Legislative briefs for May 2, 2008

• Advocate staff and wire reports
• Published: May 2, 2008 - Page: 4A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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‘Papa Noel’ bill gets Senate approval
The Senate approved legislation Thursday that would make “The Legend of Papa Noel” the official state Cajun Christmas story. Sen. Dale Erdey, R-Livingston, said the story exemplifies the uniqueness of the Cajun culture.

The book, written by Baton Rouge native Terri Hoover Dunham and illustrated by Pennsylvania native Laura Knorr, tells the story of Santa Claus visiting the swamps of Louisiana.

Senate Bill 434 moves to the House.

Bill providing $75 raises goes to House
A bill that would give police officers and firefighters a $75 a month pay raise cleared the Senate on Thursday.

Senate Bill 26 would increase from $425 to $500 a month the pay the state provides for law enforcement officers and firefighters.

The bill would reduce state government revenue by $17 million a year.

SB26 moves to the House.

Senate panel OKs Central sales tax
A Senate committee approved legislation Thursday that would allow Central residents to vote on levying an additional 1-cent sales tax.

Central Community School System Superintendent Michael Faulk told the Senate Committee on Education that the tax proceeds would be used for capital improvements.

The tax would generate $2.5 million a year for the Central school system.

The committee agreed to send House Bill 353 to the full Senate.

Mental-health bill approved by Senate
A bill that would require outpatient treatment for mentally ill patients under certain circumstances was unanimously approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 182 by Sen. Cheryl Gray, D-New Orleans, was inspired by the January killing of New Orleans police officer Nicola Cotton after she approached a mentally ill man who often refused to take his medication.