bill is it gives it an election date in April so that people can vote on it,' said Senator Rick Edmonds (R-Baton Rouge). The companion bill he's referring to is Senate Bill 234. That bill would actually create the St. George school board and system within the parish of East Baton Rouge. That bill still must go through the Committee on Education. In terms of legislative progress, SB 234 has a few more hurdles to clear. Tuesday opponents of SB 25 told committee members it would ultimately divert millions of dollars away from Baton Rouge schools, and they believe passing it now was 'putting the cart before the horse.' Senator Edmonds rejected the suggestion to defer his bill until SB 234 is passed through committee, saying it's not uncommon to pass legislation out of order. 'We do it all the time, it's the timeline we get under that we have to pass companion bills, this bill still has to go to civil laws, the language has to be approved. So if you just look at the timing of legislation, those are things that happen all the time,' said Edmonds. SB 25 passed out of the Appropriations Committee on a 15 to 2 vote. SB 234 is a constitutional amendment, so it must ultimately go before the voter before becoming law. Edmonds is hopeful to have it on the ballot for an April 2026 election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Governor Landry backs bill to crack down on insurance rates
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Governor Jeff Landry testified in support of House Bill 576 this morning, calling for major changes to how insurance companies do business in Louisiana. The bill would give the state more control over what insurance companies can charge, specifically granting the insurance commissioner greater authority to reject auto insurance rate hikes that are deemed excessive, unfair or discriminatory. Landry said the legislation is meant to remove roadblocks that have prevented meaningful rate regulation in the past—including lengthy hearings, unclear burdens of proof and automatic rollbacks of competitive market designations. Meet the man in charge of the beautiful landscaping at The Windsor Court 'I want our insurance commissioner to be successful,' Landry said. 'I really believe that there's not one person in this room, or in this state, that doesn't want him and that department to be successful. However, we are consistently top three in the nation in the highest auto insurance rates in the country.' Supporters say it's about holding insurance companies accountable and protecting consumers, however, critics, including Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, warn the bill could actually backfire, pushing insurers out of the state, shrinking competition, and driving prices even higher. Right now, the average cost of car insurance in Louisiana is nearly $4,000 a year—more than double the national average. Homeowners are feeling it even more, with premiums nearing $14,000 annually. Mayor LaToya Cantrell to attend African American Mayors Association conference in D.C. The bill comes in response to a shrinking insurance market, a problem made worse by years of devastating hurricanes that forced many insurers to leave the state. That's left Louisiana residents with fewer options and skyrocketing premiums. 'Insurance companies continue to report record profits. I am going to beg y'all to stop the circus,' Landry said. The 2025 Regular Legislative Session must adjourn by Thursday, June Landry backs bill to crack down on insurance rates WATCH: Southeastern baseball coach Bobby Barbier previews series vs. UTRGV Meet the man in charge of the beautiful landscaping at The Windsor Court Drugs found in squash at South Texas port of entry, CBP says NFL Draft Analyst Matt Miller breaks down the New Orleans Saints' first round options Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana lawmakers discuss key issues ahead of Regular Legislative Session
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Key issues, including property insurance, tax reform, the state budget, and teacher pay dominated Monday's Baton Rouge Press Club meeting with House Chairs Jack McFarland and Julie Emerson. Emerson, who serves as the House Ways and Means Chair, acknowledged Louisiana's pressing challenges in property and auto insurance. 'We know that we have to address it. We know that we have some of the highest rates in the country, if not the highest rates,' she said. While she noted improvements in property insurance, Emerson emphasized that more work is needed, particularly concerning auto insurance rates. 'This session we're hoping to address everything on the auto insurance side, which does encompass some legal reform as well. So we will be looking to those things to try to create a better environment for insurance,' Emerson added. Tax reform was also a key topic, with Emerson discussing the recent failure of Amendment Two, which sought to combine Louisiana's budget and revenue stabilization funds. While acknowledging mixed public feedback, Emerson emphasized the proposal's long-term benefits. 'When you combine those two funds, that does help remove that $600 million limit we have on corporate and franchise tax collections that goes into revenue stabilization. And so that frees up more money from the general fund and further helps us reduce rates moving forward,' she said. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland addressed the state's budget and the ongoing discussion around funding for education. He proposed using a $2 billion fund to reduce debt, which would, in turn, free up funds for teacher raises. 'The teacher stipend is a priority,' stated McFarland. 'Our education system is on the rise in Louisiana. You've heard that reported. Teachers are playing a large role in that.' McFarland also highlighted efforts to reduce teacher burdens, particularly concerning testing, and discussed the state's projected $194 million budget shortfall. 'There are still things that we have to begin to do to prepare for the shortfalls, not just this year, but for those in future years,' he said. He suggested using the Revenue Stabilization Fund for one-time expenses instead of recurring costs as part of a strategy to address the budget gap. With the legislative session set to begin on April 14, both Emerson and McFarland expressed optimism that progress could be made in tackling these critical issues. As the session unfolds, lawmakers will continue to work on addressing Louisiana's fiscal challenges and the needs of its citizens. The public can expect updates on key decisions that will impact their communities in the coming weeks. Southern University's first female student body president dies Louisiana lawmakers discuss key issues ahead of Regular Legislative Session Volunteers of America surprises Sorrento preschool with $15K classroom makeover China threatens countermeasures after Trump threatens additional 50% tariff Growing opposition from House conservatives threatens to derail Trump's agenda Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
