Louisiana House Bill HCR46

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/20
• Engrossed: 5/7/20
• Refer: 5/11/20
• Report Pass: 5/19/20
• Passed: 5/29/20

Caption

Requests the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to study certain impacts as a result of COVID-19

Impact

The resolution seeks to address crucial health and safety concerns in state prisons by urging the DPSC to evaluate its COVID-19 response. It prompts the DPSC to look into the implications of releasing certain nonviolent offenders during a public health emergency, which could potentially lower the inmate population densities that exacerbate the spread of the virus. Additionally, the resolution highlights the department's measures taken during the pandemic, such as suspending visitations and enhancing hygiene protocols, which are essential steps towards managing the health crisis in correctional facilities.

Summary

HCR46 is a concurrent resolution requesting the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPSC) to study the impact of COVID-19 on the operations of state prisons. The resolution emphasizes the need to assess the safety and security of both inmates and staff during the pandemic. It particularly focuses on the feasibility of releasing nonviolent offenders as a means of reducing the spread of COVID-19 within the prison system. This effort highlights an urgent response to the pandemic's threat to public health, especially in crowded environments such as prisons.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HCR46 reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges that COVID-19 poses within correctional facilities. There is broad support for the resolution among legislators who recognize the ethical imperative to safeguard both inmates and staff. The discussions indicate a consensus on the necessity of addressing the health crisis, though there may be differing opinions on the best strategies for mitigating risks and responding to the needs of the prison population. Overall, the resolution is viewed as a proactive and responsive measure in the face of a public health emergency.

Contention

While HCR46 is largely supportive of combating the impacts of COVID-19 within state prisons, it may present challenges regarding the release of nonviolent offenders. Questions around public safety, recidivism, and the management of released individuals could be contentious points in the discourse surrounding the resolution. Stakeholders may have differing views on the balance between public safety and health needs, particularly with respect to the implications of altering incarceration policies during an emergency.