Michael Carroll News
Federal class-action lawsuit alleges LSU ignored sexual assault complaints
Seven women who have publicly accused administrators at Louisiana State University of failing to respond to complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault have filed a federal lawsuit against the university, alleging discrimination and Title IX violations.
Bill to expand Louisiana Supreme Court passes state Senate
The number of justices on the Louisiana Supreme Court would increase from seven to nine under a bill that easily passed the state Senate last week.
Bill to end concealed carry permit requirement passes Louisiana Senate
A bill that would allow the carrying of concealed firearms without a permit passed the Louisiana Senate this week on a vote of 27-11 in spite of public safety concerns raised by law enforcement.
Bill would designate Louisiana 'fossil fuel sanctuary' to cap federal environmental policies
A bill has been introduced in the House Natural Resources Committee that would declare Louisiana a “fossil fuel sanctuary state” to preempt federal environmental rules and regulations that could hurt the state’s oil and gas industry.
Louisiana bar exam to be administered online in July due to COVID-19 concerns
For the second year in a row, Louisiana’s bar exam will be administered remotely due to continuing health risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
Jefferson Parish school officials, family to seek settlement in BB gun suspension case
The Jefferson Parish School Board and the family of a fourth-grader who was suspended for briefly moving a BB gun last year during an online class will take part in settlement talks in May to resolve a federal lawsuit.
Civil litigation, insurance costs among top farmer concerns, Louisiana commissioner says
Civil litigation issues remain a top concern for farmers in Louisiana, especially as the prospect of coronavirus-related class-action lawsuits looms, the state’s agriculture and forestry commissioner said.
Cities association not taking stance on Louisiana sales tax reform plan
An association of cities has taken a neutral stance on a reform bill designed to streamline Louisiana’s complex sales and use tax system and simplify compliance rules for businesses.
Louisiana lawmaker optimistic about marijuana legalization bill amid rising public support
Rising support for recreational marijuana use in Louisiana could push state lawmakers to pass a bill this session that would pave the way for parish-by-parish votes on legalization, according to the bill’s author.
Inadequate medical care contributed to Louisiana inmate injuries, deaths, judge finds
Inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) in Angola have suffered needless injuries and deaths as a result of unconstitutional, inadequate medical care, a federal judge said in an opinion in a class-action lawsuit.
Louisiana lawmakers urged to use future sports betting funds for early childhood learning
Early childhood education advocates are urging the state legislature to dedicate potentially tens of millions of dollars in future revenues from sports betting in Louisiana to better prepare children under 3 years old for success later in life.
Louisiana energy industry concerns echoed in lawsuit to overturn Biden order
An association of Louisiana energy producers has echoed criticisms of President Biden’s ban on new oil and gas leases spelled out in a 13-state lawsuit spearheaded by Louisiana’s attorney general.
LSU on defensive in wake of release of sexual harassment review
Louisiana State University officials received scathing criticism from state lawmakers and advocacy groups after the release of a law firm’s detailed report on the university system’s failures to respond to sexual misconduct reports in recent years.
Appeals court green-lights Lafayette's lawsuit over fake antifa announcements
The Lafayette city government’s lawsuit to recover first-responder costs stemming from a comedian’s posting of fake antifa events on social media can proceed as a result of a recent state appeals court decision.
Top Landry aide resigns as series of controversies dog attorney general
A member of Attorney General Jeff Landry’s management staff resigned earlier this month after a second sexual harassment complaint against him surfaced, adding to a series of controversies Landry has dealt with over the past couple of months.
Farmers returns to Louisiana insurance market amid insurer recruitment push
Farmers’ Insurance Exchange is returning to the Louisiana insurance market this week and will issue auto insurance policies after a seven-year absence from doing business in the state, the company said.
Landry’s latest move affecting oil industry seeks to restart Keystone pipeline
Attorney General Jeff Landry on Wednesday added Louisiana to a 21-state lawsuit that aims to overturn President Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL oil pipeline – just weeks after Landry drew oil industry criticism by approving a coastal erosion legal settlement.
Commissioner urges insurers to engage with policyholders to resolve hurricane claims
For the third time, Louisiana’s insurance commissioner has reminded insurers of their good-faith obligations to policyholders in the wake of the 2020 hurricanes and recent extreme winter weather.
Landry loses lawsuit aimed at blocking public records request
A state judge has turned down state Attorney General Jeff Landry’s bid to sideline a journalist’s quest to get copies of a sexual harassment complaints against one of Landry’s top lieutenants.
Louisiana's voting machine upgrade put on hold; Ardoin cites misinformation involving Dominion
Louisiana’s secretary of state has pulled the plug on a request-for-proposal (RFP) process to choose a new voting machine vendor and upgrade the state’s aging elections technology, citing misinformation that has hurt voter confidence in the system.