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Roundup of legislation in the 2022 session: School choice, interstate tolls, exemptions for wind and solar projects

Sat, 04/09/2022 - 7:36am

Here's a look at some of the legislation being considered by the Legislature:

Bill deferred, would ban solar and wind projects from tax exemptions

Legislation to exclude wind and solar farms from a Louisiana tax exemption program drew pushback from lawmakers on the House Ways and Means Committee this week, forcing the bill’s author to voluntarily defer the measure for now.

Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, told committee members on Tuesday he sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 6 to exclude wind and solar power facilities from the Industrial Tax Exemption Program to ensure an “equal playing field” with oil and gas producers.

The program was created to offer property tax exemptions to manufacturing facilities in exchange for creating jobs. McCormick noted that companies extracting oil and natural gas do not qualify for ITEP, and argued that the same should apply to solar and wind farms

Interstate toll ban stalls in committee

A Louisiana lawmaker wants to outlaw tolls on the state’s interstate system by removing exceptions to an existing ban, but a House committee has deferred his bill.

State Rep. Les Farnum, R-Sulphur, told the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works that Louisiana law prohibits tolls on existing roads, bridges, overpasses or highways “unless you improve or expand the system.”

Farnum sponsored House Bill 814 to remove the exception because he said tolls constitute a double tax and plans in the works to toll I-10 to fund bridge work would send the wrong message to folks coming into the state.

House OKs bill exempting mu shots from public records

The Louisiana House has approved legislation to exempt police mug shots from public records until a person is convicted of a crime.

The House approved House Bill 729, sponsored by Rep. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, with a vote of 75-21 to exempt most police booking photos from public record until a person is proven guilty.

The bill provides exceptions "if the person is a fugitive, or if law enforcement deems that person to be an imminent threat or danger," Duplessis said Tuesday. "There’s also language in the bill that would allow for a court hearing, for a judge to make the determination that it's in the public interest that the mug shot be released prior to conviction."

Rep. Raymond Crews, R-Bossier City, raised questions about whether other aspects of arrest records and public information could also be deemed prejudicial, such as a name or sex of a suspect. He also pointed to the value of mug shots in identifying additional victims of crimes.

School choice bills move ahead in committee

The House Education Committee advanced several school choice bills that would create education savings accounts parents can use for educational options outside of the public school system.

The committee voted along party lines to approve House bills 33, 194, 452, and 824 to create education savings accounts (ESAs) with the average per pupil state funding parents can use for tuition, tutoring, and educational services and supplies necessary to meet their child’s educational needs.

HB 33, sponsored by Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, would create an ESA program for children of military families, children in foster care and those attending schools with D and F ratings under the state accountability system.

HB 194, sponsored by Rep. Rhonda Butler, R-Ville Platte, would do the same for students with disabilities such as deafness, blindness or autism. HB 452, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, would extend ESAs as an option for students who have documented at least two instances of bullying, or any student who is the victim of sexual assault.

HB 824, sponsored by Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Jefferson, would provide ESAs as an option to all Louisiana students.

--Victor Skinner, The Center Square

Gov. wants $150M for coastal projects

Sat, 04/09/2022 - 7:27am

VICTOR SKINNER, The Center Square

Gov. John Bel Edwards is calling on the Legislature to allocate $150 million in state surplus funding toward an array of coastal restoration and protection projects.

Edwards joined officials with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Tuesday to highlight his proposal, which includes $84.5 million toward restoration efforts and $65 million toward hurricane and flood protection projects across 13 parishes.

"At this moment, we are reaping the rewards of over a decade and a half of planning and implementation efforts," Edwards said. "We have invested in the science and directed every available dollar toward projects that deliver real benefits to our people. Our track record of investment and implementation has allowed CPRA’s program to grow steadily into the success story it is today. The confidence we have in our coastal program has now been reaffirmed by an even larger investment from the federal government.

"I am now asking the Legislature to help us recover further from the devastating hurricanes of 2020 and 2021 by dedicating $150 million of state surplus to projects that will make us safer and more resilient well into the future," he said.

The plan includes 15 coastal projects ranging from $200,000 for the LSU Center for River Studies in Baton Rouge to $38 million for the design and construction of the Northwest Little Lake Marsh Creation in Lafourche Parish.

Others on the list include $30 million for work on the Lafitte Tidal Protection project in Jefferson Parish, $12 million for the LaBranche Shoreline Protection project in St. Charles Parish, and $11 million for the Grand Bayou Ridge Restoration and Canal Backfilling project in Plaquemines Parish.

"This is a pivotal moment for the coastal program. Our 2023 Annual Plan is the largest in CPRA history, with over a billion dollars allocated for construction and major investments in hurricane protection, sediment diversions, and 23 dredging projects across our coast," said CPRA Chairman Chip Kline. "We are excited to see the prioritization of vital coastal restoration and protection projects in this year’s surplus funding."

Edwards’ proposal would send $10 million each to the Montz Pump Station in St. Charles Parish; the Morganza to the Gulf Hurricane Protection System in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes; and the Southwest Coastal Project in Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vermilion parishes.

Another $8 million would go toward the Cameron Gulf Shoreline Protection project in Cameron Parish, and $6.5 million to work on breakwaters in Grand Isle in Jefferson Parish.

Edwards wants to send $5 million each to the Ted Gisclair Lock Structure in Lafourche Parish and the Vermilion Parish Projects, for work on shoreline protection and ridge restoration projects, as well as the North Vermilion Bay Shoreline Protection Project.

The proposal would send $2 million to both the Atchafalaya Basin Program in St. Mary Parish and "to leverage funds provided by partners to implement Restoration Partnership projects coastwide," according to an Edwards statement.

"Coastal Louisiana’s importance to the nation is underscored by the administration and Congress' recent investment of more than $2.6 billion under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs acts," said Col. Stephen Murphy, commander of the USACE New Orleans District. "We look forward to our continued partnership with the State of Louisiana in delivering their commitment to support the area’s recovery and improve its resiliency to future conditions."

DA considers prosecution of troopers in Greene case

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 10:25am

By PIPER HUTCHINSON, LSU Manship School News Service

BATON ROUGE -- Third District Attorney John Belton told a House committee Thursday that he will convene a grand jury to consider charges against the state troopers involved in the death of Ronald Greene.

Greene, a black motorist, died after a violent encounter with state police in which he was beaten, Tased and dragged while shackled after a high-speed chase that ended in a crash outside Monroe.

“It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen,” Belton told the special committee investigating the Greene case. “I believe state and federal crimes were committed, including federal civil rights violations.”

Belton said he is moving forward with charges because he has been giving approval to do so by federal authorities, who had previously asked him to wait until their investigation was complete.

"I can't promise an indictment or conviction, but I did promise to Ms. Hardin that I will continue to seek justice for Mr. Greene and his family," Belton said, referring to Greene’s mother Mona Hardin.

Belton said he was told by Alexander Van Hook, then the acting U.S. attorney for the region, that indictments would come by fall 2021. That never happened. Belton said that Brandon Brown, who was recently named to the position, gave him the go-ahead to move forward with charges.

Belton told the committee that federal officials have promised to share information with him.

“I did not recuse my office,” Belton said. “In fact, I have maintained prosecutorial power to prosecute state crimes that occurred in my district.”

“I believe some of the officers’ actions were above the law,” he added. “They committed criminal acts, including violating Mr. Greene’s civil rights.”

The Greene case came back to public attention earlier this year, three years after his death, after the Associated Press released a report alleging that Gov. John Bel Edwards knew about the circumstances of Greene’s death earlier than he publicly admitted.

The committee is tasked with investigating Greene’s death and whether a police coverup occurred.

Leaked videos depicting the troopers’ violent actions led to widespread public condemnation of their actions, but only one trooper, Kory York, ever faced punishment. York was suspended for 50 hours.

Belton did not specify which troopers might face charges. But he did tell legislators that former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves and current Superintendent Lamar Davis are not under investigation.

Belton also did not specify what charges he will seek, only telling lawmakers he will “look at everything.”

“I will never, and I repeat, I will never make prosecutorial decisions due to political pressure or public opinion…No one is above the law — no one,” Belton said.

Morgan City man accused of third DWI

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 10:08am

(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)

Morgan City police arrested a man early Friday on a third drunk-driving charge and, for the second straight day, made an arrest alleging aggravated assault.

Morgan City
Police Chief James F. Blair reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 44 calls for service over the last 24-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
--Taaj Meleek Delaune, 20, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:36 a.m. Thursday on charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone), transactions involving proceeds from controlled dangerous substance activity and possession of drug paraphernalia.
--Taja Naquelle Delaune, 21, Mallard Street, Morgan City, was arrested Thursday on charges of possession of marijuana and violation of uniform controlled dangerous substance laws (drug-free zone).
--Jonathan Jermaine Motte, 38, Mayon Street, Morgan City, was arrested 8:59 a.m. Thursday on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and disturbing the peace.
--Edwin A. Fonseca, 33, Filmore Street, Morgan City, was arrest at 12:09 a.m. Friday on charges of driving while intoxicated (third offense), illegal possession of a stolen firearm, general speed law, no insurance and no registration.

