NOLA.com
No images? Click here

These anti-crime laws just took effect in Louisiana

By Jessica Williams | Capitol News Bureau Editor​ ​ ​

Anti-crime laws: State laws that mandate harsher jail terms for fentanyl dealers and automatic weapon owners took effect Tuesday, James Finn reports. The state Legislature passed the laws this year in a bid to alleviate the opioid crisis and cut down on crime. Also in effect: a law that requires the state to track collected rape kits


Cassidy backs Landry: U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry for Louisiana governor this week, a move that could help Cassidy repair his standing with state Republicans, Tyler Bridges reports. Conservatives had shunned Cassidy after he publicly opposed former President Donald Trump. Landry has secured Trump's endorsement. 


Heated Senate race: In this Shreveport Senate race, a hardcore conservative, state Rep. Alan Seabaugh, faces off against a former basketball coach, political neophyte Mike McConathy, Bridges reports. The winner will help determine whether the Senate veers sharply to the right over the next four years. 


Political Buzz

Louisiana's anti-LGBTQ+ laws led this New Orleans heart doctor to leave the state

A well-known pediatric heart doctor in New Orleans is moving his family from the Crescent City to New York, citing bills passed by Louisian… Read more

John Mamoulides, Jefferson Parish district attorney and political kingmaker, dies at 90

Over 24 years, he used his influence to help elect judges and legislators with shared interests Read more

Numbers to Know

People caught dealing up to a half pound of fentanyl in Louisiana now face a minimum of seven years in prison 

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

For a second offense, they face a minimum of 30 years

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

For a third offense, they face a minimum of 99 years

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

People caught dealing more than a half pound of fentanyl face a mandatory life-in-prison sentence, even if they are first-time offenders

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Source: Act 399 of the 2023 Legislative Session 


Note: We are again delivering Inside Louisiana Politics thrice weekly. Got this email from a friend? Click here to be added to our list!

Update your newsletter preferences

Unsubscribe from all newsletters from NOLA․com