[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6229268,"mediaKeyId","3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4","parentId",3464361,"title","House creates fund for local water-system repairs tied to broadband construction; no automatic appropriation included","audioSeconds",211,"startMs",974000,"endMs",1185000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4&start=974&end=1185","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4/thumbnail_974000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6229268/Louisiana/House-creates-fund-for-local-water-system-repairs-tied-to-broadband-construction-no-automatic-appropriation-included","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229268-9cd9722186808908a728409e5b78c1f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393210&Signature=oT3DVWptES4Li5R0tZQ~bncH3BqQGnHQri5d11OdyV7OT2e7LBFH6jD3x2g7Ohz3tzIL3AznFjNxsq6zFoSOHZdZ3oNiy0faQrvzDnmlfP1ILbNap5eyJD34PM0sJDdzoa-i-HKI27D2Pgr81f56XubMNwLWLAM5npuZAI~J2mUxAcQED2wLkMYrvCjxxsif0-mc1sfjO4c9dM4ibm32-jv9W4Okd-bTwropZPj7sqfmTKk2OSj742fh~V49~BomfiqZmLLHIjiJhEGEc8Hw1wQSLszWTLmTZeTZAWAw1OkW53GjgFyvSi95cic2N0nxAJs3Q352UldFLehl6k2~ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","The House approved legislation to establish a state special fund to reimburse local governments and utilities for water-system damage caused by broadband and other infrastructure construction, but the measure does not appropriate money into the new fund.

Representative Sim Desotel, sponsor of the measure, said Louisiana is preparing for a surge in broadband projects and related construction that could damage municipal water and wastewater facilities. The bill creates a Local Infrastructure Fund administered by the Office of Community Development; local utilities could seek reimbursement when damage is documented and appropriations are made into the fund.

Members accepted a floor amendment that removed a proposed dedicated revenue stream tied to a telecommunications tax and made clear that money must be appropriated by the legislature before payments may be made. The change addressed concerns raised in appropriations discussions and preserved revenue intended for local use, Desotel said.

Questions on the House floor focused on whether the measure imposes an unfunded mandate. Representative Mike Zarrang and others asked whether the bill would obligate local governments to provide matching funds or otherwise change local budgets; sponsors responded that the fund only exists if and when the legislature appropriates money and that the bill does not automatically transfer local revenue.

The bill passed on a recorded vote after sponsors said the measure would provide an administrative mechanism to respond to physical damage from construction once the legislature decides to fund it.

Why it matters: Broadband and other infrastructure projects can cause unexpected damage to local water and sewer systems. This bill sets a permanent mechanism for future reimbursements and clarifies the appropriation process, so local officials can seek relief when the legislature allocates funds.

What’s next: The fund exists but must be funded through separate appropriations; sponsors indicated they will seek appropriations in subsequent budget discussions as project pipelines accelerate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House of Representatives May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House approved legislation to establish a state special fund to reimburse local governments and utilities for water-system damage caused by broadband and other infrastructure construction, but the measure does not appropriate money into the new fund.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6229277,"House fails to pass bill making improper firearm storage a misdemeanor after hours of debate",1253,123000,1376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4&start=123&end=1376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4/thumbnail_123000.jpg","/articles/6229277/Louisiana/House-fails-to-pass-bill-making-improper-firearm-storage-a-misdemeanor-after-hours-of-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229277-4de9a268fe87bb83095f6f9262c2a33d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393210&Signature=gFV~Sk~SemJFQS58hu35F6ieCrXSGNtpdq5khrAA7PCXyAzC0wBNWAUwWKHZdCY2KIvAxy--znywB8W0JLLn04oOCchydHmO1j~DiRw4LbcinZn3aOwyZhFB~YgWGVuS2-G1GHCZvxy-7MJFtDn-IA4REbdR7-MyUw8mgaS84Jg-mtZvm7aWB9qCx1HLnBK6~jbFANUwukq7jS0x3LkiZ-Hm2MxtGafb-AhyejOBbLzX8A72UP5-UtLoDGkpjvn6JofGZdV48RUzTdLffV4nYvDfTBJBeGeql4vd6Mzqww4XAKIBz4pELsrt4e4zl9wIOVvIcVrn1VR-9TlaHPiyOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Louisiana House proposal to make unlawfully stored loaded firearms that are accessed by minors a misdemeanor failed on the House floor Tuesday after extended debate and amendments.

