Directs the La. State Law Institute to review criminal justice legislation enacted during the 2017 Regular Session and its consistency with other provisions of Louisiana law
Impact
The bill's impact is grounded in the ongoing efforts of the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force, which was created to address issues related to sentencing and corrections, aiming to reduce the prison population while increasing the effectiveness of rehabilitative programs. By legislating a review of existing statutory frameworks, HR200 sets the stage for potential reforms that could improve outcomes for individuals in the criminal justice system and reduce recidivism rates. The findings from this review are expected to lead to informed recommendations for substantive changes to the criminal justice landscape in Louisiana.
Summary
House Resolution 200 directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a comprehensive review of criminal justice legislation enacted in the 2017 Regular Session. This initiative recognizes Louisiana's significant challenges in the criminal justice system, including its status as the state with the highest incarceration rate in the nation. By studying the legislation's consistency with existing laws, the resolution aims to identify necessary changes to improve the state's justice system and mitigate the associated social and economic costs of high incarceration rates.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HR200 appears to be largely positive, as it aligns with broader efforts for reform in the state's criminal justice system. Stakeholders, including legislative members and community advocates, expressed support for the resolution, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in reducing incarceration rates. However, there may be some skepticism regarding the implementation of recommended changes, reflecting concerns over the potential pushback from various political and social sectors.
Contention
Despite its generally favorable reception, the bill may face contention related to the balance between maintaining public safety and implementing reforms that could be perceived as lenient on crime. As criminal justice reform often draws a spectrum of opinions, the review process initiated by HR200 could unveil significant debate over how reforms are to be achieved, particularly concerning the treatment of offenders and the allocation of resources for rehabilitative programs versus punitive measures.
Directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to establish a working group to study laws relative to marijuana and make recommendations to protect public safety, hold offenders accountable, and control costs to the criminal justice system.
To direct the Louisiana State Law Institute to study and make recommendations on the revision of law regarding the transfer of a juvenile from the juvenile justice system to the adult criminal justice system.
Directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to study the laws on default judgments and make recommendations for the repeal of provisions for preliminary defaults.
Directs the Criminal Code Committee of the La. State Law Institute to study the feasibility of assessing filing fees for applications of post-conviction relief
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.