Franklin
Police Chief Morris Beverly reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 12 complaints over the last 24-hour reporting period and made this arrest:
--Alicia Sereal, 38, Adams Street, Franklin, was arrested at 1:38 a.m. Friday on a charge of simple battery. Sereal was booked, processed and held on a $2,500 bond.

Morgan City police radio logs for April 6-7

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 9:22am

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Wednesday, April 6
8:43 a.m. Maitland Elementary; Loud music.
8:46 a.m. Ochsner St. Mary Emergency Room; Disturbance.
9:48 a.m. 400 block of Leona Street; Search warrant.
9:50 a.m. 2400 block of Tiger Drive; Fight.
10:26 a.m. 300 block of Sixth Street; Theft.
10:39 a.m. 900 block of Marguerite Street; Fight.
12:26 p.m. Central Catholic High School parking lot; Accident.
1:07 p.m. 900 block of Cherry Street; Assis-tance.
2:10 p.m. Federal Avenue by Ganaways; Complaint.
2:25 p.m. Feder-al/Brashear avenues; Traffic complaint.
2:32 p.m. 300 block of Federal Avenue; Loud music.
2:38 p.m. Fourth Street/Railroad Avenue; Accident.
2:39 p.m. Wyandotte Elementary; Assistance.
2:52 p.m. Elm/Marguerite streets; Accident.
3 p.m. Sixth/Marguerite streets; Accident.
3:39 p.m. 7100 block of Park Road; Animal complaint.
4:25 p.m. 1200 block of Brashear Avenue; Alarm activation.
5:15 p.m. 1000 block of Second Street; Fire.
5:32 p.m. 2300 block of Clements Street; Fight.
5:39 p.m. 7100 block of Park Road; Animal complaint.
5:50 p.m. Brashear Avenue and First Street; Arrest.
6:08 p.m. 700 block of Arizona Street; Theft.
6:34 p.m. 1100 block of Brashear Avenue; Theft.
6:41 p.m. 300 block of Glenwood Street; Com-plaint.
6:48 p.m. 3000 block of Catherine Street; Loud music.
6:50 p.m. 800 block of Brashear Avenue; Ar-rest.
7:04 p.m. 6200 block of La. 182; Stalled vehicle.
7:32 p.m. 1200 block of David Drive; Alarm.
8:06 p.m. 7200 block of La. 182; Theft.
8:42 p.m. 700 block of Brashear Avenue; Assis-tance.
8:45 p.m. 500 block of Justa Street; Complaint.
8:58 p.m. 500 block of Fifth Street; Hit and run.
9:11 p.m. 3000 block of Catherine Street; Complaint.
9:26 p.m. Fourth and General McArthur streets; Reckless opera-tion.
10:32 p.m. La. 182 and Myrtle Street; Arrest.
11:05 p.m. Franklin Street and Federal Avenue; Suspicious subject.
11:48 p.m. 6300 block of La. 182; Suspicious subject.
11:49 p.m. 1400 block of Railroad Avenue; Medical.
Thursday, April 7
12:09 a.m. 700 block of Myrtle Street; Arrest.
1:02 a.m. 100 block of Third Street; Complaint.
2:07 a.m. 7700 block of La. 182; Arrest.
4:33 a.m. 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard; Suspicious subject.

