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HCR 91

CORRECTIONS: Creates a task force to study the work release programs administered by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chance Henry

Establishes a temporary task force to review and report on DPS&C work release programs, with findings and recommendations due by Feb 1, 2027.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
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Bill Summary · HCR 91

Summary of Bill: HCR 91 (2026, Louisiana) – Task Force on Work Release Programs

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the Task Force on Work Release Programs to study the current administration, effectiveness, and legal framework of work release programs overseen by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C).
  • Requires a written report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than February 1, 2027.
  • Rationale: to evaluate whether statutes reflect best practices for modern correctional administration, improve efficiency, transparency, safety, and better align with public-safety and workforce needs.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of a formal task force:
    • Purpose: examine administration, efficacy, and statutory framework of DPS&C work release programs.
    • Deliverable: written report with recommendations to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 2027.
  • Membership: The task force is multi-stakeholder and includes:
    • House and Senate leadership: chair of the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee (or designee) and chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee (or designee).
    • Legislators: one representative from the Louisiana House (appointed by the Speaker) and one senator (appointed by the President).
    • Executive/agency representatives: governor’s office; DPS&C secretary (or designee); Louisiana Works secretary (or designee).
    • Law-enforcement and judicial stakeholders: executive directors or designees from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana District Attorneys Association, Louisiana District Judges Association; director of the Drug and Specialty Court Office (Louisiana Supreme Court) or designee; state director of Right on Crime or designee; executive director of the Louisiana Parole Project or designee.
    • Industry and reform-focused groups: president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (or designee); representatives from the Center for Employment Opportunities in New Orleans and the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana.
  • Governance and operations:
    • Chair and vice-chair elected by a majority of task force members at the first meeting (no later than Sept. 1, 2026).
    • Meetings may be held at times/places determined by the chair; majority constitutes a quorum; actions require a majority vote.
    • Members serve without compensation, though per diem or expense reimbursement may be provided as allowed by their appointing organizations.
    • Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law apply to meetings and records.
    • House staff will provide support; the task force terminates upon completion of its work or by February 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
  • Administrative aspects:
    • The resolution requires dissemination of a copy to all task force members, submission of one print and one electronic copy to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library, and adherence to relevant House rules.

Who Would Be Affected

  • DPS&C would be subject to review and recommendations regarding its work release programs.
  • Involved state agencies and associations (judicial, prosecutorial, sheriff, parole, industry, and reform-oriented groups) would participate as members or designees.
  • Legislators and the Governor’s Office would have an ongoing role through the task force.
  • The public would be affected indirectly through potential reforms to work release programs that influence reintegration, recidivism, and workforce needs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • First meeting: no later than September 1, 2026.
  • Final deliverable: written report due to the Legislature by February 1, 2027.
  • Committee structure: broad, enabling representation from executive, legislative, judicial, law-enforcement, and industry sectors.
  • Duration: task force is temporary, terminating upon completion of its report or February 1, 2027, whichever occurs first.

Practical Impact

  • The bill does not change existing statutes immediately but creates a structured, collaborative review process.
  • Aims to identify modernization opportunities, improve program administration, enhance safety and effectiveness, and address labor market needs via work release programs.
  • Depending on findings, the Legislature could consider subsequent legislation to implement recommended changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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