The Louisiana Legislature's House La Juvenile Justice meeting on March 21, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding juvenile justice reform in the state. Participants emphasized the importance of including young voices in these conversations, with one attendee expressing a commitment to bring more peers to future meetings.
The meeting highlighted the need for greater youth and parental involvement in discussions about juvenile justice. Acknowledging the contributions of attendees, the chairperson encouraged more community participation, stating that the insights shared were vital to the commission's work.
A significant point of discussion was the potential impact of Amendment 3, which was described as a threat to the commission's mission of implementing reforms aligned with national best practices. Concerns were raised that this amendment could lead to an increase in the number of young people entering a system that is not designed for their rehabilitation, potentially resulting in higher rates of reoffending.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of the next gathering scheduled for June 6, and a reaffirmation of the commission's commitment to ensuring a fair and effective juvenile justice system focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The chairperson underscored that adult incarceration is not a viable solution for youth or public safety, reinforcing the need for continued reform efforts in Louisiana's juvenile justice system.