Louisiana regular legislative session begins: What to know

The Louisiana Legislature has gaveled back in for the first regular session of Gov. Jeff Landry’s term. Following two special sessions, conservatives have steep goals they want to achieve as they expect to face easy passage for some long-awaited topics.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) -- The Louisiana Legislature has gaveled back in for the first regular session of Gov. Jeff Landry’s term. Following two special sessions, conservatives have steep goals they want to achieve as they expect to face easy passage for some long-awaited topics.

With a Republican governor and a supermajority in both chambers, some lawmakers are hoping to check off a number of bills that have been shoved to the back burner for years. Landry said in his State of the State address that he wants to restructure the state constitution through a constitutional convention.

“We do need to take a look at what we can do to streamline government, all about making government more efficient, more friendly for our taxpayers. And that may very well be the way we have to do it,” said state Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe.

On the other hand, Democrats are strategizing how they can make an impact with their legislation and the few committee seats they hold. Some bills have been filed to make changes to the abortion laws, offer free breakfast in schools, and establish a state minimum wage among other issues.

“We need to make sure not only that kids are fed during the summer, but that they have access to health care. So that's going to be another big issue for us and also making sure that people can afford insurance,” said state Rep. Edmond Jordan, D-Baton Rouge.

Landry’s plan for a constitutional convention has not yet been revealed. The last one was held in 1973.

In the meantime, he hinted at his support for reform for educational mandates, insurance, and making Louisiana more attractive to businesses by not overtaxing them.

Tuesday will be the start of committee hearings for the over 1,000 bills that have to be heard in this session. 

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