LSU Manship School News Service

The House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice moved a bill forward that would create a registry of people who commit battery against minors.

A $483 million increase in revenue for the state’s general spending fund is now being estimated for 2024, adding to a giant pile of money that the state Legislature has at its disposal. Under the new projections, the state’s general fund also will take in $323.4 million more than previously expected before the current year ends, bringing the total surplus from the last two years to over $2.1 billion.

Current state law allows public school teachers, principals and administrators to use corporal punishment on students, including “hitting, paddling, striking, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force that causes pain or physical discomfort,” but use is up to the discretion of the school districts

A House committee advanced a bill that would provide free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students who are eligible for reduced-price meals.