- Louisiana prisons need better oversight of sentencing changes, auditor says (Louisiana Illuminator, 9/11/2023)
- The state legislative auditor released a report stating that the Department of Public Safety and Corrections should be more meticulous when making changes to sentences for good behavior and other credits. The auditor found that the department did not properly scrutinize sentence adjustments based on accomplishments and compliance with prison rules. This lack of review process increases the risk of errors in offender records not being identified and corrected in a timely manner, sometimes holding prisoners longer than it should.
- Federal broadband expansion projects see mixed progress in Louisiana (Louisiana Illuminator, 6/18/2024)
- Louisiana has successfully completed several federal broadband expansion projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, significantly enhancing internet access in underserved areas. These projects have laid the groundwork for improved connectivity, education, and economic opportunities for residents in rural and urban communities alike. The state’s progress in broadband expansion is a key step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all citizens have access to high-speed internet services.
- How productive is D.A.R.E. in helping Louisiana’s children? (KALB, 7/1/2024)
- The Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA) released a performance audit evaluating the effectiveness of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program administered by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE). Funding for the program comes from cigarette taxes, special court fees from drug offenders, and local agency contributions. Between 2019 and 2023, there was a significant increase in junior high schools receiving D.A.R.E. presentations, but a decrease in K-6 students, leading to fewer students being reached. The LLA noted that the biggest issue facing the program is outdated technology and processes. Despite challenges, the program has shown some success in improving decision-making skills among 5th and 6th-grade students, according to the LLA’s findings.
- At Louisiana care facilities for disabled, audit finds cases of possible abuse, neglect (NOLA, 7/22/2024)
- The Louisiana Legislative Auditor released an audit detailing a five-year investigation that identified 3,500 incidents of abuse or neglect in care facilities. Reporting requirements were not followed in many of these instances, and many sheriffs’ offices cannot access the state’s tracking system. The Louisiana Department of Health says they will make changes to improve the monitoring system.
- High insurance rates prompt Louisiana lawmakers to consider tort reform — again (Louisiana Illuminator, 8/7/2024)
- In response to Louisiana’s persistently high auto insurance rates, state lawmakers are examining a law that limits transparency in personal injury jury trials. Five legislative committees held oversight hearings to investigate the causes and potential solutions to the insurance crisis, with a special session on insurance issues anticipated for the following year. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple highlighted Louisiana’s number of bodily injury claims, which is double the national average, and suggested looking to Florida’s recent tort reform laws as a model.
- Louisiana prisons need better oversight of sentencing changes, auditor says (Louisiana Illuminator, 9/11/2024)
- Louisiana’s prison system lacks sufficient oversight in adjusting sentences for inmates, particularly regarding reductions based on good behavior and credits for program participation, according to a recent audit. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor highlighted issues such as inconsistencies in sentence calculations and improper application of sentence reductions. The report calls for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure accuracy and fairness in these processes.
