Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 523: PARDON/PAROLE: Provides relative to parole eligibility for certain individuals (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 523, the "Hope For Redemption Act," creates new parole eligibility for individuals convicted of second-degree murder (R.S. 14:30.1) if they were aged 17-24 at the time of the offense. To qualify, they must have no prior felony convictions, have served at least 30 years of their life sentence, and not fall under specific exclusions (e.g., first-degree murder, sex offenses, or crimes against children under 13). The bill directly affects eligible life-sentenced individuals who committed second-degree murder as young adults, altering parole consideration criteria under Louisiana law. It does not change sentencing but establishes new pathways for parole review after lengthy incarceration. The law would apply only to those meeting all specified conditions, excluding certain high-risk offenses from eligibility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates parole eligibility for young second-degree murder offenders after 30 years, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of rehabilitation and reducing life sentences for non-violent cases.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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signed · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 69: DWI: Provides relative to ignition interlock device offenses

HB 69 clarifies restrictions for individuals required to use ignition interlock devices (IIDs) as part of DWI-related probation or legal conditions. The bill specifically prohibits these individuals from operating, leasing, or borrowing any vehicle without a functioning IID installed (per R.S. 14:334(A)(1)), and bans them from asking others to blow into the device or start the vehicle to bypass the requirement (per R.S. 14:334(A)(2)). It directly affects DWI offenders subject to IID mandates under Louisiana law. The bill amends existing provisions in R.S. 14:334(A) and references relevant sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This is a procedural clarification of current enforcement standards, not a new policy change.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnforces strict IID compliance to reduce DWI recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of preventing repeat offenses through accountability measures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 125: SEX OFFENSE/REGISTRY: Provides relative to the supervised release of sex offenders (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 125 amends Louisiana law to clarify and require courts to provide written notification to sex offenders about registration and notification rules at sentencing. It specifies registration periods (15 years, 25 years, or lifetime) and update frequencies (annually, every six months, or every 90 days) based on offense type, such as crimes against minors or aggravated offenses. The bill mandates that offenders provide detailed personal information - including addresses, employment, photos, DNA, and online identities - to law enforcement within three business days of moving, being released from custody, or changing residence. This applies directly to individuals convicted of sex offenses under Louisiana law, ensuring consistent implementation of registration requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies and mandates detailed sex offender registration requirements, strengthening oversight and compliance in corrections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 219: CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides relative to post-conviction relief or parole when a verdict is rendered by a non-unanimous jury (OR INCREASE LF EX See Note)

HB 219 allows defendants convicted of felonies by non-unanimous juries in Louisiana to seek resentencing if they received the maximum sentence under the law. It creates a process for filing a motion by August 1, 2027, triggering a hearing where courts must review whether the original sentence was excessive. If granted, courts must impose a new sentence within 20-40 years for certain cases, with a presumption that the new sentence should not exceed the maximum for the most serious lesser included offense - unless the district attorney provides clear evidence justifying a longer sentence. The bill excludes individuals who have already completed their sentences and prohibits using the new sentence to enhance prior convictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates post-conviction relief for non-unanimous jury convictions, allowing resentencing if original sentence deemed excessive, advancing criminal justice reform by addressing sentencing fairness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 215: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Provides relative to the grounds for post conviction relief for inmates convicted by a non-unanimous jury. (gov sig) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

SB 215 creates a special committee within Louisiana's Department of Public Safety to review parole applications for inmates convicted by non-unanimous juries (where the jury did not agree unanimously on the verdict). The committee, made up of retired judges, prosecutors, and public defenders appointed by the governor, will determine if such convictions caused a miscarriage of justice and decide on parole eligibility and conditions. Inmates must submit applications with court records, and the committee must meet monthly to consider cases. The bill also requires the committee to notify correctional facilities and local prosecutors of its decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates committee to review non-unanimous jury convictions for miscarriage of justice, aligning with reform by protecting defendant rights and addressing systemic flaws in sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 581: SUPPLEMENTAL PAY: (Constitutional Amendment) Provides for supplemental pay for probation and parole officers (OR +$6,264,000 GF EX See Note)

This constitutional amendment (HB 581) would allow Louisiana's legislature to provide supplemental pay to probation and parole officers employed by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. It directly affects sworn, commissioned law enforcement officers working in those specific roles within the department. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, and if approved, would take effect on July 1, 2027, enabling future legislative action to fund this supplemental pay. The change modifies the state constitution to explicitly permit such supplemental compensation beyond standard pay plans.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds probation/parole officers in corrections system, directly strengthening operational capacity for law enforcement personnel in criminal justice.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides supplemental pay for probation/parole officers, directly increasing compensation for specific workers in labor roles per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 168: CORRECTIONS: Creates a transitional reentry program for female parolees (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 168 establishes a structured transitional reentry program in Louisiana for female parolees, administered by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. It directly affects women who have served at least five years in prison, have no sex offense convictions, are within six months of release, have no recent disciplinary issues, and voluntarily agree to participate. The program aims to support their safe community reintegration through tailored preparation, requiring parole eligibility and adherence to department-established screening. This policy creates a formal pathway for eligible female parolees to access reentry services before release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates structured reentry program for eligible female parolees to reduce recidivism through tailored community integration support, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 361: VOTING/REGISTRATION: Provides for the reinstatement of the voter registration of a person who is no longer under an order of imprisonment (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 361 allows individuals with suspended voter registration due to felony convictions to regain voting rights once they are no longer under an imprisonment order or have not been incarcerated for five years. It requires applicants to submit documentation from correctional officials proving their release status or 5-year non-incarceration period, excluding those convicted of election fraud. The bill streamlines the process by enabling applications via mail, fax, or electronic submission and clarifies the secretary of state's role in developing the application form. This directly affects formerly incarcerated Louisianans who have completed their sentences or parole terms related to non-election offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals post-release or after 5 years, promoting reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Probation & Parole

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 656: CORRECTIONS: Creates a pilot program that provides certain DPS&C programming and services to inmates (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 656 establishes a pilot program to provide structured programming to specific inmates in Louisiana. It directly affects juvenile offenders and inmates held in parish jails or prisons under the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C). The program must include rehabilitation services (education/vocational training), mental health support, and suicide prevention initiatives. Programming will be delivered in-person or via video for accessibility, with DPS&C required to create implementing rules. This bill focuses on expanding access to support services within correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a pilot program providing rehabilitation services (education, vocational, mental health, suicide prevention) to inmates, directly promoting criminal justice reform and recidivism reduction through corrections programming.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMental health support is explicitly required as a core component of the inmate rehabilitation program, directly aligning with healthcare support indicators for mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Mental Health

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 404: CORR FACILITIES/JAILS: Provides for medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse in jails and prisons (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 404 establishes a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for incarcerated individuals in Louisiana state and local correctional facilities who have substance abuse disorders. The bill requires facilities to provide FDA-approved medications (like methadone or buprenorphine), individual treatment plans, counseling, and reentry support - including Medicaid enrollment assistance, housing/employment resources, and a one-week medication supply upon release. It mandates annual reporting on program effectiveness, including recidivism and health outcomes, and prohibits denying program access based on drug screenings or past disciplinary issues. The program directly affects all incarcerated people in Louisiana facilities with substance use disorders, aiming to improve treatment continuity and reduce relapse post-release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and reentry support in correctional facilities to address substance abuse, directly advancing rehabilitation and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates FDA-approved MAT, counseling, and Medicaid enrollment assistance for incarcerated individuals with substance abuse disorders, expanding access to healthcare services in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Probation & Parole Medicaid Substance Abuse

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