Louisiana House Bill HB641

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/12/21

Caption

Provides relative to the amount paid for the confinement of persons in parish jails or institutions (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 641 will modify existing statutes related to how the state compensates local jails for housing individuals who are committed to state custody but held in parish facilities. By standardizing and increasing the per diem payments, the bill aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by local governments when managing state inmates. This change is expected to help maintain essential jail services and could facilitate better conditions for these individuals by providing funds for necessary resources.

Summary

House Bill 641 aims to increase the amount paid by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections for the confinement of individuals in parish jails. The bill outlines specific per diem rates for the housing of state inmates, establishing $30.39 per day for the fiscal year 2021-2022 and thereafter. This increase in payment is significant for sheriffs and parish authorities as it directly impacts how they manage the financial aspects of housing state inmates, particularly as previous rates had been lower and service costs have risen over time.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around the bill appears to be positive among law enforcement and local government officials who stand to benefit from the increased funding provided by the state. They argue that adequate funding is crucial for maintaining the operational standards of parish jails. However, concerns may arise from budgetary constraints at the state level, as discussions around increased expenditures could lead to backlash regarding fiscal responsibility and prioritization of funds.

Contention

While there seems to be general support for the bill, potential contention could stem from debates about the sufficiency and appropriateness of the funding levels. Critics may question whether the proposed rates are adequately justified in terms of the costs that parish jails incur or if they effectively address issues such as inmate treatment and educational programming. Moreover, there could be scrutiny regarding the overall allocation of state funds and how it fits within the larger budget priorities of the state.