The Grio
Three of the state’s predominantly Black parishes would be affected by the Louisiana House of Representatives’ recent approval of a bill to make some juvenile criminal records public.
House Bill 321, which would open up court records for minors as young as 13 in Caddo, Orleans, and East Baton Rouge parishes, passed the chamber on a 63-36 vote on Thursday, according to The Advocate.
State Rep. Debbie Villio, a Republican from Kenner who sponsored the legislation, said it was about “public safety,” contending that it aimed to reduce crime in Louisiana parishes with the highest rates by promoting greater transparency.
While supporters of the measure hope it will pave the way for a statewide system, some lawmakers have branded it an overtly racist initiative that would subject Black children to scrutiny usually reserved for the adult criminal justice system.
“Let’s be real. We know what this is about,” said state Rep. Edmond Jordan, a Democrat from Baton Rouge, The Advocate reported. “The optics are obvious. Let’s stop playing around with this,” he said.
“If you’re from Baton Rouge, if you’re from Shreveport, if you’re from New Orleans,” he continued, “you should be offended by this.” Read more
