House Bill No. 542 aims to enhance criminal justice reinvestment by modifying the allocation of savings generated from previous reforms. The bill establishes a new special fund, the Reinvestment in Offender Education Fund, under the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), which will be responsible for managing post-secondary education and vocational training for incarcerated individuals. Starting in Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) is required to transfer $5 million annually from its recognized savings to this fund, which is intended to support educational and vocational programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

Additionally, the bill repeals a previous allocation to LCTCS and instead directs funds specifically for the new education fund, while retaining existing allocations for juvenile justice and law enforcement. The LCTCS will also be required to report annually to the legislature on the effectiveness of the programs funded by this initiative. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, contingent upon approval by the governor.

Statutes affected:
HB542 Original: 15:3(A)(2)
HB542 Engrossed: 15:3(A)(2)
HB542 Reengrossed: 15:3(A)(2)