Representative Taylor Willard introduced HB 220 as a child-safety measure, saying the state’s unintentional child-shooting rate was the nation’s highest and that “combining safe-storage laws with education” can reduce injuries and deaths. The bill would have required adults to secure loaded firearms or face misdemeanor penalties if a minor obtained the weapon and either discharged it or carried it into a public place.

Supporters said the measure was narrowly targeted and would not strip lawful gun owners of their Second Amendment rights. Representative John Furman, among others, urged colleagues to consider the human cost reflected in the bill’s supporting materials. Opponents warned that the measure left vague terms — such as when a person “reasonably should know” a minor might access a gun — and could be applied unevenly by law enforcement or prosecutors.

Lawmakers amended the bill in committee and on the floor. Chairwoman Nancy Villio and other members negotiated changes that lowered the covered age to 13 and clarified some exceptions, and an amendment specified trigger locks or securely locked containers as acceptable storage. The final version included a seven-day waiting period intended to allow families time to grieve before charges proceed in the most serious cases.

Floor debate repeatedly returned to edge cases: parents who keep a ready firearm at their bedside for home defense, law-enforcement officers who live with children, and situations in which a child takes a legally stored weapon and uses it to repel a home intruder. Members on both sides said they expected prosecutors and police to exercise discretion but disagreed on whether that was a sufficient safeguard.

When the House voted, the bill failed 39–46. Willard said afterward he would continue to work with stakeholders and law-enforcement groups, saying the conversation on child safety must continue.

Why it matters: Louisiana’s rates of unintentional child shootings drew national attention during debate; the bill would have created a misdemeanor-level enforcement option aimed at deterring negligent storage that leads to child access. The vote leaves the state without the new statutory tool supporters sought and keeps the discussion alive for the next session.

What’s next: Willard said he planned to keep pursuing changes and work with law-enforcement and stakeholders to address the concerns raised during floor debate.","A Louisiana House proposal to make unlawfully stored loaded firearms that are accessed by minors a misdemeanor failed on the House floor Tuesday after extended debate and amendments.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6229264,"House approves raises and new removal process for registrars of voters; measure contingent on funding",202,1164000,1366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4&start=1164&end=1366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4/thumbnail_1164000.jpg","/articles/6229264/Louisiana/House-approves-raises-and-new-removal-process-for-registrars-of-voters-measure-contingent-on-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229264-43865aa10a3772c537671bc0b043aee6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393210&Signature=lL-cKrJepAgLfKZrLjKk2ZC~uoCLqDan~qoFyou3LbwQs~zLRgdx6-Reogc8wSVw24eM6LQHjcBRJNpz0gpW5IbgrShR0F8vAckjLfDGd8u7dfkU1dXWxczyGbFu3iF0N7O8yy5VjWexpHDiXAKO88asb2oMTys99j4xuzRafQgBbuw3ZdvK7YLJrw7ozcYFhuwhpJIHkRt0AoQpLVG5-cSKktt29BofUfUismw8js9g4t-UZCB6gaBJ22Bh0x7rcozlmM-Shi~GiaHtPkJa6PmeQKBldXLNwbJ9r58Fv22gTwe6Rto8Qy3Euf9tfjytmCy7NESqfn2krHFB6fyCYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House passed HB 502, a measure that would increase pay for registrars of voters and put in place new accountability mechanisms and removal procedures, but sponsors stressed the salary increases depend on future appropriations.

Representative Ray Butler, sponsor of the bill, told colleagues the bill would phase in a 5% raise over five years for registrars who reach the top step of a twelve-step pay plan and their chief deputies and assistants. The measure also adds causes for removal — including incompetence, consistent underperformance and violation of leave policies — and gives the Secretary of State authority to bring allegations to the State Board of Election Supervisors when local governing authorities do not act.

During extended floor questioning, members pressed Butler on cost and funding. He said the provision for raises would be funded from the Secretary of State’s budget and that Senate Finance would need to allocate the money; if funds are not available the increases would not be implemented. He said the bill was intended to balance compensation with newly specified accountability measures.

Supporters said registrars have taken on substantially more responsibilities since 2007 and have not had systematic raises, while critics raised concerns about the state shouldering the full cost and whether the proposed enforcement mechanics might create new administrative burdens.

