Louisiana House Bill HB52

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 3/31/10
• Engrossed: 4/8/10
• Report Pass: 6/2/10
• Enrolled: 6/16/10
• Chaptered: 6/30/10
• Passed: 6/30/10

Caption

Deletes provisions of law regarding the extension of parole until completion of monetary obligation (EN SEE FISC NOTE See Note)

Impact

If enacted, HB 52 would significantly alter current practices regarding probation and parole in Louisiana. By removing the ability for judges to extend probation and parole based on monetary obligations, the bill encourages a system where a person's liberty is not tied indefinitely to their ability to pay fines or fees. This move is likely to have positive implications for those unable to fulfill financial responsibilities, thereby reducing the burden on the correctional system and potentially decreasing recidivism by allowing individuals to reintegrate into society more quickly.

Summary

House Bill 52 aims to amend the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure by removing provisions that allow for the extension of probation or parole until a defendant has completed their monetary obligations, including court costs and fines. The intent behind this bill is to limit the circumstances under which parole or probation can be extended, thus preventing the continued restriction of a person's freedom due to financial reasons. This change seeks to promote a more equitable system for individuals who are on parole or probation and who may face challenges in meeting such financial obligations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 52 is generally positive among advocates for criminal justice reform, who argue that the bill addresses issues of fairness and equity. Supporters believe that tying parole and probation to monetary obligations unfairly penalizes those who are financially disadvantaged. However, there may be opposition from those who advocate for ensuring that financial penalties are paid, perceiving the bill as a means to absolve individuals from their responsibilities. Overall, the discussions seem to reflect a growing concern about the intersection of financial obligations and criminal justice.

Contention

While the bill presents a progressive change to the probation and parole system, it may also lead to significant debate around the implications of financial responsibility within the criminal justice framework. Opponents may argue that removing the ability to extend parole does not address the underlying issues of accountability and could potentially be misused by offenders to evade financial penalties altogether. The balance between ensuring justice and promoting rehabilitation will likely be a focal point in discussions surrounding this bill.