Louisiana could benefit considerably from changes to the way in which convicted criminals are sentenced. Under the current determinate sentencing scheme, nonviolent offenders who pose little or no threat to society are routinely sentenced to long and costly terms in prison with no opportunity for parole, probation or suspension of sentence. Sentencing reforms could include reducing the length of mandatory minimum prison sentences for nonviolent offenses, expanding parole eligibility for certain nonviolent offenses, and limiting the scope of the habitual offender law's application.
Local Government
Will Voters Decide to Leave Austin?
Last year, the Texas Legislature passed a limited disannexation measure, House Bill 3053, that allows people unfairly captured by large cities during a particular time period to hold an election on the question of staying or leaving municipal control. The law was passed after concerns were raised that some cities had accelerated their involuntary annexation...
February 12, 2024