Creates study commission to study expungement costs.
Impact
The establishment of the study commission represents a significant move towards reforming how expungement costs impact individuals seeking to improve their lives through education and employment opportunities. The commission will explore potential solutions, including considerations for a sliding scale based on ability to pay and evaluations of a person's indigence. By studying the cost structure of expungements, the resolution aims to make the judicial process more equitable and accessible, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds who are often deterred by high costs from pursuing expungement.
Summary
Senate Resolution 133, introduced by Senator Carter, seeks to address the financial barriers associated with the expungement process in Louisiana. This resolution establishes the Study Commission on Expungement Fees, tasked with evaluating the costs related to obtaining an expungement, which can be prohibitively expensive, averaging at least five hundred fifty dollars and sometimes reaching thousands. The legislation aligns with the state's commitment to ensure responsible funding of the judicial system and supports a 'clean slate' initiative that aims to improve access to justice for qualified citizens affected by past convictions.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SR 133 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for criminal justice reform and those focused on social equity issues. Many stakeholders, including civil rights organizations and legal service providers, likely view the initiative as a positive step towards dismantling barriers that hinder individuals with criminal records from reintegrating into society. However, there may be concerns regarding the efficacy and implementation of potential recommendations arising from the commission's findings.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the effectiveness of the commission's proposals. Some may question whether merely studying expungement fees will lead to significant changes in the law or actually reduce the costs associated with the expungement process. Additionally, as the commission seeks input from various stakeholders, balancing differing perspectives—particularly the interests of judiciary representatives and civil rights advocates—could prove to be a challenging aspect of this initiative.
Creates the Risk Charge Commission to study current law and consider making recommendations regarding the costs and risks in drilling a well in a unit.
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.