Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
During the regular session, lawmakers passed criminal justice reforms advocates say will cut down on recidivism.
One of the bills allows parolees to check in with their officers virtually. Pelican Institute CEO Daniel Erspamer says this saves parolees from having to take off work for a day to meet their parole officer.
“This allows employer and employee to come together on smartphones and have a more predictable schedule, check in with the officer, and then get back to work,” says Erspamer.
That bill, HB 77, was brought by Eunice Representative Patrick Devillier.
Another bill requires the Department of Corrections to issue ID cards to those leaving prison. Erspamer says the ID is tailor-made to help those recently released find employment.
“It lists on that ID any sort of certification that he or she may have gotten during their incarceration. Sometimes training in different trades or skills, that is going to help people get a job,” says Erspamer.
SB 354 was brought by Covington Senator Patrick McMath.
Erspamer also highlighted a resolution continuing a commission dedicated to studying criminal justice system funding. He says right now much of the funds come from fines and fees on poor people…
“Unfortunately then what happens is that you begin his cycle of incarceration where you cannot afford to pay your fines or fees and you end up running debtors prisons which we outlawed decades ago,” says Erspamer.
That resolution was brought by Houma Representative Tanner Magee. The commission was first formed in 2019.
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