LSU Manship School News Service

A Senate bill that would have required heating and air-conditioning systems in school buses failed on the Louisiana House floor Tuesday. The House rejected the measure 42-57 after nearly 1 ½ hours of debate.

The Louisiana Senate on Tuesday approved an amended version of a House bill that would decriminalize the possession and use of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and bongs, by making it a civil offense punishable by a fine but no jail time.

The Louisiana Senate Thursday approved a bill that would classify abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances, sending it to Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk for his signature. The Senate voted 29-7 to concur with a controversial House amendment on the bill, Senate Bill 276, despite pushback from some lawmakers, healthcare workers and women’s advocates. 

The Senate Finance Committee restored $33 million for teacher stipends Wednesday evening after the House had cut the funds last month. The money was added back into next year’s budget in response to recent projections that tax revenues will increase in fiscal 2025, which starts July 1.