On Nov. 1, a bipartisan package of 10 bills that Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards singed in June came into effect.
These bills, known as The Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Package, was designed to steer people convicted of less serious crimes away from prison, strengthen alternatives to incarceration, reduce prison terms for those who can be safely supervised in the community, and remove barriers to successful reentry, according to State of Louisiana Public Safety & Corrections.
Representative Patricia Haynes Smith (D), supports the program saying, “It is a major step for Louisiana.”
This package means that Louisiana will finally lose its longstanding title as the incarceration capitol of the world.