This bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to modify the release eligibility of incarcerated individuals, particularly focusing on parole eligibility and good time credits. A significant change is the extension of the period during which an offender must not have committed major disciplinary offenses from twelve to thirty-six consecutive months prior to release or parole consideration. The bill also eliminates earned compliance credits while on parole and introduces a framework for deportation eligibility hearings for certain alien offenders. Additionally, it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the parole committee and outlines the conditions under which offenders may be eligible for parole.

Moreover, the legislation establishes that an offender's sentence will be suspended upon their transfer out of state custody for deportation purposes, and if they are found ineligible for deportation, they will return to state custody to complete their sentence. It also stipulates that deported offenders must remain outside the U.S. and cannot reenter unless compliant with federal law, with any violations resulting in parole revocation. The bill further sets eligibility criteria for the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program, requiring no major disciplinary offenses in the past thirty-six months, and repeals a section regarding sentence diminution eligibility. The new provisions will apply only to offenses committed on or after April 29, 2024, and the bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
HB208 Original: 15:2(B)(3), 15:1(F), 15:4(A)(4), 15:6, 15:9, 15:24(A)(5), 15:9(F)
HB208 Engrossed: 15:2(B)(3), 15:1(F), 15:4(A)(4), 15:6, 15:9, 15:24(A)(5), 15:9(F)
HB208 Enrolled: 15:2(B)(3), 15:1(F), 15:4(A)(4), 15:6, 15:9, 15:24(A)(5), 15:9(F)
HB208 Act : 15:2(B)(3), 15:1(F), 15:4(A)(4), 15:6, 15:9, 15:24(A)(5), 15:9(F)