Louisiana Senate Bill SCR149

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/12
• Passed: 6/1/12
• Engrossed: 6/1/12

Caption

Requests study of the role and impact of employment training and education on the rate of recidivism of criminal conduct and repeated incarcerations.

Impact

The passage of SCR149 would potentially lead to a study that may offer valuable insights into how effective job training and educational initiatives can be in lowering the chances of former inmates returning to criminal behavior. As the resolution emphasizes, successful completion of such programs increases the likelihood of favorable decisions from parole boards, thereby influencing the overall dynamics of inmate reintegration into society. The study could provide recommendations for new policies or programs that could be implemented to further these objectives.

Summary

SCR149 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that urges and requests the formation of a joint committee between the Senate and House Committees on Labor and Industrial Relations to study the impact of job training and educational programs on reducing recidivism rates among inmates. The resolution highlights the pressing issue of Louisiana having the highest per capita incarceration rate in the world, placing a financial strain on state taxpayers due to costs associated with imprisonment. By focusing on job training and education, the resolution aims to alleviate some of these financial burdens and improve public safety through reduced recidivism.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR149 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers, reflecting a collective concern for both the financial implications of high incarceration rates and the need for effective rehabilitation strategies. The proposed study is viewed as a proactive approach to addressing long-standing issues within the state’s prison system, emphasizing the importance of education and job readiness to foster successful reintegration of inmates into society.

Contention

While there is overall support for the resolution, potential contention may arise regarding the specific methodologies for studying the impact of educational programs and the types of training that could be offered. As the resolution involves various stakeholders, including educational institutions and faith-based organizations, differing opinions might emerge on the most effective ways to implement and fund these initiatives. The success of the resolution will ultimately depend on bipartisan cooperation and the willingness to allocate resources for this important public policy study.