Louisiana Senate Bill SR42

Louisiana 2020 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 10/21/20
• Passed: 10/22/20

Caption

Authorizes and directs the re-creation of the Louisiana Women's Incarceration Task Force.

Impact

The resolution addresses the unique challenges faced by women in incarceration, highlighting that Louisiana has one of the highest rates of women's incarceration in the country. By allowing for a comprehensive review of existing systems, SR42 aims to develop policy recommendations that could lead to better health outcomes for pregnant incarcerated women. Such recommendations may cover necessary medical care, mental health resources, and programming aimed at supporting women during and after their time in custody.

Summary

Senate Resolution 42 (SR42) seeks to re-establish the Louisiana Women's Incarceration Task Force under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus and the Department of Public Safety & Corrections. This task force is tasked with evaluating and analyzing the state's criminal justice system with a focus on the prenatal and postpartum care of incarcerated women, as well as maintaining the bond between mothers and their infants. The bill emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive policies that represent the needs of women in the criminal justice system.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SR42 appears to be supportive of the need for reform in how the state addresses the needs of incarcerated women. By forming a bipartisan task force, the legislation is poised to gather diverse perspectives from various stakeholders, including criminal justice agencies and healthcare providers. While the resolution is seen as a necessary step towards addressing the challenges of women's incarceration, some may see it as adding another layer to an already complex criminal justice system.

Contention

Notably, the emphasis on holistic care and gender-responsive resources suggests a shift toward reform that recognizes the need for a more compassionate approach within the justice system. However, challenges lie ahead in implementing the task force's recommendations, particularly with regard to securing adequate funding and political will to address systemic issues related to women's health in prison. The requirement for the task force to report its findings and policy recommendations by February 2021 underscores the urgency of this initiative.