Lawmakers from Northeast Louisiana gathered at the Monroe Civic Center on Tuesday for a legislative update to the public, where contrasting approaches to addressing crime in the state caught the attention of African-Americans.
Republican legislators praised their efforts in passing 20 new state laws that they believe will reduce crime, particularly among juveniles. Senator Jay Morris highlighted the legislature’s decision to lower the age of adult criminal punishment to 17, despite acknowledging that many juvenile offenders commit crimes “at the behest of older criminals.”
Morris emphasized the changes made to the parole and probation system, stating, “There is no more parole, there will be probation, but no more parole.” Under the new laws, convicts must serve 85…
