Criminal justice bills head to governor

BATON ROUGE — Signature pieces of Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ planned criminal justice overhaul moved toward his desk today with votes in the legislature. The Senate approved measures to shrink sentences and expand probation and parole opportunities, mainly for non-violent offenders. And the House voted to allow drug felons to receive food stamps and welfare benefits when they leave prison.

Seven of the 10 criminal justice bills Edwards backed now await his signature, a set of rare victories for the Democratic governor in a legislative session that saw much of his agenda rejected.

If everything passes, Edwards expects a significant decline in prison population over the next decade, with 70 percent of any savings reinvested in programs that keep inmates from reoffending.

The most contentious proposal, which expands parole eligibility to some violent offenders, passed with no votes to spare. It was seconds away from failing before Sen. Dan “Blade” Morrish, a Jennings Republican who was wrapped in conversation with a colleague, cast the deciding vote of approval.

Read more: http://www.houmatoday.com/news/20170606/criminal-justice-bills-head-to-governor