RDCSB407 2697 2178
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)]
SB 407 Reengrossed 2020 Regular Session Foil
Present law provides that the legislature recognizes that there is a critical need for criminal
justice system programs to assist veterans in order to reduce the incidence of recidivism.
Proposed law authorized the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections
to establish a Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program for incarcerated veterans.
Present law provides that an offender who is incarcerated is eligible to participate in the
program if certain conditions are met.
Proposed law provides that an offender who is incarcerated is eligible for consideration to
participate in the program if certain conditions are met.
Proposed law retains present law conditions and adds the requirement that the offender has
completed a mentor training program as deemed appropriate by the Department of Public
Safety and Corrections and the consent of the sentencing judge and the district attorney of
the jurisdiction of the conviction.
Present law provides for requirements to maintain eligibility in the program.
Proposed law changes these to additional requirements for participation in the program.
Additionally, proposed law adds the requirement of submitting to random drug screenings
and receiving no positive results from such screenings.
Proposed law provides that liability for all activity and possible illegal activity will fall
solely on the veteran offender participating in the program. The Department of Public Safety
and Corrections will have indemnity for any and all actions taken by the offender that may
be illegal, that subject the offender to parole revocation, or that are deemed eligible to
terminate the offender's participation in the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program.
Proposed law provides that the offender will serve as a mentor in the Veterans Court
probation program, upon written approval of the presiding judge.
Present law authorizes transitional facilities for incarcerated veterans who serve as mentors
for the Veterans Court probation program. Further provides for certain requirements for the
facilities.
Proposed law provides that existing transitional work release program facilities, otherwise
known as work release, may be used to provide services and opportunities to the veterans
participating in the program to benefit both the veterans participating and the parish jails.
Effective August 1, 2020.
(Amends R.S. 15:1199.22, 1199.24(A)(1), (2), (7), and (8), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F),
1199.25, and 1199.26; adds R.S. 15:1199.24(A)(11), (12), and (G))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the
original bill
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1. Adds requirement that the sentencing judge and the district attorney of the
jurisdiction of the conviction consent to the offender participating in the
program.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Make technical changes.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of
Criminal Justice to the reengrossed bill:
1. Makes technical changes.
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