As the conclusion of the Louisiana’s 2003 Regular Legislative Session, state senators gave the green light to the final piece of the plan to tackle the growing threat of coastal erosion in Louisiana and pushed forward several key measures dealing with the public’s safety. Senators approved a bill that puts into state law the criteria by which land owners will be compensated when property is taken or damaged in connection with a coastal restoration project. Any judgement in such cases, those currently in the process as well as future cases, will be limited to the fair market value of the property. The measure takes effect only if voters approve a change in the state constitution setting the fair market value standard, a constitutional change set for the statewide ballot this fall.

"This was the last key piece of legislation that we needed to complete our comprehensive effort to move forward with Louisiana’s coastal restoration program," Senator Hainkel said. "We are asking the federal government for some $14 billion to help with our effort and getting that commitment would be very difficult if the state continued to face huge liabilities in connection with our coastal restoration efforts."

Currently in Louisiana potential future earnings are considered in suits involving property damage. One coastal restoration project has already resulted in $2 billion in legal awards that are under appeal and would be affected by the new law.

In other action this week, Senators gave final legislative approval to the bill that requires the collection of DNA samples from anyone arrested for a felony or a sex-related crime like a "Peeping Tom" with the samples compiled into a data base to assist in criminal investigations. The new law will make the state eligible for federal funds to help process the backlog of DNA samples awaiting processing in Louisiana.

For the third time this session, state senators also approved a statewide open container ban in vehicles. Senators approved a bill earlier this session to outlaw an open container of alcohol in vehicles, but the full House has never considered the measure after three different House committees juggled the measure, then killed it. So Senators have amended two different measures this week to try to force a full hearing on the matter in the House of Representatives. Current state law which limits the container ban to the driver only does not meet federal highway mandates. A statewide open container ban would make available about $8 to $10 million in federal funds for highway construction that is now being diverted to highway safety programs.

The major measures still awaiting action by the full senate are the state operating budget and the state construction budget. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to finalize its action on the operating budget Sunday with plans for consideration by the full senate next Wednesday. Plans are to debate the state construction budget next Friday.