DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 173 Original 2020 Regular Session James
Abstract: Provides parole eligibility for certain juvenile offenders, provides the requirements for
eligibility, and provides certain requirements for the committee on parole in such cases,
including certain factors the committee is required to consider.
Present law provides parole eligibility for certain offenders.
Proposed law retains present law and provides parole eligibility for any person serving a term or
terms of imprisonment that result in a period of incarceration of 25 years or more and who was under
the age of 18 years at the time of the commission if certain conditions are met including but not
limited to the following:
(1)The offender has not committed any major disciplinary offenses in the 12 consecutive
months prior to the parole hearing date.
(2)The offender has completed the mandatory minimum of 100 hours of prerelease
programming.
(3)The offender has completed substance abuse treatment as applicable.
(4)The offender has obtained a GED certification or has completed certain other educational or
job skills programs.
(5)The offender has obtained a low-risk level designation determined by a validated risk
assessment instrument.
(6)The offender has completed a reentry program.
Proposed law provides that for each offender eligible for parole consideration pursuant to proposed
law, the committee on parole shall meet in a three-member panel, shall consider the impact that the
lack of brain development in adolescence has on culpability and behavior, a juvenile offender's
unique ability to mature and grow, and any other relevant evidence or testimony pertaining to the
offender. Proposed law further requires the three-member panel to render specific findings of fact
in support of its decision.
(Adds R.S. 15:574.4(J))