UPDATE
LAST WEEK – March 31 to April 4
On Monday (March 31), House Commerce debated HB 804, which would elevate sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression to “protected status” in Louisiana’s Equal Housing Act. Currently, only immutable characteristics are protected against discrimination. HB 804 would allow punitive damages and court fees against a property owner accused of “discrimination.”
Proponents advocated for “sexual orientation,” which is legally undefined yet afforded the most favored status in President Obama’s U.S. Housing and Urban Development policy. The “most favored status” is in place because of a rule promulgated by HUD, not any law passed by Congress. HB 804 failed by a vote of 13-5 thanks to Rep. Joe Harrison for his motion to defer.
The most Pro-Life bill of the Session, HB 388 by Rep. Katrina Jackson, overwhelmingly passed the House Floor without debate. This bill requires abortionists to have admitting privileges to a local hospital. Click here to thank Rep. Jackson for a masterful job on this bill!
THIS WEEK – April 7 to April 11
COMMITTEES
House Health and Welfare – Wednesday, April 9 – 9:00, Room. 5 – Click here for committee members
HB 305 – Hoffmann – Prohibits abortion providers from giving presentations in public schools.
HB 727 – Ivey – Requires informed consent concerning potential psychological risks of abortion.
House Municipal – Thursday upon adjournment of House Session, Room. 6 – Click here for committee members
HB 503 – Carmody – Recognizes the Bible as the state book.
House Judiciary – Thursday upon adjournment of House Session, Room 1 – Click here for committee members
HB 208 – Hoffman – Prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors.
Senate Judiciary B – Tuesday, April 8 – 9:30, Room E – Click here for committee members
SB 311 – Morrell – Prohibits gambling by electronic sweepstakes device
Other Committee agendas were still pending at the time of this update.
FLOOR VOTES
HB 210: PAROLE (Representative Jefferson) – Amends criteria and expands the eligibility for medical parole. Bill was reported favorable with amendments (13-0) by House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee on April 2 and is scheduled for House floor vote on April 9 (Wednesday). Click to read the text of HB 210.
