Louisiana Paroles Its Lowest Number of Prisoners in 20 Years Under Gov. Jeff Landry

Louisiana prison costs surge two years after Landry, lawmakers vote to lengthen criminal sentences

Two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers voted to lengthen dozens of prison sentences for criminal convictions, the governor’s staff says state incarceration expenses are surging. (Photo by Jarvis DeBerry/Louisiana Illuminator)Two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and state lawmakers voted to lengthen dozens of prison sentences for criminal convictions, the governor’s staff says state incarceration expenses are surging. Landry’s team pres…

Louisiana Paroles Its Lowest Number of Prisoners in 20 Years Under Gov. Jeff Landry

The state parole board freed 185 prisoners during Landry’s tenure, compared with 858 in the two years before he took office. Hundreds who would have been released under previous governors remain incarcerated with little chance of earning parole.

Louisiana corrections spending balloons amid longer sentences

Louisiana’s tough-on-crime sentencing changes are driving a sharp rise in state prison costs, putting new pressure on the budget just two years after Gov. Jeff Landry and lawmakers lengthened dozens of criminal sentences, Louisiana Illuminator writes.  The administration is seeking an $82 million year-over-year increase for the corrections system, an 11% jump that would push annual state spending close to $800 million. Angola alone would see at …