RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 98 (HB 77) 2020 Regular Session DeVillier
Existing law (R.S. 15:574.4.2) provides that a person who is released on parole may be
required to meet with or report to the parolee's probation and parole officer when ordered to
do so by the officer.
Existing law (C.Cr.P. Art. 895) requires a defendant on probation to report to the defendant's
probation officer as directed.
New law retains existing law and provides that a probation and parole officer who supervises
a person released on probation or parole shall schedule meetings, which are required as a
condition of the person's release, at such times and locations that take into consideration and
accommodate the work schedule of a person who is employed by another person or entity.
New law further provides that to comply with the provisions of proposed law, in lieu of
requiring the defendant to appear in-person for the required reporting or meetings, the
probation and parole officer may utilize technology portals, including cellular telephone and
other electronic communication devices, that allow simultaneous voice and video
communication in real time between the defendant and the probation officer. New law
authorizes the use of such technology for required reporting or meetings of a person who is
self-employed at the discretion of the defendant's probation officer and in accordance with
any rules promulgated by the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections.
New law requires the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to promulgate rules in
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the provisions of new law,
including rules that set forth minimum standards and guidelines for the authorized
technology and standards for determining the eligibility and suitability of persons to meet
their reporting requirements through the use of such technology.
Effective Aug. 1, 2020.
(Adds R.S. 15:574.14 and C.Cr.P. Art. 895(P))