Creates the Community Corrections Performance Incentive Act and applies cost savings from reduced incarceration costs to building up community-based corrections
Impact
The law envisions that up to 45% of the savings from reduced incarceration would be appropriated to the Department, conditional on not increasing crime rates among supervised individuals. The financial model promotes performance-driven resource allocation to encourage departments to adopt evidence-based supervision methodologies and expand available rehabilitation resources. It also requires a stringent reporting system for measuring success, which includes tracking employment status and compliance with drug testing among probationers.
Summary
House Bill 914 establishes the Community Corrections Performance Act in Louisiana, aiming to link funding for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections with the reduction of incarceration costs. The bill outlines mechanisms for calculating state savings from diminished rates of revocation of probationers and the conviction of new felonies, thereby creating a financial incentive for improving supervision practices. This approach is premised on the belief that reducing recidivism not only benefits public safety but also curtails taxpayer expenses related to incarceration.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB 914 appears to be largely supportive given its focus on efficiency and cost savings in corrections. Advocates believe that incentivizing successful probation supervision and crime reduction can lead to better outcomes for individuals and communities alike. However, potential concerns could arise regarding the dependence on funding being tied to measurable outcomes, which may pressure probation systems and lead to unintended consequences if not managed carefully.
Contention
A notable point of contention includes the pressure it places on the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to maintain lower recidivism and conviction rates, as any increase in these rates could result in a loss of funding. Critics might argue that this could lead to overly punitive supervision conditions or insufficient attention to the rehabilitation needs of those on probation. The balance between ensuring public safety and providing necessary support services to individuals on probation will be a key focus for lawmakers and stakeholders as implementation progresses.
An Act Concerning Reinvestment Of Savings Achieved Through A Reduction In Correctional Facility Population Into Reentry And Community-based Services And Programs.