The House Resolution establishes the Task Force on Juvenile Offender Policies in Louisiana, aimed at developing recommendations for the education, rehabilitation, and parole of juvenile offenders. The resolution highlights the negative impacts of incarceration on life outcomes, such as educational attainment and employment opportunities, and emphasizes the benefits of correctional education programs in reducing recidivism rates. It notes that juvenile offenders are increasingly being transferred to adult prison systems, necessitating a comprehensive examination of best practices from other states to improve Louisiana's correctional system.
The task force will consist of various stakeholders, including members from the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and representatives from legal, educational, and advocacy organizations. They are tasked with studying juvenile incarceration and parole procedures to propose strategies that enhance outcomes for juvenile offenders and their communities. The task force is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives at least thirty days before the 2024 Regular Session, after which it will be dissolved.