Gov. Jeff Landry orders special session to address crime in Louisiana, begins Feb. 19

The session is set for Feb. 19 through March 6, and he's asked that lawmakers consider ways he proposes will reduce crime.

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Gov. Jeff Landry called for a second special session to address crime and related state laws on Thursday, Feb. 8. The session is set for Feb. 19 through March 6, and he's asked that lawmakers consider ways he proposes will reduce crime.

“This special session begins to fulfill the campaign promises we made to the people of Louisiana to make our State Safe Again. No one, regardless of their neighborhood or zip code, should feel unsafe. We all want safer communities,” Landry said. “We will defend and uplift our law enforcement officials and deliver true justice to crime victims who have been overlooked for far too long. I am eager to enact real change that makes Louisiana a safer state for all.” 

Of the 24 items, members of the Louisiana Legislature will consider: restricting parole eligibility, requiring a unanimous vote to be given parole, increasing the penalty for carjacking, lowering the age of a child for sentencing of delinquent acts, clarifying the method of giving the death penalty, authorizing the carrying of a concealed weapon without a permit and making laws for the prosecution of third-degree rape.

The ACLU of Louisiana issued a statement Thursday arguing that measures to be considered won't fix the issues the session sets out to address.

"Lengthier sentences imposed upon Louisianans will cost taxpayers millions of dollars, do not decrease crime, increase recidivism, and unduly target Black and Brown communities. Many of the policy actions outlined by the governor’s proclamation directly contradict well-established research regarding criminal justice in the state," the statement reads.

"The ACLU of Louisiana is deeply concerned with the 'tough on crime' sweeping policy proposals of the governor. From the restriction of parole eligibility, good time, and earned compliance to the lowering of the age of majority for juveniles."

The organization cited a report from the Council on Criminal Justice that showed efforts to reduce crimes with long sentences are limited and depend on the crime. The report also suggests sentencing based on individual risks, or role in a drug organization. Recommendations included more restorative justice initiatives, victim's rights services and behavioral health services.

"The governor’s policy proposals are not evidence-based, lack the data necessary to inform sound criminal justice policy, and will disproportionately harm communities of color." the ACLU said.

Click here to read the full list of the items scheduled for legislation.

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