House Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes a two-year pilot program known as the Domestic Violence Intervention Court (DVIC) within the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. The bill outlines the legislative findings regarding the significant public safety and health issues posed by domestic violence and the inadequacy of traditional sentencing models in reducing recidivism among offenders. The DVIC will serve as a post-adjudication specialty court for defendants convicted of domestic abuse-related offenses, with participation being voluntary. Defendants will be supervised by the presiding judge and must comply with specific conditions, including regular court appearances and adherence to individualized case plans.

The DVIC is designed to provide a range of services, including batterer intervention programming, clinical assessments, and support for victims. Victims will have access to a victim services advocate, notifications about court proceedings, and various support services, including safety planning and information about local shelters. The program will operate with a coordinated team comprising various stakeholders, including the presiding judge, district attorney, and victim services advocate. Additionally, the DVIC will collect data on recidivism and program effectiveness, with a report to be submitted to the legislature and the Louisiana Supreme Court at the end of the pilot period. The program will terminate after two years unless extended by the legislature.