State Rep. Jeffery “Jeff” Wiley said a House bill that raises state compensation to the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty is the right thing to do. The bill unanimously advanced to the Senate on Monday. (Photo courtesy of Louisiana House of Representatives) BATON ROUGE — A bipartisan bill increasing the financial compensation to more than $400,000 for family members of law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of d

State Rep. Barbara Carpenter’s bill requiring the Corrections Department to post to its website data on prison populations and demographics advanced to the Senate Monday. (Photo by Cross Harris / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — A House bill requiring the Department of Public Safety & Corrections to publish prison data on its website advanced 59-32 Monday with no debate. House Bill 525, authored by state Rep. Barbara Carpenter, D-Baton Rouge, would require the C

A bill by state Rep. Robby Carter would remove the current $250,000 cap on damages related to carbon-capture release incidents. (Photo courtesy of the Louisiana House of Representatives) BATON ROUGE — A bill aimed at reshaping how Louisiana handles liability for carbon-capture incidents is gaining traction at the State Capitol, signaling a potential shift in how the emerging industry is regulated. House Bill 79, sponsored by state Rep. Robby Carter, D-Greensburg, advanced wit

State Rep. Beau Beaullieu, foreground, said a bill requiring minors to get parental permission before downloading apps will increase online safety. (Photo Dakota Laszlo / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — The House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that would require app providers to verify the age of anyone in Louisiana who creates a digital account and require minors to associate their accounts with those of their parents. House Bill 977, authored by state

The House Commerce Committee unanimously advanced a bill Wednesday by state Rep. Rodney Lyons to expand access to fresh food in underserved communities. (Photo by Cross Harris / LSU Manship School News Service) BATON ROUGE — A bill seeking to expand access to fresh groceries in underserved areas advanced without opposition from the House Commerce Committee on Wednesday. Proposals to establish a 45-day window for energy companies to return overcharges to consumers and to req

BATON ROUGE — A Public Affairs Research Council webinar brought together policy experts who expressed sharp differences on the five constitutional amendments voters will consider in the May 16 election. The topics include civil service protections, the creation of a new school district for the city of St. George, permanent teacher pay raises, property taxes and raising the age limit for judges. Louisiana voters rejected a sweeping package of amendments last year that bundled