Louisiana Senate Bill SB269

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/1/18
• Refer: 3/12/18
• Report Pass: 4/17/18

Caption

Provides relative to parole eligibility for certain prisoners sentenced to life who have served at least thirty years. (11/1/18)

Impact

If enacted, SB269 will impact the parole eligibility statutes in Louisiana substantially. Under this legislation, individuals serving life sentences who are not convicted of violent crimes may become eligible for parole consideration at the age of fifty after serving at least thirty years in custody, contingent upon meeting additional criteria such as achieving a low risk assessment rating, not incurring major disciplinary infractions in the past year, completing mandatory pre-release programming, and obtaining a GED or alternative qualifications. These changes reflect a potential shift towards rehabilitative justice, aiming to reintegrate long-term prisoners back into society under structured conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 269 concerns the eligibility for parole for certain prisoners sentenced to life who have served at least thirty years of their sentence. The bill proposes significant changes to the current laws regarding parole eligibility, particularly for individuals convicted of serious crimes such as armed robbery, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and first-degree rape. The current law mandates long sentences without parole for these offenders, but SB269 suggests that, under specific conditions, some inmates could be eligible for parole consideration upon reaching certain age and time served thresholds. This alteration is framed as a move towards rehabilitation for offenders who have demonstrated positive behavior while incarcerated.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB269 appears mixed, reflecting both concern and optimism. Proponents argue that the bill represents a necessary reform towards a more humane and rehabilitative approach to the criminal justice system, suggesting that many long-term inmates could benefit from the chance at parole if they have shown progress and accountability during their incarceration. However, critics express apprehension that the bill could enable violent offenders, particularly those previously ineligible for parole, to secure early release. This concern underscores a broader debate between public safety considerations and the moral argument for rehabilitation.

Contention

Notably, the bill faces contention regarding the balance between justice for victims and the potential benefits of rehabilitation for offenders. Some legislators and advocacy groups are concerned that making parole more accessible could dilute the sentences of those convicted of serious crimes, arguing that it undermines the severity of the violent acts committed. Amendments made to the bill have included exclusions for particular violent offenses, which indicate recognition of these concerns, yet disagreements persist about the implications of increasing parole eligibility more broadly.