Louisiana

Louisiana’s crime-focused special legislative session begins

Published

2 years ago

February 19, 2024

Louisiana’s crime-focused special legislative session begins

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Under a new era of conservative leadership, Louisiana’s GOP-dominated Legislature will gather Monday for a special legislative session that could reshape the state’s criminal justice system and the public safety sector.

Among the more than two dozen bills filed ahead of session is legislation that proposes expanding methods to carry out death row executions, restricting parole eligibility, harsher penalties for carjackings, “immunity from liability” for law enforcement based upon certain criteria and publicizing some juvenile court records.

Some lawmakers say the tough-on-crime policy proposals prioritizes victims and will keep criminals behind bars and off Louisiana streets. Others worry the slew of legislation won’t address the immediate issue of violent crimes plaguing the state, but instead would undo bipartisan and historic reforms that were passed under Landry’s Democratic predecessor.

Here are some bills and topics that will be debated during the scheduled two-and-half-week session.

DEATH PENALTY METHOD EXPANSION

Like other reliably red states that have seen executions stall, Louisiana lawmakers are looking to expand methods to carry out the death penalty. The Deep South state is exploring adding the newest execution technique of oxygen deprivation using nitrogen gas, which was used in Alabama last month, and bringing back electrocution.

Currently, 58 people sit on Louisiana’s death row but an execution has not occurred since 2010. Under the bill, filed by Republican state Rep. Nicholas Muscarello, lethal injection would remain the preferred method in Louisiana.

PAROLE RESTRICTIONS

There are several bills that would add various parole conditions and restrictions, reducing the chance of parole eligibility and time offenders can have taken off their sentences for good behavior.

REPEAL “RAISE THE AGE” LAW

On Landry’s agenda this session, he wants lawmakers to roll back the state’s “Raise the Age” law that was passed by lawmakers in 2016. The law, which was a key criminal justice reform in the state, stopped automatically routing 17-year-olds through the adult criminal justice system when arrested for non-violent crimes, instead steering them to the juvenile prosecution system.

TOUGHER PENALTIES

Lawmakers have filed bills proposing harsher sentences and penalties for certain crimes — including carjacking and weapons offenses.

One bill would make the distribution of fentanyl to minors a crime that is punishable by 25 to 99 years in jail without parole.

LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR POLICE

At least two bills have been filed, that seek to further legally protect officers — giving them and law enforcement some immunity from liability “based upon certain criteria”

One bill proposes that “liability shall not be imposed on any peace officer… based upon the conduct or actions of a peace officer in the performance of any discretionary function within the course and scope of his duties.” A second bill, “Prohibits civil claims against peace officers and certain public entities based upon the conduct or actions of a peace officer in the performance of any discretionary function within the course and scope of his law enforcement duties.”

CONCEALED CARRY

Lawmakers once again will try to advance a bill that would allow people in Louisiana who are 18 or older to carry concealed guns without a permit.

The closest Louisiana has been to enacting a permitless concealed carry law was in 2021, when the bill passed the House and Senate. However Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards vetoed the measure.

For a full list of bills filed, visit the Louisiana State Legislature website.

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Louisiana

This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

Published

11 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Press Room

Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes.

The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.

The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.

Read the full story.

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Louisiana

Fed’s ‘Catahoula Crunch’ finished its first week in Louisiana

Published

23 hours ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.

The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions.

Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.

Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.

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Louisiana

Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Press Room

Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.

Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.

Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.

“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.

Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.

“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”

The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.

Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.

“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”

The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.

“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”

Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.