LSU Manship School News Service

The Legislature gave final approval Monday to a bill that would allow surgical castration of convicted rapists and pedophiles whose victims are under age 13.

Three senior lawmakers said a decision last Friday to shift $717 million in state funds was one of the highlights of the legislative session that ended Monday. The lawmakers said they supported moving the money from a state trust fund for revenue stabilization to increase spending on transportation projects, maintenance of facilities on college campuses and public safety efforts.

“If we do not act, studies show that one in four children will leave our state for better opportunities,” he said. “The time for piecemealing, stalling and kicking the can down the road is over,” Landry told lawmakers.

The House voted 87-12 to shift individual income tax rates to a flat 3 percent and 83-14 to eliminate the corporate franchise tax.