Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 343: PARDON/PAROLE: Provides relative to parole eligibility (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 343 creates parole eligibility in Louisiana for individuals who were 18-20 years old at the time of committing their offense and are serving 30+ year sentences. To qualify, they must have served 25 years, have no major disciplinary issues in the prior 36 months, complete 100 hours of prerelease programming, substance abuse treatment (if applicable), and one of several educational or job skills programs, while also receiving a low-risk assessment and completing a reentry program. The bill specifically applies to first-time offenders with no prior sex offenses or life imprisonment convictions. It establishes concrete, measurable requirements for parole consideration rather than altering sentencing laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates parole eligibility for young offenders after 25 years with rehab requirements, promoting rehabilitation and reducing long-term incarceration - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 371: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Creates a public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. (8/1/26) (EG INCREASE SG EX See Note)

SB 371 creates a public registry for Louisiana residents with two or more convictions for specific domestic violence offenses (like aggravated battery, stalking, or rape) when the victim was a household member, family member, or dating partner. Offenders must register in person with their parish sheriff and notify law enforcement within 14 days of release or probation, incurring a $150 fee to cover registry costs. The registry excludes individuals already required to register as sex offenders or child predators under other laws. It applies to second or subsequent convictions occurring on or after August 1, 2027, for offenses listed in the bill, including equivalent out-of-state crimes. The law aims to enhance public safety by tracking repeat offenders through mandatory registration and notification.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders to enhance public safety and prevent recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 394: PARDON/PAROLE: Provides relative to conditional parole (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 394 proposes changes to Louisiana's parole process for inmates requiring rehabilitative programs before release. It creates "conditional parole" allowing prisoners to be released pending completion of specific reentry programs - such as regional reentry initiatives or workforce development programs at Louisiana State Penitentiary or the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women - within a 24-month window. If approved, prisoners must complete the program and then appear before the parole board for a final release decision. The bill directly affects inmates in Louisiana state prisons who need such programs to ensure public safety and successful reintegration. The bill is currently pending in the Legislature's Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice (prefiled February 2026).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates conditional parole requiring completion of reentry programs, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - key criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

signed · Louisiana · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 111: CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Provides relative to diminution of sentence for the earning of an associate's degree (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 111 would allow incarcerated individuals in Louisiana to earn an additional 90 days of credit toward their parole supervision date if they obtain an associate's degree from a regionally accredited, department-approved educational institution while serving their sentence. This policy directly affects people in Louisiana state prisons who complete such a degree program. The key provision adds this specific credit to existing good time calculations under Louisiana law, reducing the time they must serve under parole supervision. The bill does not alter prison sentences but shortens the parole period for eligible individuals who earn the degree.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows sentence reduction for prison education, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism - directly advancing criminal justice reform through rehabilitation incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 322: PARDON/PAROLE: Prohibits the assessment of any fees or costs against certain individuals who request a copy of testimony presented in executive session before the Board of Pardons and committee on parole

HB 322 prohibits Louisiana state agencies from charging fees or costs to victims, spouses of victims, next of kin of deceased victims, or legal guardians who request copies of testimony from private hearings of the Board of Pardons and parole committee. The bill specifically amends state law to remove financial barriers for these individuals seeking testimony records related to parole or pardon proceedings. It does not affect other requesters or prevent law enforcement from sharing information as required by law. The policy change directly impacts those with direct connections to cases reviewed by these boards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for victims/families accessing parole testimony records, enhancing transparency in criminal justice proceedings90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 118: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Provides for substance use disorder screening of all misdemeanor DUI offenders. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

SB 118 requires courts to screen all misdemeanor DUI offenders (first and second offenses) for substance use disorder risk as part of probation conditions. It mandates using evidence-based screening tools validated for impaired driving, with results kept confidential and shared directly with the court, prosecutors, and defense counsel. If screening indicates risk, courts may order a full assessment by a licensed clinician to determine if a substance use disorder diagnosis exists. This policy applies to both first and second offense DUI cases under Louisiana law, focusing on early intervention rather than altering penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates substance use disorder screening for DUI offenders to enable rehabilitation, reducing recidivism through evidence-based treatment pathways rather than punitive measures.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 76: CORRECTIONS/PRISONERS: Provides relative to notification of inmates released from a parish prison or jail or state correctional facility (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 76 requires sheriffs or their designated staff to immediately notify specific parties when an inmate is improperly released from a parish prison or jail due to administrative errors, mismanagement, or staff mistakes. It mandates notification to law enforcement agencies, the victim of the inmate’s crime, any known witness (regardless of testimony), and individuals specified by the district attorney. The bill defines "improper release" broadly to include clerical errors or facility mismanagement, and clarifies that "local media outlets" may also be notified. This law directly affects parish prison staff, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors in Louisiana.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates notifications after improper releases to prevent recidivism, enhancing accountability in corrections and victim safety within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 245: PAROLE: Provides relative to medical parole (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 245 amends Louisiana law to establish specific procedures for medical parole and medical treatment furloughs. It requires the parole committee to notify the district attorney and attorney general at least 90 days before a parole hearing and 30 days before a medical parole hearing, allowing them to review offender records and present testimony. The bill also mandates that victims or their next of kin receive written notice at least 90 days before parole hearings and 30 days before medical parole hearings, explaining their rights. Additionally, it adds provisions for medical parole eligibility for permanently disabled or terminally ill offenders, while updating parole ineligibility rules for offenses committed after August 1, 2024. These changes primarily affect incarcerated individuals seeking medical parole, prosecutors, and crime victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes medical parole procedures, aligning with criminal justice reform by addressing inmate healthcare needs and reducing unnecessary incarceration through structured release processes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 480: COURTS/CRIMINAL: Provides for participation in reentry courts

HB 480 amends Louisiana law to clarify eligibility for reentry courts and workforce development sentencing programs. It removes a prior restriction on defendants with sex offense convictions (defined under R.S. 15:541) and specifies that participation is barred only for crimes of violence (with 15 listed exceptions, including aggravated assault, robbery, and battery of police officers). The bill also repeals outdated provisions and requires district attorneys to consent to participation for eligible violent crime cases. This directly affects criminal defendants facing charges who may qualify for reentry court programs instead of standard sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves barrier for sex offense cases in reentry courts, expanding rehabilitation access to reduce recidivism while maintaining violent crime exceptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Louisiana · House May 7, 2026

HB 123: CRIMINAL/JUSTICE: Provides relative to electronic monitoring (OR +$10,356,586 GF EX See Note)

HB 123 regulates electronic monitoring for pretrial and post-conviction supervision in Louisiana. It requires service providers to register with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, submit monthly and annual reports to courts and prosecutors, and report violations within 30 minutes. The bill also mandates security protocols for protecting monitored individuals' personal data and imposes fines or registration bans for noncompliance. It directly affects electronic monitoring service providers, courts, law enforcement, and prosecutors, while safeguarding data privacy for individuals under monitoring. The bill repeals outdated provisions (R.S. 15:571.36(C)(5) and 835) to update oversight of this system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRegulates electronic monitoring with oversight, data security, and timely violation reporting, enhancing accountability in supervision systems.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates security protocols for personal data in electronic monitoring, directly protecting privacy and enhancing cybersecurity standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole Data Privacy

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