Officials hope Atchafalaya stays low in spring 2022

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 8:56am

Staff Report

Sometime Wednesday afternoon, the Atchafalaya River at the Morgan City gauge slipped below 5.0, more than a foot below flood stage. It was still a foot above what the National Weather Service calls the “action” level.
But that’s all right with professional river-watchers. They’ve seen too much real action over the last six years.
The break has provided time to overcome the damage inflicted by a series of high-water events since 2016.
The flooding has resulted in property damage and millions in spending on mitigation efforts, and caused shoaling in waterways important to the local economy.
Raymond “Mac” Wade, executive director of the Port of Morgan City, recently participated in a multiagency high-water forecast meeting. For now, the prediction is positive.
The Ohio River Valley is “where our Achilles heel is at,” Wade said. Barring heavy rain there, 2022 appears about to become a second consecutive spring without a major flood.
“Right now, we’re slowly dipping down to 4 feet within six to 10 days,” Wade said Wednesday.
The National Weather Service’s online gauge for the Atchafalaya at Morgan City is slightly less optimistic. It has the river falling gradually to 4 feet April 19.
The port’s channel is open again, close to its authorized depth of 20 feet and width of 400 feet from Morgan City past Crewboat Cut and Eugene Island all the way to the sea buoy. That’s after a historic level of dredging, especially since Hurricane Ida.
Individual dredging projects, funded through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, can easily run $10 million or more. For a short time late last years, four dredges worked in local waterways at the same time, a first.
Berwick Bay still contains sandbars, but the fuel docks and Conrad Shipyard can do business along the river’s eastern bank north of the Morgan City wharf, Wade said.
Dredging has included isolated spots, like the troublesome Stout’s Pass north of Berwick, as well as the years-long experiment pitting Brice Civil Constructors’ Arulak dredge against sticky “fluff” mud close to the Gulf.
The goal is to attract the import-export shipping traffic that used the Port of Morgan City for transshipment until the flooding and shoaling began in 2016.
“We’re working on that,” Wade said. “We’re letting them know we’re open.”
The next major dredging project will be on Bayou Chene, which hasn’t been cleared since 2009. Wade hopes the work there could be under contract in June and underway within two months after that.
Like the Atchafalaya, Bayou Chene is a federal waterway with authorized dimensions of 20 feet deep and 400 feet wide.
Funding has been secured for the dredging, Wade said, but dredging the bayou to its authorized dimensions would be a $30 million project. The port will be looking for more money in the next round of congressional “work plan” funding for the Corps.
If the full $30 million can’t be secured, Wade said, savings might be achieved by widening the channel to something less than 400 feet. But he said he’ll insist on the 20-foot depth.

BETTY ANN TRIMM NEDDIE-BANKS

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 8:50am

Betty Ann Trimm Neddie-Banks, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Ochsner St. Mary.
Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. at New Mount Esther Baptist Church in Morgan City. Burial will follow in Morgan City Cemetery.
She is survived by two sons, Gerald Neddie Jr. of Baton Rouge and Shaddrick Neddie of Morgan City; three brothers, Leroy Trim, Edward Trim and Nathaniel Clark; three sisters, Minister Viola Ventress, Judy Trim and Letitia Ruffin; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by parents, husbands, two sisters and three brothers.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

SHONETTE SCOTT

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 8:48am

Shonette Scott, 54, a native and resident of Franklin, died Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette.
A memorial service will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Franklin. Masks and social distancing required.
She is survived by children, DeBriante Scott of Franklin, Kenesha Scott of Patterson and Kedesha Scott; parents, Herman Scott Sr. and Carolyn Williams, all of Franklin; siblings, Herman Scott Jr., Michael Scott and Monique Lewis, all of Franklin, Cassandra Scott of Patterson and Gary Carter of Monroe; two grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her grandmothers.
Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

KATHY FRANCIS DUGAS

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 8:46am

Kathy Francis Dugas, 81, a native of Thibodaux and resident of Morgan City, Louisiana, passed away on March 27, 2022.
A memorial visitation will be held in her honor on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Landry’s Funeral Home in Thibodaux.
She is survived by her sister, Colette Canty and husband Merlin; brother, Clifton “Dugie” Dugas and wife Tinker; numerous nieces and nephews; and caregiver of 25 years, Sherry Canty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irby Dugas and Bertha Ambrose Dugas; sisters, Barbara Jackson and Edelle Dugas; brother-in-law, Sonny Jackson.
Online condolences can be given at www.landrysfuneralhome.com
Landry’s Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

KATHLINE 'KAT' GROS BERCEGEAY

Fri, 04/08/2022 - 8:44am

May 23, 1950 — April 1, 2022
Kathline “Kat” Gros Bercegeay, 71, a resident of Easton, Maryland, and former resident of Morgan City, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022.
Kat was born on May 23, 1950, in Morgan City, the daughter of John Melvin Gros Sr. and Mary Lou Bertrand Percle.
Kat was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother, and housewife. She enjoyed traveling with her husband as well as being outside working in her yard, planting flowers.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one daughter, Bridget Bercegeay Trahan, and husband Jeremy; grandson, Jacob Norman Dement; five sisters, Debra Keller, Lucy Leggett, Betty Justilian, Patricia Marceaux and Agnes Rink; one brother, John Melvin Gros Jr.; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Kat was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Adam P. Percle; her husband of 44 years, Charles W. “Charlie” Bercegeay; one brother, Michael Gros.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2022 in the Morgan City Cemetery with Monsignor J. Douglas Courville officiating.