The bill passed on a recorded vote; sponsors said it will move to the Senate where finance committee review will determine whether the raises are funded.

Why it matters: The measure alters compensation, governance and removal procedures for an important local election office. If funded, it would change payroll obligations and could shift responsibilities for initiating removal proceedings from local governing bodies to the Secretary of State in some circumstances.

What’s next: HB 502 goes to the Senate for committee review; funding is not automatic and must be appropriated before raises take effect.","Lawmakers passed a bill that would authorize multi‑year pay increases for registrars of voters, expand grounds for removal and allow the Secretary of State greater oversight, but sponsors said the raises are contingent on availability of funds in the Senate finance process.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6229273,"Legislature approves sharing of carbon sequestration revenue from certain state lands after stakeholder agreement",620,766000,1386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4&start=766&end=1386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3464361-30425bcc9690983ce1ca6fc873ff0de4/thumbnail_766000.jpg","/articles/6229273/Louisiana/Legislature-approves-sharing-of-carbon-sequestration-revenue-from-certain-state-lands-after-stakeholder-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229273-290c262c3b2719f0335372d65b7eb4cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770393210&Signature=EEJ1jVDypF0294gdr0Z0NZavda9XvQ84Uetd-GCkpeVc9e0YIDQT8AzR-yhaTBcuxTGfaHQ7YQbyWpatsir2-odxfKGXiVBQ3W76joSI-gbFCqGw7Rg~tLpwiPgN6nSoT6-GvDJzYtEbYz7BAuSWVVReKDE6wMJ13jnK5szjvlSbtbYFK2wTn8UZ2I5fV60507kbtxA9CdZ4IfEnIgfF1XfML697MjZYTJjnisBlLJSGExabSAwJhJJOySPzFOYFlf35SHExlTYWpNxBiecDL2RlsRfVGQ7cUZeEUP3WkhN6ijNHsiwPRu7-Tz-NICeWtDbEj~td7t5yluaExWPpoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House approved legislation to extend local revenue sharing for carbon dioxide sequestration to include some state agency lands after an amended agreement among lawmakers, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and local governments.

Representative Blake Lacombe — carrying the Senate-filed measure on the House floor — said the bill addresses a gap left by earlier action that gave local parishes a share of sequestration revenue on some state parcels but excluded wildlife management areas and other properties managed by state agencies. Under the adopted amendments, when wells are drilled and inject CO2 on specific state-owned properties, 30% of net injection revenue will be shared with the parish and 70% will remain with the state agency; surface-rights income (bonuses, rentals) will remain with the agency.

Lacombe said the changes resolve disputes that arose after leases were executed under earlier law, and that stakeholders including parish presidents, the police jury association and state agencies had reached a tentative agreement reflected in the amendment set. Several members noted broad support from local officials and from industry groups during committee sessions.

Representative Robbie Carter and others urged lawmakers to consider impacts on rural parishes that host pipelines, noting concerns about road and infrastructure damage, lack of paid emergency services, and long-term community costs. Lacombe said his bill focused on state-owned parcels and was intended as a step toward broader solutions for private lands and wider community impacts.

The House adopted the multi-page amendment set negotiated with Wildlife and Fisheries and other parties and then passed the bill on a voice and recorded vote. Sponsors said the bill moves revenue-sharing policy forward for areas where state agencies own the surface rights and have existing leases.

Why it matters: As carbon-capture projects expand, jurisdictions hosting wells and pipelines seek an equitable share of economic benefits. The bill aligns revenue treatment for agency-owned lands with prior legislation applied to other state-owned property while preserving agency surface revenues and establishing a net-revenue sharing structure.

What’s next: Lawmakers and stakeholders indicated further work will be needed to address private landowner leases and community infrastructure impacts as sequestration projects proceed.","Lawmakers approved a bill to distribute injection revenue from carbon dioxide sequestration on certain state-owned properties, extending local revenue sharing to Wildlife and Fisheries lands and adding technical safeguards following negotiations with agencies, police juries and the governor’s office.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House creates fund for local water-system repairs tied to broadband construction; no automatic appropriation included

House fails to pass bill making improper firearm storage a misdemeanor after hours of debate

House approves raises and new removal process for registrars of voters; measure contingent on funding

Legislature approves sharing of carbon sequestration revenue from certain state lands after stakeholder agreement