Louisiana Senate Bill SCR38

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/16
• Refer: 3/29/16
• Report Pass: 4/19/16
• Passed: 4/20/16
• Engrossed: 4/21/16
• Refer: 4/25/16
• Report Pass: 5/10/16

Caption

Requests the DPS&C committee on parole to conduct a comprehensive review of the last ten years of parole matters and report its findings.

Impact

This resolution aims to gather crucial data that can illuminate the parole process within the state, shedding light on the number of offenders presented for parole consideration, as well as the outcomes of those cases. By benchmarking this information and reporting it to key judicial committees and courts, SCR38 intends to enhance transparency and accountability in the state's parole system. The underlying goal is to create alternatives for nonviolent offenders, which could potentially alleviate financial burdens caused by high incarceration rates and facilitate a more effective management of the penal system.

Summary

SCR38 is a concurrent resolution introduced by Senators Bishop and Thompson, urging the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to conduct a comprehensive review of parole matters spanning the last decade. The resolution emphasizes the need for a detailed report on the rates of parole granted and denied, as well as the underlying reasons for these decisions. This move comes in light of Louisiana's concerning position as having the highest incarceration rate in the United States, in conjunction with a significant fiscal crisis affecting the state. The findings from this review are expected to aid in the development of informed policies regarding parole and the broader criminal justice system.

Sentiment

Discussions around SCR38 suggest a general sentiment of support across multiple legislative representatives who recognize the urgent need for reform in the parole system. There appears to be a shared understanding that enhanced data and insights may lead to more effective policies that better serve justice and community interests. However, underlying apprehensions regarding how this information will be used or the potential stagnation of parole reforms may evoke skepticism among some stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.

Contention

No notable points of contention were prominently mentioned during the discussions surrounding SCR38, as the resolution seems to be framed more as a necessary inquiry rather than a contentious legislative proposal. However, the broader conversation around the racial and socioeconomic implications of parole decisions and past injustices in Louisiana's judicial practices could lead to future debates on the effectiveness and fairness of the criminal justice system based on findings from the requested review.