This bill enacts new provisions in Louisiana law aimed at enhancing the rights and notifications for crime victims, witnesses, and their families. It introduces R.S. 15:715, which mandates that sheriffs or their designees must immediately notify law enforcement agencies and local media when an inmate escapes from a parish prison or jail. Additionally, they are required to inform known witnesses and the victim of the crime for which the inmate was imprisoned. The bill also establishes a timeline for notifying these parties in the event of an inmate's recapture.

Furthermore, the bill enacts R.S. 46:1847 and R.S. 46:1848, which create a comprehensive victims' services system. This system is designed to consolidate and coordinate the rights and services available to crime victims and witnesses, ensuring they receive timely and understandable information throughout the criminal justice process. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections is tasked with administering this system, which must be operational by July 1, 2026. The legislation emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to effectively implement these services and uphold the rights of victims and witnesses.