The Rundown: Legislative session end draws near, NFIP debate continues and more Louisiana politics news

May 29-- May 29--Today in The Rundown: Abortion bill hits critical point; Louisiana students continue battling in the National Spelling Bee; NFIP deadline nears but House remains in impasse; the Louisiana Legislature winds down 2019 session; and everything else you need to know in Louisiana politics today.

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The Countdown...

Days until the session must end: 8

Days until election day: 135

The News

It's a busy day as the Louisiana Legislature winds down the 2019 session. According to Planned Parenthood, hundreds of abortion rights supporters will be at the Capitol to protest a strict "heartbeat" abortion ban that has drawn national headlines as other states have passed similar legislation.

The anti-abortion bill could get final passage in the House today and be sent to Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who has said he will sign it.

Abortion: More about the bill that would ban abortion in Louisiana at about six weeks. http://bit.ly/2VW0Kr4

Support continues to build around a proposal from Sen. Bill Cassidy that aims to cut out surprise medical bills usually tied to emergency room visits or out-of-network services.

Cassidy's office reports that he's now up to 21 cosponsors just two weeks after introducing his bill.

Lawmakers joining the effort include Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Rob Portman (R-OH). U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville, has also joined the effort.

Medical bills background: http://bit.ly/2JI0hWR

Gaming: A year after the Harrah's contract renewal effort was dealt a stunning defeat, it's made it through the Legislature. http://bit.ly/2W0hjCh

House: Speaker Taylor Barras, who unexpectedly took the reins of the often-raucous lower chamber of the Legislature four years ago, gave his farewell address this week. http://bit.ly/2VZtD5n

Sports betting: The effort to legalize wagering on sporting events is likely dead this year after critical votes on Tuesday. http://bit.ly/2VVZRyK

NFIP: The National Flood Insurance Program that covers thousands of Louisiana residents could lapse this week amid a battle between Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House. http://bit.ly/2WtK1zs

National Spelling Bee: Six kids from Louisiana are advancing to the next round as the spelling bee continues this morning: http://bit.ly/2I81jJ9

Death penalty: A State Senate committee has shot down an effort to hide the sources of lethal injection drugs. http://bit.ly/2VY5M6i

Education: The key details of a teacher pay raise remain unresolved with only days left in the session, sparking questions on whether a controversial end to the debate could spark a walkout or other job action by teachers. http://bit.ly/2VSpujX

Seafood: There could soon be a new menu addition sweeping restaurants all across Louisiana: country of origin information on imported shrimp and crawfish. http://bit.ly/2VZpFd2

Happening today

At the Capitol

-- House and Senate come in at 1 p.m.

House Committees

-- Health and Welfare meets at 9 a.m. in Room 5.

-- House and Governmental Affairs meets at 9:30 a.m. in Room 2.

-- Administration of Criminal Justice meets at 10 a.m. in Room 6.

-- Education meets at 10 a.m. in Room 1.

-- Natural Resources and Environment meets at 10 a.m. in Room 4.

-- Insurance meets at 12:30 p.m. in Room 3.

Senate Committees

-- Health and Welfare meets at 9 a.m. in John J. Hainkel, Jr. Room.

-- Senate and Governmental Affairs meets at 9 a.m. in Room F.

-- Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs meets at 10 a.m. in Room E.

-- Insurance meets at 10 a.m. in Room A-B.

-- Revenue and Fiscal Affairs meets upon adjournment in John J. Hainkel, Jr. Room.

Governor's schedule

-- 10 a.m. Gov. John Bel Edwards will participate in the grand opening of the LaSalle Lumber Company LLC in Olla.

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Elizabeth Crisp is The Advocate's Washington, D.C. correspondent

Tips, comments or suggestions? Send your feedback to

ecrisp@theadvocate.com or @elizabethcrisp on Twitter.

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