The bill amends R.S. 15:909 to enhance the reporting requirements for escapes from juvenile institutions in Louisiana. It expands the definition of institutions to include facilities that house juvenile offenders on behalf of the state, thereby broadening the scope of accountability. The superintendent or highest-ranking employee at these facilities must notify law enforcement and local media within ten minutes of an escape. Additionally, they are required to maintain detailed records of each escape, including the date, time, number of escapees, and the offenses for which they were detained. This information must be made available for public inspection and shared with law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections establish rules to ensure the immediate reporting of all escapes from both state juvenile institutions and facilities housing juvenile offenders. It also clarifies the definitions of "law enforcement agency" and "local media outlets" to include various local news services. The changes aim to improve transparency and communication regarding juvenile escapes, thereby enhancing public safety and accountability within the juvenile justice system.

Statutes affected:
SB7 Original: 15:909(A)
SB7 Engrossed:
SB7 Enrolled:
SB7 Act 87: