Louisiana Senate Bill SR133

Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/23
• Refer: 5/30/23
• Report Pass: 6/6/23
• Passed: 6/7/23

Caption

Requests the Orleans Parish Juvenile Services Financing District be duly appointed by their appointing authorities and thereafter organize itself and create a plan to adequately fund juvenile justice services and requests the City of New Orleans to take urgent action to implement the plan.

Impact

The resolution aims to address the gaps in juvenile justice services currently experienced in Orleans Parish. By urging the Orleans Parish Juvenile Services Financing District to develop a funding plan similar to that in Jefferson Parish—which relies on a dedicated property tax—the resolution seeks to create a reliable and independent funding structure. This strategic planning is expected to reduce fluctuations in service availability due to reliance on federal grants and appropriations, ultimately benefiting children entering the juvenile justice system.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 133, introduced by Senator Duplessis, calls for the immediate appointment of the commissioners for the Orleans Parish Juvenile Services Financing District. The resolution emphasizes the necessity for these commissioners to organize under current state law (R.S. 13:5951) and prepare a comprehensive juvenile wrap-around services plan. The intent is for this plan to be presented to the New Orleans City Council for approval and further action. This move is crucial for enhancing the well-being of children in Orleans Parish, aiming to secure a stable funding source for juvenile services and facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR133 is largely positive, particularly among stakeholders concerned about juvenile justice and child welfare. Proponents of the resolution see it as a necessary measure to improve the support provided to at-risk youth, advocating for pre-adjudication treatments to prevent recidivism. While there is little recorded opposition, the discussion may reflect broader concerns regarding local governance and resource allocation, especially in resource-constrained environments like New Orleans.

Contention

While the resolution does not appear to face significant opposition, potential points of contention may arise regarding the funding mechanisms proposed and the timeline for implementation. Some stakeholders may express concerns over the sufficiency of funds and the methodology for assessing the effectiveness of the proposed juvenile services plan. The urgency in the city council's action may also prompt discussion on prioritization of juvenile justice amidst other pressing community needs.