Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HR7

Introduced
4/10/23  
Refer
4/11/23  
Report Pass
5/2/23  

Caption

Directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to permit incarcerated parents to virtually attend certain ceremonies involving their children

Impact

The passage of HR 7 is expected to influence state policies regarding the treatment of incarcerated individuals, particularly emphasizing family ties and their importance in rehabilitation and reintegration. It places a spotlight on the needs of children with incarcerated parents, addressing the emotional and systemic challenges they face, which includes issues such as poverty and social instability. This resolution lays the groundwork for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to take actionable steps toward creating a supportive framework for families affected by incarceration.

Summary

House Resolution 7 (HR 7) directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections in Louisiana to establish a policy that allows incarcerated parents to virtually attend ceremonies such as award presentations and graduation exercises of their children. The resolution highlights the critical importance of maintaining the parent-child bond, particularly as many parents face incarceration, which can have detrimental effects on their children's emotional and social development. By enabling virtual attendance, the measure aims to mitigate some of these adverse outcomes by fostering connection between incarcerated parents and their children during significant milestones.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HR 7 seems to be supportive among lawmakers and advocates who recognize the importance of familial connections. The resolution has received broad bipartisan endorsement, as evidenced by the favorable voting record, reflecting a shared commitment to improving the lives of children with incarcerated parents. However, there may be concerns regarding the practical implementation of such a policy, particularly regarding technology access and facility guidelines.

Contention

While HR 7 enjoys considerable support, potential challenges exist in its execution, including logistical issues related to facilitating virtual attendance from correctional facilities. There may also be debates around the adequacy of technology and resources available for ensuring that these virtual ceremonies are effectively carried out, as well as how such an initiative will be monitored and sustained over time. The necessity of ensuring that all children, regardless of their parent's incarceration status, have equitable access to such opportunities could prompt further discussions on broader systemic reforms.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HCR24

Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to permit incarcerated parents to virtually attend certain ceremonies involving their children

LA HCR22

Directs the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to establish family-sensitive policies for all correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the department

LA HB2811

Directing the department of corrections to establish a correctional center nursery for incarcerated expectant mothers and their child to allow certain expectant mothers to care and bond with their child for up to 36 months while incarcerated.

LA SB489

Directing the department of corrections to establish a correctional center nursery for incarcerated expectant mothers and their child to allow certain expectant mothers to care and bond with their child for up to 36 months while incarcerated.

LA HB729

Establishes the Council on the Children of Incarcerated Parents and Caregivers and repeals the termination of the Children's Cabinet (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA AB2250

Children of incarcerated parents: working group.

LA AB2180

The Children of Incarcerated Parents and Caregivers Task Force.

LA AB3007

Children of incarcerated parents: support and services.

LA S04583

Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents and their children; requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish rules and regulations relating to conditions in institutions and correctional facilities and the treatment and care of birthing parents in such institutions and facilities.

LA A04879

Relates to the health, safety and human rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals, incarcerated birthing parents and their children; requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish rules and regulations relating to conditions in institutions and correctional facilities and the treatment and care of birthing parents in such institutions and facilities.

Similar Bills

CA AB2657

Incarcerated person’s competence.

CA SB1139

Prisons: visitation.

CA AB2740

Incarcerated persons: prenatal and postpartum care.

CA AB1782

Jails: commissary.

CA AB732

County jails: prisons: incarcerated pregnant persons.

CA AB1177

Parole: hearing records.

CA AB2527

Incarceration: pregnant persons.

CA AB1225

The Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act.