April 1, 2022 Dear Friends, An odd week at the Capitol... This week in Louisiana Politics is one for the history books; the Louisiana Legislature held two sessions at the State Capitol in one week! Both Houses of the legislature met in the Regular Session on Monday and Tuesday and then suspended the Regular and convened an Override Session on Wednesday. A recess until Sunday followed their finished work in the override session. On Wednesday, GOP lawmakers successfully voted to override Governor Edwards’ congressional map veto. This was the first time in thirty-one years that a Louisiana governor’s veto has been overturned. Edwards' veto was in favor of a new, Black Congressional district. The veto override moves the question over congressional districts to a federal court resolve, which was inevitable. A lawsuit has already been filed. What’s the impact of this vote going forward? Recall the legislature fell two votes shy of a veto override of Sen. Beth Mizell’s Fairness Women's Sports Act in 2021. The fact that the legislature was successful in an override on redistricting proves favorable for the women's sports bill this year. SB 44 is expected to be heard as soon next week! The Regular Session resumes Monday, April 4. Here's what else happened this week: HB 88 by Rep. Lance Harris - Requires public schools to provide instruction in observance of Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Day/Week each September PASSED HOUSE HB 234 by Rep. Schlegel - Prohibits smoking/vaping marijuana in any form in a motor vehicle by operator or passenger on a public highway PASSED HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE HB 450 by Rep. C Owen - Allows adoptees 24 years or older to obtain a copy of the original birth certificate even if the birth mom has the expectation of confidentiality PASSED THE HOUSE HB 568 by Rep. Edmonds - Prohibits making false representations to induce the payment of living expenses or other benefits in an adoption placement PASSED HOUSE |