Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 491: PAROLE: Provides for parole eligibility (OR SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

HB 491 modifies Louisiana's parole eligibility rules for individuals serving life sentences. It requires life-sentence inmates to meet eight specific conditions to qualify for parole consideration, including serving at least 25 years, having no violent or sex offense convictions, completing mandatory programming (100+ hours), substance abuse treatment if applicable, educational/job training, a low-risk assessment, and a reentry program. The bill directly affects life-sentence inmates who meet all these criteria, regardless of whether they were convicted as juveniles or adults. It does not change sentencing but sets clear, measurable requirements for parole eligibility. The bill is currently in early legislative review stages.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates rehabilitation programs and structured criteria for parole, advancing reform to reduce recidivism and improve reentry outcomes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

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

Track

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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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 439: PAROLE: Provides relative to parole ineligibility (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 439 would restrict parole eligibility for individuals convicted of certain crimes in Louisiana who are sentenced on or after August 1, 2024. It states that such individuals generally cannot be considered for parole unless they meet specific criteria outlined in existing law (R.S. 15:574.4(B)(2), (D) through (K)). The bill directly affects people sentenced for qualifying offenses after the effective date, limiting their path to early release. It does not change current parole rules for offenses committed before August 2024. The bill is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts parole eligibility for certain offenses, limiting early release pathways and reducing defendant rights per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

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 · House May 29, 2026

HB 351: CORRECTIONS: Provides relative to the reentry preparation program (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 351 repeals two specific provisions related to Louisiana's reentry preparation program for formerly incarcerated individuals. It removes a requirement (R.S. 15:827.1(E)) about reentry programs and eliminates an entrepreneurial educational curriculum component within that program. This bill directly affects inmates participating in Louisiana's reentry programs by removing these specific policy requirements from state law. The change is procedural, with no new requirements or funding added.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves entrepreneurial curriculum from reentry program, reducing rehabilitation components per bill summary95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRemoves entrepreneurial educational curriculum component from reentry program, directly eliminating an educational requirement for formerly incarcerated individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Curriculum

in committee · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 341: LAW ENFORCEMENT: Provides for rights of law enforcement officers while under investigation

HB 341 establishes specific procedural rights for Louisiana law enforcement officers (including city police, campus police, and state-certified probation officers) during administrative investigations into misconduct. It requires employers to provide written notice of investigations and charges, mandates that all interrogations be recorded in full, and guarantees officers the right to have legal counsel present and to obtain copies of recordings. The bill also sets strict timelines, requiring investigations to conclude within 75 days (with limited extensions up to 60 days for good cause) and prohibits using statements from administrative investigations in criminal cases. These provisions directly affect officers facing disciplinary actions, ensuring transparency and due process during their investigations.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill strengthens procedural protections for officers during misconduct investigations, potentially hindering oversight and accountability efforts in law enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Probation & Parole

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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