June 25, 2021

Dear Friend,

I wanted to give you a quick update on the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (SB 156), LFF’s priority legislation that was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. We’ve observed strong momentum to move forward with a veto override session. But we need more lawmakers to commit to the override session as quickly as possible.

If you haven’t already, please click here to email, or call your state representative and state senator and ask them to support the veto session, and to fix Governor Edwards’ erroneous veto.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has already indicated his support both for the override session and overriding the veto. LFF remains hopeful that Senate President Page Cortez will indicate support and leadership as well. Attorney General Jeff Landry released a statement in support of the bill, urging legislators to move forward with the override of the veto of SB 156.

Here’s the upcoming timeline on the road to override:

Wednesday, June 30, 2021: The last day for Governor to sign, withhold signature, or veto bills delivered after session.

Saturday, July 3, 2021: A tally of all vetoed bills will be transmitted from Governor - no later than twenty-third calendar day after the sine die adjournment

Monday, July 5, 2021: The Senate and House will transmit veto messages and declarations to members - no later than midnight of the second day after receipt of Governor’s statement

Thursday, July 15, 2021: The veto override session is automatic under Louisiana’s constitution. To avoid this session, a simple majority of members in either chamber must transmit a declaration stating that a veto session is unnecessary. We are asking legislators to commit to withhold their declaration- hence support a veto override effort.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021: Unless a majority of elected members of either house has declared that a veto session is unnecessary, a veto session in the state capital will occur at noon on the fortieth day following final adjournment, to consider all bills vetoed. 

Sunday, July 25, 2021: No veto session shall exceed five calendar days, which means July 25^th is the last day they will have to consider an override of SB 156, and others.

Governor Edwards this week also signed:

• Legalizing sports betting across the state: SB 247, HB 142, and HB 697 will go into effect July 1. The bills also allow the Louisiana Lottery Corp. to place betting kiosks in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
• Legalizing smokable marijuana: HB 391 will allow smokable marijuana to be sold through the state’s medical marijuana program.

Governor Edwards’ green lighting vice is one problem; but rejecting common-sense bills which protect women and girls is another. It is time hold public servants accountable to our will – not the will of D.C. politics.

LFF is gearing up for a contentious month as we move towards overriding the governor’s veto on SB 156. Please click here to make a contribution towards that work, so that we may protect women and girls in Louisiana.

Thank you for your support of LFF!

In His Service,

Gene Mills
President
Louisiana Family Forum

P.S. Here’s a great story illustration of why we NEED the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in Louisiana. Contrary to the governor’s statement, the issue is HERE NOW and we need to address it.