Louisiana lawmakers push bills to fight crime
Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Crime-Focused Bills in Special Session
During the fourth day of a special session focused on crime, Louisiana lawmakers made significant progress by approving several bills aimed at addressing various criminal issues. These bills include eliminating the need for a concealed carry permit, adjusting the age for considering juveniles in the justice system, and imposing stricter penalties for carjackers and those who sell fentanyl in a way that appeals to minors.
Senate Approvals
In the Senate, New Iberia Republican Sen. Blake Miguez’s Senate Bill 1 received a favorable vote of 28-10, allowing law-abiding citizens to carry concealed handguns without a permit. Senate Bill 2, also by Miguez, passed with a vote of 27-11, limiting liability for individuals with concealed handgun permits. Additionally, Senate Bill 3, introduced by Turkey Creek Republican Sen. Heather Cloud, successfully passed with a vote of 30-9, lowering the age for considering individuals as juveniles in the criminal justice system to 17. A similar measure, Senate Bill 11 by Monroe Republican Sen. Stewart Cathey, also gained approval with a vote of 33-4.
House Approvals
In the House, Metairie Republican Rep. Laurie Schlegel’s House Bill 7, which seeks to increase penalties for carjacking, was approved with an overwhelming vote of 89-15. The bill aims to raise the mandatory minimum sentence from two years to five and the maximum sentence from 20 years to 30 for offenders causing serious bodily harm. Another bill by Schlegel, House Bill 8, received a vote of 91-13 and aims to impose a mandatory prison sentence of 25 to 99 years for those selling fentanyl in a manner that appeals to minors. Schlegel highlighted the FBI’s warning about drug cartels targeting minors with attractive pills, which have been found in 22 states.
Furthermore, the House approved House Bill 4, introduced by Carencro Republican Rep. Julie Emerson, with a vote of 72-31. This bill imposes limits on post-conviction appeals. The lower chamber also passed measures for mandatory drug testing, designating crimes involving illegal weapon use as violent crimes, and providing immunity from civil liability for peace officers and their public employers under certain circumstances.
Additionally, the House is considering House Bill 6, presented by Hammond Republican Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, which expands the options for carrying out the death penalty to include nitrogen hypoxia and electrocution.
These bills will now undergo further review in their respective committees before final floor votes in the coming days.
How does the bill Mit aim to strengthen the rights of Louisiana residents to protect themselves and their loved ones?
Mit. This bill aims to strengthen the rights of Louisiana residents to protect themselves and their loved ones. Supporters argue that removing the requirement for a concealed carry permit would eliminate unnecessary red tape and allow law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional rights more easily.
Another bill that passed in the Senate was Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Metairie Republican Sen. Patrick Connick. This bill raises the minimum age for juveniles to be considered as adults in the criminal justice system. Currently, Louisiana is one of only nine states that treats 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system. Senate Bill 16 aims to raise the age to 18, aligning Louisiana with most other states and recognizing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of young offenders.
House Approvals
Over in the House, representatives approved House Bill 15, sponsored by Covington Republican Rep. Mark Wright. This bill targets carjackers by imposing stricter penalties and creating a separate crime for stealing a motor vehicle by force. Supporters argue that this legislation is necessary to deter carjackings and protect innocent victims.
In addition, the House also passed House Bill 4, sponsored by Baton Rouge Democratic Rep. C. Denise Marcelle. This bill focuses on the sale of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has contributed greatly to the opioid crisis in Louisiana and across the nation. House Bill 4 seeks to impose harsher penalties for those who sell or distribute fentanyl in a manner that appeals to minors, recognizing the devastating impact this drug has had on communities.
Reaction and Next Steps
The approval of these crime-focused bills in the special session has sparked both support and opposition from different interest groups. Proponents argue that these measures will strengthen public safety, deter criminal activity, and provide justice for victims. They believe that by enacting stricter penalties and addressing loopholes in the justice system, Louisiana can make progress in reducing crime rates.
Opponents, on the other hand, raise concerns about potential unintended consequences of these bills. Some argue that allowing concealed carry without a permit may lead to an increase in gun violence. Others fear that raising the age for considering juveniles as adults may limit the ability to address serious crimes committed by 17-year-olds.
Moving forward, all approved bills will move to the opposite legislative chambers for further deliberation and voting. If they pass successfully, they will then be sent to Governor John Bel Edwards for final approval. The outcome of these bills will shape Louisiana’s approach to crime and criminal justice moving forward.
In conclusion, the approval of crime-focused bills during Louisiana’s special session marks a significant step towards addressing various criminal issues. By removing the need for a concealed carry permit, adjusting the age of juveniles in the justice system, and imposing stricter penalties for carjackers and fentanyl sellers, lawmakers aim to enhance public safety and deter criminal activity. However, the impact and consequences of these measures will only become clear in the coming months and years.
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