April 25, 2008

We are pleased to report that our unprecedented efforts to reform Louisiana's disaster medicine laws have begun to meet with at least initial success. Last week Senate Bill 301 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now headed to the Senate floor for a vote on Monday, April 28. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR TO URGE THEIR VOTE FOR SB 301 WHICH IS A CENTRAL PART OF THE CIVIL LIABILITY REFORM PACKAGE. CALL 225/342-2040 TO REACH YOUR SENATOR.

Also, SB 330 will be heard in Senate Judiciary A Committee on Tuesday (4-29). PLEASE CONTACT MEMBERS OF SENATE JUDICIARY A COMMITTEE (can be found at www.legis.state.la.us).

HB 838 will be in House Judiciary on May 8th. Please contact members of House Judiciary.

WHILE WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS MANY THOUGHT IMPOSSIBLE, WE HAVE MUCH TO DO AND THE BATTLE WILL SOON INTENSIFY. AT THIS POINT THE POWERFUL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S ASSOCIATION OPPOSES OUR CRIMINAL LIABILITY BILLS, MAKING OUR EFFORTS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE.

April 22, 2008

Senator Joel Chaisson and Committee for Disaster Medicine Reform's Counsel, Rick Simmons, appeared before Senate Judiciary Committee A to answer questions regarding SB 301. The Senate Committee voted to approve the bill which new heads to floor vote on Monday April 28, 2008.