Michael Carroll News
Redrawing of Louisiana congressional map seen as likely in wake of U.S. Supreme Court ruling
This month’s U.S. Supreme Court decision finding that Alabama’s congressional map violates the rights of Black voters will likely lead to Louisiana’s congressional map being redrawn prior to the 2024 election, a redistricting expert said.
Louisiana poised to ban foreign adversaries from owning state's farmland
A measure that would ban designated foreign adversaries and actors, including China, from owning Louisiana farmland has been sent to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk after passing the state Senate and House by wide margins.
U.S. Senate confirms Biden nominee to federal bench in New Orleans
President Biden’s nomination of attorney Darrel Papillion to the federal bench in the Eastern District of Louisiana was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last month on a vote of 59-31, with both of the state’s U.S. senators supporting Papillion.
Amended property insurance reform criticized by Louisiana business groups
With the Louisiana legislative session set to end Thursday, a bill aimed at clarifying the obligations of parties involved in property insurance claims was sidelined this week after “detrimental” amendments were added by state senators.
Iberia Parish biofuel project will convert sugarcane residues into energy
A $100 million plant that will transform sugarcane waste in Louisiana into biofuel pellets will help eliminate disputes over the piles of such waste accumulating in the southern region of the state, according to those involved in the project.
Bill to phase out state's corporate franchise tax advances in Louisiana House
Louisiana House floor debate began Friday over a measure that would phase out the state’s corporate franchise tax over several years – something bill supporters said would reduce business compliance costs and encourage economic growth.
Louisiana to sue FEMA to protect homeowners from flood insurance rate hikes
With the backing of 43 parishes, state Attorney Jeff Landry said Thursday he will sue the Federal Emergency Management Agency to block a new flood-risk calculation system that critics say threatens homeowners with bankruptcy and foreclosure.
Lawsuit challenging LCMC Health hospital acquisitions transferred to Louisiana
A Federal Trade Commission lawsuit challenging New Orleans-based LCMC Health’s acquisition of three regional hospitals as a possible antitrust violation has been transferred from Washington, D.C., to Louisiana.
Louisiana House bill would tie jobless benefits to state employment rate
A bill that ties the amount of weekly jobless benefits Louisianans can receive to the state’s overall unemployment rate could upend the state’s unemployment insurance system, according to the secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Louisiana lawmakers urge attorney general to sue FEMA over flood insurance costs
The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office should sue the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fight FEMA’s new flood insurance pricing system and shield homeowners from rate hikes, a resolution passed by state representatives says.
Louisiana high court sidelines most property damage lawsuits filed by MMA law firm
The Louisiana Supreme Court has put the brakes on hundreds of hurricane-related property insurance lawsuits filed by the Houston law firm of McClenny, Moseley and Associates (MMA) and appointed a trustee to oversee the mass litigation.
Baton Rouge transit system, employee resolve lawsuit over 'unlawful' drug test
The Baton Rouge bus system and its former comptroller have agreed to settle a federal lawsuit the employee filed that alleged the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) terminated him in the wake of an “unlawful” drug test.
Coalition urges Louisiana lawmakers to cut taxes, expand rainy-day fund
Louisiana lawmakers should adopt a 2024 fiscal-year budget that limits state government growth, bolsters the state’s rainy-day fund and provides a tax cut for individuals and businesses, according to a coalition of public-policy and business groups.
Landry adds Trump to list of endorsement in 2023 governor's race
Former President Donald Trump formally endorsed Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry last week to be the next governor, strengthening his position as a GOP frontrunner in this year’s November election, according to election observers.
Entergy vows 'expensive litigation' if New Orleans pursues $1 million fine
Entergy New Orleans has warned the New Orleans City Council that its renewed efforts to impose a $1 million fine on the company in response to multiple power outages in recent years would result in “expensive litigation.”
Louisiana lawmakers kill bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana
A bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Louisiana was sidelined in the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee late last month, despite signs that a growing number of Louisianans support the idea.
Judge opens door to class-action allegations in social media censorship lawsuit
A federal judge has granted a motion to add class-action allegations in a case filed by the Louisiana and Missouri attorneys general alleging federal officials colluded with social media companies to deprive Americans of their First Amendment rights.
Louisiana illegally hinders former inmates from voting, lawsuit alleges
A paperwork requirement that applies to thousands of Louisiana residents who want to restore their voting rights after being convicted of felonies violates federal law and is a vestige of the Jim Crow era, according to a federal lawsuit filed this month.
New Orleans legal climate results in tort tax of over $3,000 per person annually, study finds
Louisiana loses almost 50,000 jobs annually and struggles with a “tort tax” of $1,200 per resident as a result of excessive civil court costs, according to data released this week by Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch.
Business advocate Jim Harris dies at age 77 in Baton Rouge
Jim Harris, a Louisiana business advocate for more than three decades who was known for his gentlemanly demeanor and three-piece suits, died of an extended illness this week in Baton Rouge at the age of 77.