House rejects bill to ease voting restrictions for felons

BATON ROUGE - Lawmakers in the Louisiana House have refused to give felons the right to vote as soon as they exit prison.
    
Rep. Pat Smith, a Baton Rouge Democrat, proposed to let convicted felons register to vote while they are on parole, probation or suspended sentences - but out of jail. Currently, felons have to wait until they finish probation or parole.
    
Supporters say giving people back their voting rights helps to rehabilitate