Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HCR30

Introduced
4/13/17  
Introduced
4/13/17  
Refer
4/17/17  
Refer
4/17/17  
Report Pass
5/10/17  

Caption

Directs the secretary of the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to determine the feasibility and potential savings of privatizing correctional facilities and using the savings for programs for state offenders housed at local facilities

Impact

If enacted, HCR30 could significantly alter state laws governing the privatization of correctional facilities. By mandating an evaluation of privatization, the resolution pushes forward discussions about the role of private management in public safety and correctional systems. The potential shift toward privatization may lead to a reallocation of resources and funding, as it ties financial savings directly to local rehabilitation programs. This could enhance services provided to offenders and overall community safety, addressing both fiscal constraints and rehabilitation needs.

Summary

HCR30 is a House Concurrent Resolution that directs the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to evaluate the feasibility of privatizing certain correctional facilities within Louisiana. Excluding the Louisiana State Penitentiary and Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, the resolution seeks to explore potential cost savings associated with privatization. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of utilizing any savings identified to fund programs aimed at reducing recidivism for state offenders housed in local facilities. The resolution reflects an ongoing interest in reforming the correctional system and improving outcomes for offenders.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR30 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who view it as a forward-thinking approach to correctional reform. Supporters argue that privatization could lead to improved efficiency and innovation within the correctional system. However, there are concerns over accountability and the quality of care delivered in privatized facilities. Critics may argue that privatization can lead to profit motives overshadowing public safety, raising questions about oversight and ethical implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR30 revolve around the morality and effectiveness of privatizing correctional facilities. Opponents express worries that such a move could prioritize cost savings over the well-being of offenders, potentially resulting in inadequate health and rehabilitation services. Furthermore, there are discussions about the implications of shifting from state-run to privately managed facilities, including concerns about employee job security and the potential for less transparency in operations. As the resolution moves forward, it highlights a broader debate over how best to achieve prison reform in Louisiana.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HCR73

Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to study the use of judicial referral agency residential facilities in work release programs and as an alternative to other incarceration programs

LA HCR22

Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to establish family-sensitive policies for all correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the department

LA HB226

Regional correctional facilities; require Department of Corrections to utilize for housing of state offenders before utilizing private facilities.

LA HB585

Regional correctional facilities; require Department of Corrections to utilize for housing of state offenders before utilizing private facilities.

LA HB1109

Regional correctional facilities; require Department of Corrections to utilize for housing of state offenders before utilizing private facilities.

LA HCR104

Authorizes and directs the legislative auditor to conduct performance audits of Louisiana's state and local correctional facilities

LA HR78

Directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to review the feasibility of expanding the workforce development sentencing program

LA SCR138

Requests strategies to provide offenders committed to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and confined in parish correctional facilities the necessary education, job skills, and training, and needed behaviors, and to provide needed mental health care to all offenders committed to the department to facilitate successful reentry upon release.

LA HB1456

Assignment of offenders to correctional facilities.

LA HB1082

Relating To Correctional Facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.