House Resolution No. by Representative Martinez establishes a task force to evaluate the 18th Judicial District Court Drug Court Program and the behavioral health services provided to incarcerated individuals in the district. The resolution highlights the ongoing issues of substance abuse, addiction, and untreated mental illness, which affect families, public safety, and the criminal justice system. The task force aims to assess the effectiveness of counseling and treatment services, funding, mental health evaluations, and overall outcomes associated with the drug court program, which serves participants from Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and West Baton Rouge Parishes.

The task force will consist of various representatives, including members from the 18th Judicial District Court, the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug and Specialty Court Office, the Louisiana Department of Health, and local correctional facilities, among others. It will examine critical areas such as recidivism rates, treatment availability, and the coordination of services between correctional facilities and behavioral health providers. The task force is required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the relevant legislative committees by February 1, 2027, with the goal of improving counseling, treatment, and recovery outcomes while reducing repeat offenses.