This bill amends the Louisiana Revised Statutes to modify the parole eligibility requirements and the automatic earning of good time credits for incarcerated individuals. 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 being considered for release or parole. The bill also eliminates earned compliance credits while on parole and introduces a framework for deportation eligibility hearings for certain alien offenders. It specifies that offenders with a final order of removal or detainer from the Department of Homeland Security may be eligible for parole for deportation purposes, provided they meet specific criteria.

Additionally, the legislation establishes new definitions and procedures related to the parole process, including the duties of the parole committee. It outlines that an offender's sentence will be suspended upon their transfer out of state custody for deportation, and if they are found ineligible for deportation, they will return to state custody. The bill also sets eligibility criteria for the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program, requiring offenders to have no major disciplinary offenses in the past thirty-six months. It repeals a section of existing law regarding sentence diminution eligibility and clarifies that the new provisions will apply only to offenses committed on or after April 29, 2024. 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)