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From Tax Burdens to Taxpayers: Reentry Package Update
Addressing Louisiana’s workforce shortage means preparing incarcerated individuals for life after release. This session, LABI is supporting a bipartisan package of bills to give those on the margins a real path into the workforce. Three of those bills are authored by LABI Most Valuable Policy Maker (MVP) Rep. Barbara Freiberg (R-Baton Rouge), the first of which will be heard Tuesday in House Criminal Justice.
HB 168 proposes a groundbreaking transitional reentry pilot program for female parolees, administered by the Department of Corrections. This program is designed to help women successfully reintegrate into their communities, reducing recidivism and closing the revolving door of incarceration.
The program sets clear criteria for participation, focusing on women who have demonstrated good behavior in prison, completed a certain amount of their sentence, are nearing their release date and have been granted parole. Participants voluntarily engage in additional support, screening and assessment to ensure a safe and effective transition.
It is important to note that unlike most states, Louisiana lacks a traditional halfway house system. HB 168 addresses this gap by creating a dedicated transitional program for women leaving incarceration.
By providing structure, resources and guidance, HB 168 aims to give women a real opportunity to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities and stay out of the criminal justice system. It’s an important step toward smarter criminal justice policy that benefits everyone.