LOUISIANA
LET THE PUNISHMENT FIT THE CRIME!
Did you receive a prison sentence that didn't fit your crime? Share your story! One testimony at a time, we can advance justice that restores.
SHARE YOUR STORYWith 40 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that transform those responsible for crime, validate victims, and encourage communities to play a role in creating a safe, redemptive, and just society.
Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the country and Governor John Bel Edwards has committed to reducing the state's prison population by 5,000 during his term. During the 2016 legislative session, the legislature passed a variety of bills that will help it achieve this goal. First, the state passed a measure to allow those convicted of a non-violent crime to apply for parole earlier. Second, the legislature enacted a law which will ensure that the most qualified individual receives employment with the state government, regardless of his or her criminal history. Lastly, Louisiana passed SB 324 which will now include all youth under the age of 18 in its juvenile justice system.
WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
TELL YOUR STORY
Did you receive a prison sentence that didn’t fit the crime? One testimony at a time, we can advance justice that restores.
LEARN MORE
Read about Prison Fellowship’s work to reform the Louisiana justice system in this World Magazine article.
ADVOCATE
We’re seeking Justice Advocates to build relationships with their state legislators, organize events, and promote justice reform.
YOUR STATE STATISTICS
26.9K Adults in Prison
693 Minors in Juvenile Facilities
27.8K Adults on Probation
24.5K Adults on Parole
$26.6K Cost of Incarceration Per Adult Prisoner
$154.7K Cost of Incarceration Per Juvenile
Governor: Democrat
Senate: Republican
House: Republican
In Session: Apr 8th - Jun 6th
PRISON FELLOWSHIP IN LOUISIANA
Prison Fellowship's victories in the state include contributing to the passage of House Bills 911 and 1273 in 2014. These bills removed barriers to securing the license required to work in certain industries and provided incentives for employers to hire individuals with a previous criminal conviction. In 2014, Prison Fellowship also supported the passage of Senate Bill 383, which made adjustments to the state's unjust and unfair sentencing guidelines.
In 2011, Prison Fellowship supported the passage of a number of legislative bills (HB138, HB 415, SB 202, HB 415, HB 106, and HB 414) which decreased state spending, increased public safety, and improved transparency for victims of crime across the state. House Bill 138 advances constructive prison culture and human dignity by providing elderly individuals with additional consideration for parole.
SIGN THE JUSTICE DECLARATION!
Grounded in biblical values and signed by over 100 Christian leaders, the Justice Declaration is a call to the Church to deploy its unique and unparalleled capacity to respond to crime and over-incarceration.
SIGN THE DECLARATIONIN THE NEWS
What Is Second Chance Month?
Check out how America has come together over the past two years to support those …Read More »Prison Fellowship’s Statement on Senate Judiciary Committee Hearings Regarding the Conditions for Prisoners in the Federal Bureau of Prisons
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Prison Fellowship®, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, …Read More »
RAISE YOUR VOICE
We encourage Christians who are experienced in advocacy, looking to learn more, or interested in increasing their involvement to apply to the Justice Ambassador program. Justice Ambassadors’ voices can be effective tools to inspire the Church, change the culture, and advance justice that restores. Become a Justice Ambassador with Prison Fellowship today.
FEDERAL JUSTICE REFORM OPPORTUNITIES
Prison Fellowship has been active on Capitol Hill for decades, lobbying the Administration and Congress to support groundbreaking reforms to make communities safer, respect victims, and transform lives. No matter what state you call home, you can be part of our federal justice reform campaigns!
ENSURING PROPORTIONAL PUNISHMENT
The FIRST STEP Act was passed to reduce disproportional drug offenses and allow earn time credits to be awarded for program participation. Contact lawmakers to request they fully implement the law and maximize its potential!
ADVANCING CONSTRUCTIVE PRISON CULTURE
Studies have revealed that participation in education programs during incarceration has resulted in a 43% lower recidivism rate. Encourage lawmakers to restore Pell Grant access behind bars to offer hope and higher education to incarcerated men and women.
UNLOCKING
SECOND CHANCES
The Fair Chance Act allows formerly incarcerated individuals to show their talents, skills, & commitment to personal growth as they compete in labor markets. Ask lawmakers to support second chances through this thoughtful approach to criminal justice.
*Statistics generated from reports by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (Mortality in Local Jails and State Prisons 2000-2011; Probation and Parole in the United States (2013);Prisoners in 2013, Vera Institute of Justice (The Price of Prisons), 2010 Census, Office of Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Provention 2011 and various department of corrections' websites.