Louisiana lawmakers are proposing an amendment to the state constitution that would drastically change the punishment for juvenile offenders.
Senate Bill 2 was approved by the Senate by a vote of 28-9 and sent to the House, where it was reported with amendments and referred to the Legislative Service.
If passed by the state Legislature, the bill would remove sentencing limits for juvenile offenders, allowing them to be sent to adult prison for less violent crimes such as theft.
Under current Louisiana law, juveniles can be prosecuted like adults for a small number of violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, rape and armed robbery.
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Louisiana lawmakers are considering an amendment to the state constitution that would remove sentencing limits for juvenile offenders and allow them to be sent to adult prison. (Google Maps)
“We feel that youth issues are one of the most important issues and there is no reason to delay it,” said Los Angeles House Speaker pro tempore Mike Johnson (R-27th District).
District Attorneys Phillip Terrell, Hiller Moore, Tony Clayton, Billy Joe Harrington, Brad Burgett, Perry Nicosia and Kristin Russell were present, and several prosecutors testified.
The proposal would also require statewide voter approval because it would create a constitutional amendment to state law.
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Senate Bill 2 was favorably reported by the Criminal Justice Administration Committee and recommitted to the Civil Law and Procedures Committee. (Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office)
Many supporters of this bill argue that it would benefit public safety.
“This bill supports district attorneys, judges, and law enforcement in the fight against juvenile crime,” the association's Facebook post said. “I participated in the support.” Rapides Parish District Attorney's Office.
Opponents of the bill worry it would send too many minors to adult prisons for crimes that don't deserve punishment. (St. Petersburg)
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Opponents believe the bill is not only too broad, but that the public has a responsibility to invest their time in improving America's youth rather than incarcerating them.
“When it comes to investing in after-school programs and youth activities…our schools are terrible. We're near the bottom of the list on almost every metric,” Lady Carlson of Together Louisiana told local media outlet KALB. That's why we're not investing in our children.” , how do you think they are better? ”
