Senator Cleo Fields (D) - Baton Rouge
As the June 20th court-imposed deadline lingers, Senate Governmental Affairs debated one bill for almost five hours on Thursday. Committee members voted to hold Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ bill over for debate until Friday. Fields’ bill has two Black-majority districts instead of one. He said delaying the vote is a slippery slope on the existing timeline.
“Tell me how we’re going to do it starting tomorrow. Now we’ve lost two days. Let’s not play with the federal court,” said Fields.
Committee Chair, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who also has a congressional map bill in the special session, countered when Fields when reminded members of the looming deadline
“Yes, we’re under a timeframe, I can’t control that. We also have a responsibility for due diligence and doing our job,” said Hewitt.
Amendments to Fields’ legislation were discussed in committee, one that will negate Field’s map if the courts ultimately rule that the enacted map with only one Black majority is legal. Fields voiced his frustration.
“You have no more time, offer up the amendment, adopt the amendment, hold the bill over if you so desire, I’m telling you it’s bad advice,” said Fields.
Hewitt’s bill was not heard in committee Thursday. House Governmental Affairs meets at 9 AM Friday where four bills are on the schedule.
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