Louisiana Senate Bill SR218

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/30/19
• Refer: 5/31/19

Caption

Requests that district attorneys report certain data to the legislature.

Impact

If enacted, SR218 would enhance accountability within district attorney offices by requiring annual reports on revenue from fines, fees, and other sources, alongside detailed case statistics. This would not only provide a clearer picture of the financial state of district attorney operations but also inform public and legislative oversight. By gathering comprehensive data on case management and financial dealings, the bill aims to foster greater fiscal responsibility and ethical governance in the criminal justice process.

Summary

Senate Resolution 218 (SR218), introduced by Senator Morrell, urges and requests district attorneys in Louisiana to report certain operational data to the legislature. The resolution emphasizes the importance of transparency in the criminal justice system, highlighting the significant discretion that district attorneys hold in managing investigations, plea bargaining, and charging decisions. The proposed reporting would focus on collecting data about financial operations and workload statistics, including the number of felony and misdemeanor cases, multi-bills, and outcomes of diversion programs.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SR218 appears to be positive, as it aims to promote transparency and accountability in the actions of district attorneys. Both public supporters and legislators see the value in having data available for scrutiny, which would likely increase trust in the judicial process. However, some may argue that additional reporting requirements could burden district attorney offices that are already managing heavy caseloads.

Contention

While there doesn't seem to be notable opposition to the principles behind SR218, potential points of contention may arise regarding the administrative burden of compiling the required data and how it could impact the operations of district attorney offices. Some critics might question whether the resolution's transparency measures would effectively address deeper systemic issues within the criminal justice system, or if they merely serve as a superficial fix. Overall, the resolution reflects an initiative to improve governance rather than imposing strict regulatory changes.