Photo by Brooke Thorington
Governor Jeff Landry says the crime special session produced legislation that will make the state safer.
“Now it’s not the panacea, it’s not going to be the end all of crime, but it’s a great step in the right direction,” said Landry.
The Legislature approved measures to expand methods used to carry out executions, lowering the age one can be charged with a felony from 18 to 17 years old, restrictions on parole and probation, permitless conceal carry and longer prison sentences for carjackers.
“The good citizens of Louisiana who work hard and play by the rules will be able to pump their gas without fear.” said Landry.
But House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard says the special session failed to address the root causes of crime. He says the lock them up and throw away the key approach does not work.
“We have to talk about issues such as mental health, substance youth disorders, job opportunities and housing opportunities for men and women when they are coming home from prison and we did none of that during this special session,” said Willard.
Willard says the bills passed will explode Louisiana’s prison population and produce higher costs for taxpayers.
“I though it was very reckless for the Legislature to take such action, rushing through session and approving all of these legislative instruments that have indeterminable costs,” said Willard.
Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign these bills next week.
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