House Resolution No. by Representative Larvadain establishes a Task Force on Substance Use among Incarcerated and Released Populations in Louisiana. The task force is tasked with studying substance use trends and treatment options for individuals in local parish prisons, state prisons, on probation and parole, in transitional work programs, and within the foster care system. The resolution highlights the alarming rates of substance use among incarcerated individuals in Louisiana, which exceed national averages, and emphasizes the need for improved access to treatment and rehabilitation services. The task force is required to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 31, 2026.

The task force will consist of various representatives from state departments, health organizations, and community-based recovery services, and will focus on examining the scope of substance use, the impact on public health, and the relationship between substance use and criminal behavior. It will also review existing treatment programs, assess barriers to access, and propose legislative changes to enhance substance use treatment for affected populations. The task force is expected to convene its first meeting by September 1, 2025, and will actively seek input from individuals impacted by incarceration and substance use disorders to inform its recommendations.