Week one of the 2014 legislative session kicked off last Monday as Gov. Bobby Jindal introduced his proposed legislative agenda to lawmakers, characterized by an emphasis on higher education in the state. .
“Our top priority this legislative session must be making sure we have the resources to prepare our students and train them for the jobs of the future,” Jindal said.
Jindal touted the fact that next year’s state budget will increase total higher education funding by $141 million.
Jindal also advocated his support for human trafficking reform in the state, announcing a legislative package “to prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law, and protect the vulnerable and often forgotten victims of these terrible crimes.”
Two days later, the House’s Health and Welfare Committee passed legislation that would prohibit the use of tanning beds for those under the age of 18.
State Sen. Dan Claitor of Baton Rouge also was in the legislative spotlight Wednesday when the Senate Education Committee approved Claitor’s bill to repeal the Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Education-Science Act, deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court 27 years ago.
The unenforceable act requires that Louisiana public schools give “balanced treatment” to the teaching of both creationism and evolution.
Among the various bills scheduled for floor debate this week is HB 244, which could allow fundraising events at public universities to sell firearms.
According to the bill, “if property at a public postsecondary education institution is leased to a nonprofit corporation or association for the purpose of holding a fundraising event, the lease may authorize and provide for the auction and sale of firearms at the event.”