Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to conduct a comprehensive statewide review of factors affecting the state's incarceration and recidivism rates
Impact
The bill outlines specific objectives for the Department, including evaluating how different parishes utilize alternatives to incarceration and determining the effectiveness of current community-based programs. It recognizes the need for community resources and policy improvements that could enhance local capabilities while aligning funding models with the goals of reducing incarceration and encouraging rehabilitation. The approach is anticipated to compel local jurisdictions to adopt evidence-based practices that promote better outcomes for offenders.
Summary
HCR146 directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections in Louisiana to conduct a comprehensive review of factors impacting the state's high incarceration and recidivism rates. Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the nation, leading to significant financial costs for taxpayers. This resolution aims to identify effective alternatives to incarceration and evaluate the use of risk assessments and best practices to guide sentencing and intervention services. The importance of data-driven approaches is emphasized to improve public safety and reduce future offenses.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment around HCR146 appears to be positive, focusing on a proactive approach to criminal justice. By advocating for the utilization of successful rehabilitative strategies, the bill is likely to resonate well with reform advocates who emphasize reducing recidivism as essential to improving public safety. The prospect of involving community stakeholders and exploring successful models from other states alludes to a collaborative spirit in addressing these tough issues.
Contention
While the bill is largely seen as a step toward positive reform, there may be contention around the implementation of its recommendations, as local jurisdictions may resist changes or express concerns about the adequacy of resources to support new initiatives. Additionally, there could be debates about prioritization of funds and how best to allocate state resources for community-based corrections versus traditional incarceration methods. Balancing the needs of public safety with adequate support for rehabilitation will be a central issue as the Department moves forward with its review.
Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to study the use of judicial referral agency residential facilities in work release programs and as an alternative to other incarceration programs
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Louisiana Department of Education to study the barriers that impede successful reintegration of offenders back into society
Creates a commission to study the procedures for processing felony sentences and calculating incarceration release dates of persons in the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Requests strategies to provide offenders committed to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and confined in parish correctional facilities the necessary education, job skills and training, and needed behaviors, and to provide needed mental health care to all offenders committed to the department, to facilitate successful reentry upon release.
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to establish partnerships with area universities to provide additional access to individual therapy and drug treatment for inmates at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.