Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association to ensure that video phones are available in all state and parish facilities
Impact
By requiring the installation of video phones, HR133 aims to significantly improve the communication capacity for deaf and hard of hearing inmates. The resolution is aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates accessibility in all public services. It aims to reduce the isolation faced by these inmates, bridging the gap in communication that can lead to improved mental health and lower recidivism rates since maintaining family ties is essential for successful reintegration into society.
Summary
House Resolution 133 urges the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association to ensure availability of video phones in all state and parish facilities. The resolution highlights the importance of facilitating communication for deaf and hard of hearing inmates, who often struggle with outdated communication methods like teletypewriters. The intent of the resolution is to enhance accessibility and ensure that inmates with hearing disabilities remain connected to their families and support systems, which is crucial for their rehabilitation.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HR133 is generally positive among advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing community. It is viewed as a progressive step towards ensuring equality and accessibility within the corrections system. Supporters emphasize that communication access is a human right and essential for the dignity of inmates with disabilities. However, there may be some concerns about the implementation logistics and funding required for the installation of such technology across multiple facilities.
Contention
While the resolution seeks to create a more inclusive environment for deaf inmates, it may face challenges regarding budget allocation and the prioritization of technological updates in correctional facilities. Discussions may arise about the cost-effectiveness and maintenance of video phone systems compared to traditional methods, raising debates on the resources allocated to inmate access versus other pressing needs within the corrections system.
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and other penal institutions that provide inmate training to provide access to training for inmates who are deaf and hard of hearing
Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, in conjunction with the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, to study methods of oversight for inmates participating in work release programs
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 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.
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.
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
Requests the Institute for Public Health and Justice and the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to study behavioral health issues in the criminal justice system