Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

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 · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 201: JUVENILE JUSTICE: Limits juvenile offender parole eligibility in resentencing court. (8/1/26)

SB 201 requires Louisiana courts to hold specific hearings when resentencing juvenile offenders to determine whether parole eligibility should be included in their sentence. The bill mandates that courts explicitly state their reasoning for denying parole eligibility, reserving such sentences for the "worst offenders and worst cases." It also specifies that appellate courts must prioritize the original sentencing court's findings, particularly when youth was rejected as a mitigating factor. This procedural change affects juvenile offenders facing resentencing, focusing on the process for determining parole eligibility rather than altering sentencing ranges.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeLimits juvenile parole eligibility, requiring denial for 'worst offenders' and rejecting youth as mitigating factor, restricting rehabilitation options.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Sentencing

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 158: PROBATION: Provides relative to technical violations of probation (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 158 modifies Louisiana's probation rules to address "technical violations" (like missing check-ins or failing drug tests) for certain defendants. It allows judges to impose up to 180 days in jail without reducing the overall probation sentence for individuals on probation for non-violent offenses (excluding crimes of violence or sex offenses). This applies only to violations not involving new criminal conduct, not to serious breaches. The bill does not change sentencing for new crimes but adds a specific penalty for administrative probation breaches. The measure is currently pending in committee review.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows 180-day jail for technical probation violations without reducing probation, increasing punitive measures for minor breaches - opposes reform efforts to reduce unnecessary incarceration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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 May 15, 2026

HB 68: CRIME: Provides relative to conduct that constitutes disturbing the peace (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 68 adds a specific offense to Louisiana's disturbing the peace law, prohibiting the interruption of worship services or religious ceremonies at churches or other places of worship. The bill defines this conduct as disturbing the peace, with penalties including fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both, and requires at least 15 days of the sentence to be served without probation. This law directly affects individuals who disrupt religious gatherings, making such interruptions a criminal offense. The bill does not change existing penalties for other disturbing the peace violations but specifically targets disruptions at religious sites.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds new criminal offense for disrupting religious services with mandatory penalties, expanding criminalization and increasing sentences beyond standard disturbing the peace.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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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