House Bill No. [insert number] establishes a two-year pilot program known as the Domestic Violence Intervention Court (DVIC) within the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. The bill recognizes domestic violence as a significant public safety and health issue and aims to reduce recidivism among offenders through a post-adjudication specialty court that combines judicial supervision with treatment and victim safety planning. The DVIC will operate for eligible defendants convicted of domestic abuse-related offenses, with participation being voluntary and subject to the presiding judge's discretion. The program will include various services such as batterer intervention programming, mental health and substance abuse screenings, and case management services.

The bill also emphasizes the importance of victim safety and provides a range of services and protections for victims, including access to a victim services advocate and notification of court proceedings. A coordinated team will oversee the DVIC, comprising the presiding judge, district attorney, public defender, probation officer, clinical provider, program coordinator, case manager, and victim services advocate. Data collection on recidivism rates, program completion, and victim safety indicators will be conducted, with evaluations submitted to the legislature and the Louisiana Supreme Court at the end of the pilot program. The DVIC is set to operate for two years unless extended by the legislature.