How many tickets have been written for texting while driving?

Lake Charles City Court has handled 10 citations for texting and driving since the beginning of the year, said Tim Leger, judicial administrator.

Patsy Dugas, spokeswoman for the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office, said that 14th Judicial District Court has handled no citations for texting while driving, a violation of R.S. 32:300.5. 

But, she said, the district court has handled eight tickets this year — and 30 in 2016 — for using a cellphone in a school zone, a violation of R.S. 32:300.8.

That law says that “no person shall operate any wireless telecommunications device while operating a motor vehicle upon any public road or highway during the posted hours within a school zone.”

Under the statute, the phrase “operating a wireless telecommunications device” encompasses engaging in calls; “writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication”; and “accessing, reading, or posting to a social networking site.”

Exceptions to the law include reporting emergencies, traffic accidents and crimes and “a situation in which the person believes his personal safety is in jeopardy.” 

Additionally, the law exempts those who use their devices “in an official capacity as an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle.”

The law on texting and driving features similar exceptions.

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For more info: www.legis.la.gov.

Charter schools receive MFP funding

How are charter schools funded?

Charter schools — which are privately run public schools — receive funding via the Minimum Foundation Program, which the state uses to distribute money to public schools.

Some charter schools are authorized by local education officials, and others are approved by the state.

The Louisiana Supreme Court in September will hear a case that deals with public funding of state-authorized charter schools.

“The state has been funding the schools through its annual funding formula approved by the Legislature,” reads an Associated Press story published Saturday.

“Some local education officials and a teachers union argued in lawsuits that the formula is meant to fund local school districts. They say using it to fund state-approved charters violates Louisiana’s constitution.

“An appeals court agreed in January, but has allowed the funding to continue pending appeals.”

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For more info: www.louisianabelieves.com.

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The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.