Michael Carroll News
Louisiana family services agency hit with class action over 'overwhelmed' foster-care system
A federal class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of 4,000 Louisiana foster children, alleging that the state’s Department of Children and Family Services operates under overwhelming caseloads and fails to protect kids from mental and physical harm.
Louisiana bill to help prisoners convicted by non-unanimous juries dies in committee
A Louisiana State Senate panel voted earlier this month to table a bill that would have provided a way for inmates convicted by non-unanimous juries to challenge their sentences after such jury verdicts were designated unconstitutional.
SEC suspends rule requiring disclosure of companies' climate-change data in wake of lawsuits
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has stopped enforcement of a rule requiring companies to disclose information about their efforts to fight climate change, pending the outcome of lawsuits filed in Louisiana and elsewhere.
Louisiana attorney general urges state Supreme Court to rehear case on 'lookout window' for abuse victims
Louisiana’s attorney general has filed a request with the state Supreme Court asking justices to rehear their 4-3 decision last month that overturned a state law giving child sexual abuse victims some additional time to file civil lawsuits.
Federal judge rejects Louisiana legislative districts, saying they dilute Black voting strength
The future boundaries of Louisiana state legislative districts remain uncertain in the wake of a federal judge’s decision that the districts violate the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 because they diminish the voting power of Black residents.
Louisiana insurance commissioner, business groups back reform bills to modernize regulations, fix legal climate
Business groups and Louisiana’s insurance commissioner are supporting multiple measures under consideration in the state Legislature aimed at curbing excessive regulations and improving Louisiana’s civil litigation climate.
Special election in litigated Caddo Parish sheriff's race goes to Democrat
A Democrat was elected Caddo Parish sheriff by six percentage points last weekend in a contest that was closely watched because an appeals court ordered a new election after finding multiple questionable votes were cast in a razor-thin election last fall.
State high court rejects Louisiana law that gave child sex abuse victims second chance at justice
In a 4-3 opinion, the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned a state law that gave child sexual abuse victims a three-year window to file civil lawsuits against their accusers in cases that had been time-barred.
Louisiana property owner sues to stop wildlife agents from entering private lands without warrants
A forester who owns woodlands in East Feliciana Parish is suing the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), alleging that the agency’s policy of allowing game wardens to enter private lands without warrants violates the state constitution.
Louisiana among groups trying to overturn SEC rule that would mandate climate-change disclosures
A federal appeals court has placed a temporary hold on a federal rule advanced by the Securities and Exchange Commission that requires publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related financial risks to their business operations.
Federal judge affirms city of New Orleans' restrictions on short-term rentals
New Orleans city officials are resuming the processing of applications for short-term vacation rentals in the city after a federal judge lifted a restraining order and upheld the city’s ban on corporate ownership of such rental units.
New Louisiana crime law will provide legal immunity to those with concealed-carry permits
Louisiana gun owners with concealed-carry permits will be granted limited immunity from lawsuits for injuring or killing someone during cases of justified self-defense under the provisions of a measure Gov. Jeff Landry signed on March 5.
Louisiana remains least affordable state for car insurance rates, new report finds
Louisiana drivers spend a greater percentage of their incomes on auto insurance than residents of any other state, paying an average annual premium of $3,618, according to a new study from the personal finances website Bankrate.
Lawsuit teed up that pits developers of rival golf projects in New Orleans
Developers of a riverfront mixed-use project in New Orleans that includes a golf entertainment facility and driving range are suing the company behind a rival golf project three miles away, alleging an orchestrated scheme to sink the riverfront facility.
Louisiana woman challenges state's occupational licensing rules for florists
A federal lawsuit filed in Louisiana aims to prune the state’s occupational licensing system by barring the Louisiana Horticulture Commission from determining who is allowed to arrange freshly cut flowers in the state.
Court decision restricts EPA from imposing race-based pollution rules in Louisiana
The federal Environmental Protection Agency cannot impose pollution rules on Louisiana that discriminate based on race in locations such as the industrialized areas along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, a judge ruled.
Louisiana lawsuit challenges federal rule that redefines independent contractor
A family-owned trucking firm in Louisiana is suing the Biden administration over a proposed rule that retools the definition of independent contractor, arguing that the rule threatens the livelihoods of millions of U.S. workers.
Louisiana environmental groups sue over EPA decision giving state agency authority over carbon-capture projects
Louisiana environmental groups on Tuesday filed a legal challenge to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s decision making the state the primary regulator of carbon-capture projects planned by the oil and gas industry.
12 Louisianans challenge new congressional districts, alleging they're 'racially gerrymandered'
A dozen plaintiffs described as “non-African Americans” have filed a federal lawsuit against Louisiana’s secretary of state, alleging that a new congressional map signed into law last month by Gov. Jeff Landry was a product of unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.
Louisiana Shrimp Association sues federal fisheries agency over turtle-protection rule
The Louisiana Shrimp Association is suing the Biden administration, alleging that a federal fisheries rule requiring the installation of sea turtle protection devices on certain shrimpers’ boats would be “financially crushing” for the industry.