House Bill No. by Representative Owen proposes the enactment of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 930.12, which addresses the review and resentencing of defendants convicted by non-unanimous jury verdicts. The bill recognizes the Louisiana Supreme Court's ruling in State v. Reddick, which deemed such verdicts unconstitutional, and aims to expand the eligibility for post-conviction relief for those who received maximum sentences under these verdicts. Defendants currently serving sentences for felony convictions returned by non-unanimous jury verdicts can file a motion for resentencing by August 1, 2027, with specific procedures outlined for the court to follow, including setting a hearing within 60 days if certain conditions are met.

The proposed law establishes a rebuttable presumption that a new sentence should not exceed the maximum term of imprisonment for the most serious lesser included offense. The district attorney may challenge this presumption by providing clear and convincing evidence for a longer sentence. Additionally, the bill stipulates that sentences imposed under this article cannot be enhanced for habitual offender status, ensures defendants receive credit for time served, and allows the court to determine parole eligibility. Overall, the bill aims to provide a fair review process for those affected by non-unanimous jury convictions.