Gambling – Sadly, the legislature and regulators see Louisiana as partners with the gambling industry. Not surprisingly, gambling has surpassed the oil and gas industry as our top economic engine. The Legislators voted to send sports betting to a vote of the people (SB 130) and to move internet gambling closer to availability for the people (HB 357). Passed Fiscal – A bill which would have required fiscal restraint in state spending failed in Senate committee. (HB 118) Failed Criminal Justice Reform – LFF supported some modest changes in criminal justice reform that was started back in 2016 (HB 77, HCR 2, HCR 3, HCR 14, HB 481) Passed Elections - LFF opposed increasing the possibility of fraud in elections by way of balloting by mail. (SB 486, HB 419). We supported additional security for the currently allowed mail in ballots (SB 75) and proper identification for those qualifying for elected office (SB 218) Passed 2nd Amendment protections – Several bills protecting our 2nd amendment rights received a lot of debate but did pass both houses of the Legislature and are headed to the Governor’s desk. (HB 140, HB 334, HB 746, HB 781) Passed Drugs – LFF carefully monitored bills which greatly expanded the availability of medical marijuana in Louisiana. As we have seen in other states, medical marijuana has morphed into the legalization of recreational use of marijuana. We will oppose this in all respects. Fortunately, all attempts to lessen restrictions on recreational marijuana failed. However, medical marijuana availability increased. (HB 819) Passed Life issues – SB 433 will require mandatory reporters of sexual abuse, including abortion facilities, to report pregnancies of children under 13 years of age as possible cases of abuse. Passed Marriage and family – LFF opposed a bill which would allow expedited divorce by a simple affidavit (HB 236) Failed There were many other bills which we would have supported or opposed. But due to the compressed time period for the session, those were left on the Legislative agenda. For the Special Session which began at 6:01 p.m. on Monday, the Legislators will be discussing fiscal issues and a few gambling expansions. LFF will be following bills during the entirety of the special session. Stay tuned! |