Senate Bill No. 345, introduced by Senator Barrow, mandates the office of juvenile justice to submit an annual report to the legislature, effective August 1, 2026. The new legal language enacted as R.S. 15:933.2 outlines the requirements for this report, which must be submitted by the secretary of the office on or before February 1 of each year. The report is to be directed to the Senate Committee on Judiciary B and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library, and it must include specific information regarding prevention and intervention programs, diversion program development, and access to educational and health resources for juveniles in custody.

Additionally, the report will detail the number of juveniles in custody categorized by age and facility, the complaints received from juveniles or their families, the investigations conducted in response to these complaints, and the number of lawsuits filed, including their status. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the juvenile justice system by providing the legislature with comprehensive data on the operations and challenges faced by the office of juvenile justice.