BATON ROUGE, LA –
Attorney General Jeff Landry praised the Louisiana House of Representatives for
advancing HB 321, legislation aimed at giving the public greater access to
information in their criminal justice system. The bill, authored by
Representative Debbie Villio, would allow crime victims and citizens to easily
view decisions and actions happening in criminal cases impacting their lives
and communities.
In a short HD video message, Attorney General Landry credited victims of
crime for giving the measure a loud voice.
“Crime is out of
control; and with Louisiana having three of the top ten most dangerous cities
in the Country, people around our State have had enough,” said Attorney General
Landry. “So I applaud the House of Representatives for passing HB 321, an
important step toward exposing the failures in our criminal justice system.”
“I am thankful for the
leadership of Representative Villio and the bravery of crime victims who have
shared their stories to help us get closer to solutions for the violent crime destroying
Louisiana,” added Attorney General Landry. “The public deserves to know how
hardened juvenile offenders are being allowed to recommit crimes of violence,
what judges are setting low bail for violent criminals, and how often district
attorneys are refusing or pleading down these cases.”
Today’s House passage
comes on the heels of numerous high-profile crimes including a teenager accused in series of rapes in Algiers, three teens accused of armed robbery spree in New Orleans, and four juveniles accused in Gentilly crime spree linked to additional crimes.
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HB 321 passed the Louisiana
House of Representatives today by a vote of 63-36. It passed the House
Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice on April 26 in a bipartisan
13-2 vote.