Requests the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to review eligibility requirements of its rehabilitative programs to determine whether adequate rehabilitative programs are available to every offender in its custody
Impact
The resolution reflects a significant commitment to justice reform in Louisiana, particularly emphasizing the need for comprehensive review and improvement of rehabilitation programs within the corrections system. The acknowledgment of the necessity for offenders to participate in rehabilitative programs may lead to legislative changes that could result in increased funding, resources, and accessibility to such programs. This initiative is seen as part of a broader movement influenced by the Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force, aimed at reducing incarceration rates and the financial burden of the corrections system.
Summary
HCR10 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the 2018 Regular Session authored by Representative Norton, which urges the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to review the eligibility requirements of its rehabilitative programs. The resolution seeks to ensure that adequate rehabilitative programs are available to every offender in custody. This initiative is aligned with the overall goal of improving reentry outcomes for offenders and reducing recidivism rates, which not only serves the offenders but also enhances public safety by fostering successful reintegration into society.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HCR10 appears to be positive, as it promotes initiatives designed to improve public safety and aid offenders in their rehabilitation. Supporters argue that better access to rehabilitative programs is crucial for reducing recidivism and assisting individuals to become productive members of society. However, the effectiveness of existing programs and the Department’s capability to adequately implement proposed recommendations remain points of consideration in ongoing discussions.
Contention
While there may not be outright opposition to HCR10, there are inherent concerns regarding the adequacy of the programs reviewed. The resolution emphasizes the need for a thorough examination of eligibility criteria and program availability, suggesting that current offerings may not sufficiently meet the needs of the offenders. Ongoing dialogue about the implications of the recommendations put forth by the Justice Reinvestment Task Force and how they translate into practice will be essential to the effectiveness of HCR10 in achieving its intended outcomes.
Urges and requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide the Senate committees on finance and judiciary C with a list of rehabilitative programs that are offered at each correctional facility.
Provides parole eligibility for offenders who serve as mentors in the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections' inmate rehabilitation and workforce development program (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
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 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.
Directs the secretary of the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to determine the feasibility and potential savings of privatizing correctional facilities and using the savings for programs for state offenders housed at local facilities