HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] adds that criminal history record information used by the board is confidential. It limits the use of this information strictly to evaluating an applicant’s eligibility and prohibits disclosure without the applicant’s written consent, unless ordered by a court.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's statutes governing private security examiners. The bill aims to refine definitions and enhance the authority of the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners concerning criminal history record information.

Key Proposed Changes:

1. Expanded Definition of "Applicant": The term is broadened to include individuals seeking issuance or reinstatement of any license, registration, certificate, permit, or designation necessary to engage in private security practices in Louisiana.
2. Redefinition of "Qualifying Agent": The updated definition specifies that a qualifying agent is any owner or manager of a private security business with the authority to make executive decisions and who meets qualifications outlined in R.S. 37:3276.
3. Introduction of "Licensure": The bill introduces this term to encompass the granting of any license, permit, certification, or registration that the board is authorized to issue.
4. Authority to Obtain Criminal History Record Information: The bill emphasizes the importance of regulating licensure and registration of private security personnel for public safety. It defines terms such as "armored car company," "contract security company," and "instructor." Additionally, it clarifies that "criminal history record information" includes all state records of arrest, prosecution, and conviction, even those expunged or dismissed under specific legal provisions, and may include national records with fingerprints and other identifying information if requested by the board.

Imposes stricter regulatory framework for private security examiners in Louisiana, ensuring that individuals and businesses in this sector meet defined qualifications and standards to promote public safety.

Proposes amendments to Louisiana's drinking water testing protocols. The bill mandates that for every compliance sample collected under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule, public water systems must also perform a chlorine strip test on the same sample at the time of collection. The results of these chlorine tests are to be submitted alongside the lead and copper results to the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Public Health. This requirement aims to enhance monitoring of chlorine levels in public water systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Proposes changes to election sections for judgeships in the Second District of the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal.

The bill divides the Second District, consisting of East Baton Rouge Parish, into two election sections:

·       Election Section One: comprising specified precincts within East Baton Rouge Parish.

·       Election Section Two: comprising the remaining precincts of East Baton Rouge Parish.

Under this proposal, two judges (Divisions A and B) would be elected by voters in Election Section One, while the other two judges (Divisions C and D) would be elected by voters in Election Section Two.

Need to ask why she’s trying to add two judges to this district. Racial representation?

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] clarify that inmates in solitary confinement may access educational training or religious materials, but access can be denied if it's a security risk, not feasible, or conflicts with the reason for confinement. They also define "educational training" as programs offered at the facility and remove references to certification and specific program types.

Requires correctional facilities to provide prisoners placed in solitary confinement with access to all educational materials available as it would be in the least restrictive housing, within 24 hours, regardless of behavior or whether the materials are requested.

Key Provisions: 

- Applies to all prisoners placed in solitary confinement. 

- Educational materials include vocational training, high school equivalency, special education, literacy programs, higher education, and similar programs. 

- Responsibility to provide materials falls on the highest-ranking supervisor present at the facility. 

- Access must be provided within 24 hours of placement in solitary confinement. 

Definitions: 

- “Educational materials” include any academic or vocational programs offered at the facility. 

- “Solitary confinement” is defined as involuntary placement of a prisoner alone in a cell separated from the general population for any reason.

Urges all Louisiana state and local law enforcement agencies to fully comply with the FBI’s National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS). It also requests the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice to publish an annual public report tracking progress, identifying obstacles, and offering recommendations toward full NIBRS compliance. The goal is to improve the accuracy and consistency of crime data to support evidence-based policing and policy.

NIBRS requires vastly detailed, incident-level data including (shortened for the purposes of keeping this rec short):. It allows for more accurate crime analysis but adoption has been slow due to technical and resource challenges.

• Type, time, and location of each offense
• Victim and offender demographics
• Relationship between victim and offender
• Property details (type, value, stolen or recovered)
• Arrest information and case clearance status