Amends the state’s homicide laws by adding "cruelty to persons with infirmities" to the list of predicate felonies for first and second degree murder. Under the revised law:

• First Degree Murder (R.S. 14:30(A)(1)): This applies when an offender has specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm while committing or attempting certain crimes. The bill adds "cruelty to persons with infirmities" to existing offenses like aggravated kidnapping, rape, robbery, and cruelty to juveniles, making such a killing first degree murder.
• Second Degree Murder (R.S. 14:30.1(A)(2)): This covers killings during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of specified crimes, even without intent to kill or harm. The bill includes "cruelty to persons with infirmities" alongside crimes like aggravated arson, burglary, and terrorism.

The change elevates homicides involving cruelty to individuals with infirmities to the most serious murder classifications, aligning them with other grave felonies. The bill, prefiled under constitutional guidelines, aims to enhance protections for vulnerable populations by increasing penalties for such acts.

HOUSE committee amendments technical

Amends Louisiana laws related to the mistreatment and exploitation of elderly individuals and persons with disabilities. The key provisions include:

1.    Terminology Update: The bill replaces the term "persons who are aged" with "elderly" and defines "elderly" as individuals aged sixty or older.

2.    Definitions Clarification:

o  Caregiver: Expanded to include any individual or entity responsible for the care of an elderly person or an adult with a disability, including adult children, parents, relatives, neighbors, daycare institutions, adult congregate living facilities, and nursing homes.

o  Exploitation: Specifically includes unauthorized use of an elderly person's or disabled adult's property or assets, financial exploitation as outlined by state law, and misuse of power of attorney or guardianship for personal gain through fraudulent means.

3.    Penalties:

o  Cruelty: Conviction may result in fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to ten years. If the act is intentional and malicious, at least one year of the sentence must be served without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

o  Exploitation: Conviction may carry similar fines and imprisonment terms.

4.    Restitution: The court may order individuals convicted of exploitation to make full restitution to the victim, including attorney fees and court costs.

5.    Affirmative Defense: Caregivers providing treatment according to recognized spiritual healing methods, instead of medical treatment, have an affirmative defense against prosecution under this statute.

HOUSE floor amendment technical

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] Clarifies that individuals under R.S. 27:602 are subject to the Gaming Control Board's authority, can be found unsuitable, and may be required to repay up to $250 for costs related to the board's review.

Proposes amendments to R.S. 27:29.3(A) and (B)(1)(b) and (2), and the repeal of R.S. 27:29.3(F), concerning non-gaming supplier permits in the gaming industry.

The proposed changes include:

• Issuing non-gaming supplier permits to suitable persons who provide goods or services to license holders, casino gaming operators, or sports wagering operators, with the Louisiana Gaming Control Board setting thresholds for when such permits are required.
• Allowing the board to require any person furnishing goods or services to these entities to be found suitable or apply for a non-gaming supplier permit, regardless of the transaction amount.
• Permitting the division to waive the requirements for obtaining a non-gaming supplier permit if deemed unnecessary to protect public interest or achieve policy objectives.
• Prohibiting entities licensed to conduct gaming operations from contracting for goods or services with their employees who hold key gaming employee permits.

Proposes amending R.S. 32:408(B)(2)(d) to remove the requirement for taxi cab drivers to obtain a Class "D" chauffeur's license. Instead, taxi drivers would only need to hold a Class "E" driver's license. The bill clarifies that the provisions requiring a chauffeur's license for operating certain vehicles do not apply to taxi cab drivers.

In Louisiana, the primary distinctions between a Class "D" Chauffeur's License and a Class "E" Driver's License pertain to the types of vehicles each permits the holder to operate and the associated requirements.

Class "E" Driver's License:

• Purpose: Intended for personal vehicle operation.
• Vehicle Specifications: Authorizes the operation of:
• Any single motor vehicle under 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).
• Any such vehicle towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVW.
• Personal use of recreational vehicles.
• Any vehicle not classified under Classes "A", "B", "C", or "D".
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
• Additional Requirements: First-time applicants are required to complete a driver education or pre-licensing course.

Class "D" Chauffeur's License:

• Purpose: Designed for individuals operating larger vehicles for commercial purposes.
• Vehicle Specifications: Permits the operation of:
• All vehicles included in Class "E".
• Any single vehicle used in commerce with a GVW between 10,001 and 26,001 pounds.
• Vehicles designed to transport a maximum of 15 passengers, including the driver, provided they are not used to transport hazardous materials.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
• Additional Requirements: Applicants must pass a knowledge test with a minimum score of 80%.

In summary, while both licenses have the same minimum age requirement, a Class "D" Chauffeur's License is necessary for operating larger, commercially-used vehicles, whereas a Class "E" Driver's License is suitable for standard personal vehicles.

SENATE floor amendments add multiple highway and bridge naming designations across Louisiana:

• LA 466 and LA 18 in Gretna: Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. Memorial Highway
• Elevated portion of LA 31 in Arnaudville: Coach Raymond Lavergne Sr. Memorial Bridge
• LA 26 in Jennings: Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Highway
• North Frontage Road in Jennings: Representative John E. Guinn Memorial Highway
• LA 20 in Lafourche Parish: Martha Ann Woods-Shareef Highway
• US 167 in Dubach: Chief Russell Croxton Memorial Highway
• LA 3002 in Livingston Parish: Corporal Shawn Kelly Memorial Boulevard
• US 190 in Covington: Sergeant Linden Beau Raimer and Deputy Sheriff Marylin Mayo Memorial Highway

Signs will be installed by DOTD if local or private funds cover the cost, not to exceed $550 per sign.

HOUSE floor and committee amendments [LINK] all changed highway segment boundaries back and forth

Proposes to designate a segment of Louisiana Highway 466 in Gretna, between Franklin Street and Huey P. Long Avenue, as the "Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. Memorial Parkway." The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to install and maintain appropriate signage for this designation, contingent upon receiving local or private funds to cover the costs, capped at $550 per sign. The legislation aims to honor Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. through this highway naming, with implementation reliant on external funding to offset DOTD expenses.