Louisiana House Bill HCR89

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/21
• Refer: 5/19/21
• Report Pass: 5/25/21
• Engrossed: 5/27/21
• Refer: 6/1/21
• Report Pass: 6/9/21
• Passed: 6/10/21

Caption

Requests a study of the health and safety conditions of Louisiana prisons and jails

Impact

The passage of HCR89 is expected to lead to significant changes in state laws regarding inmate housing conditions, particularly in local jails. By focusing on improving the Basic Jail Guidelines, the resolution aims to set higher standards for housing and programming resources that can positively affect inmate rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. The resolution acknowledges previous efforts to improve jail conditions and proposes a structured approach to ensuring these standards are met through continued partnership and funding considerations. Ultimately, it is an attempt to align state practices with successful models identified in other jurisdictions.

Summary

HCR89 is a concurrent resolution that requests a comprehensive study of the health and safety conditions within Louisiana's local jails and prisons. The bill specifically urges the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, with help from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, to review the Basic Jail Guidelines in effect. This includes evaluating the existing enforcement mechanisms and suggesting needed modifications that can help improve conditions and reentry programs. A critical component of this resolution is the aim to address the unique challenges faced by local jails housing state inmates, highlighting the connection between housing conditions and recidivism rates.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HCR89 appears to be supportive, especially among advocates for prison reform who view it as a necessary step towards ensuring humane treatment of inmates in local jails. While there are no documented votes against the resolution, the proactive collaboration between various state entities suggests a consensus on the need for reform. However, the resolution does approach the delicate balance of ensuring adequate funding while striving for improvements, which could become a contentious point as discussions progress.

Contention

Although there is general agreement on the need to improve local jail conditions, some may raise concerns regarding the potential financial implications or the feasibility of implementing the proposed guidelines without adequate resources. Issues of funding and legislative priorities could lead to debates over how best to allocate state resources to address the recommendations that emerge from the study. Additionally, as the study progresses, varying opinions on the proposed guidelines may arise, revealing deeper systemic issues within the state's approach to criminal justice.