A video series has been released by Governor John Bel Edwards to educate the public on the criminal justice reform legislation that goes into effect next Wednesday. 14-hundred non-violent offenders are set to be released. New Orleans Representative Walt Leger is featured in one the videos and the former prosecutor says there are many non-violent offenders that are better served receiving treatment for drug abuse or mental health issues.
The Reverend Gene Mills, President of the Louisiana Family Forum and a member of the Louisiana Justice Reinvest Taskforce, says his perspective of criminal reform mixed with biblical beliefs were eye opening for him in what can be accomplished.
Natalie LaBorde with the department of corrections says the governor’s effort to reduce the state’s largest incarceration rate in the world will in the end reduce cost to taxpayers and increase public safety.