LPA: Don’t Roll Back Successful Justice Reform

The Louisiana House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee today voted 9-7 in favor of House Bill 255, which would roll back a reform passed in the 2017 justice reinvestment package. The following statement is by Terry Landry Jr., policy counsel for the SPLC Action Fund, a member of Louisianans for Prison Alternatives:
 
“Justice reinvestment is working: Louisiana is reducing its prison population, saving millions of dollars and reinvesting in crime prevention programs to make our state safer and stronger. Our legislators should not roll back these sensible, evidence-based reforms.
 
“HB 255 would further delay reforms that, when implemented, would alleviate financial burdens that disproportionately punish poor people.
“This would undercut the package of criminal justice reforms that were passed two years ago, diminish the Legislature’s hard work and betray Louisianans who support smarter justice.”