Raise Your Children or LA (SB 2) Will

Senate Bill No. 2 (SB 2) proposes a significant shift in Louisiana’s juvenile justice system. The bill seeks to amend the state constitution to give the legislature the authority to determine which offenses committed by juveniles can be transferred to adult court for prosecution. Currently, only a defined list of serious offenses, such as murder or aggravated rape, are eligible. If passed, SB 2 would remove this limitation, allowing the legislature to expand the list to include any crime, provided it is approved by a two-thirds legislative vote. This change carries profound implications, particularly for African American communities that are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.

One potential effect of SB 2 is the expansion of juvenile offenses eligible for adult prosecution. Under current law, only specific severe crimes can lead to juveniles being tried as adults. SB 2 would allow the legislature to broaden these criteria, which could result in more African American juveniles facing adult prosecution. This shift could lead to harsher sentences, increased recidivism rates, and fewer opportunities for rehabilitation—outcomes that are less likely in juvenile court. Furthermore, African American youth, who are already overrepresented in juvenile arrests and court cases, could face even greater disparities if this bill is enacted. The broader criteria for adult prosecution could result in more African American juveniles carrying adult criminal records, hindering their future educational and employment opportunities.

SB 2 could also lead to an increase in juvenile incarceration rates in Louisiana, a state already known for high juvenile incarceration. Adult facilities typically lack the rehabilitative programs available in juvenile settings, making it harder for juveniles to reintegrate into society successfully. By shifting from a rehabilitative approach to a punitive one, the bill risks undermining the potential for young offenders to change and grow. The decision-making power granted to legislators under SB 2 also raises concerns, as it could result in policy decisions driven by political or societal pressures rather than what is in the best interest of youth and public safety. The implications of SB 2 deserve careful scrutiny, particularly for its potential to deepen existing disparities in the justice system for African Americans in Louisiana.