BRAC-supported bill to enhance electronic ankle monitoring efforts passes
Baton Rouge, LA (June 15, 2023) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) commends the Louisiana Legislature for passing HB 556, a bill that establishes minimum standards, licensing, and oversight requirements for Offender Tracking Systems (OTS), electronic monitoring devices that track accused offenders.
The bill creates mandatory operating requirements for OTS devices and companies that administer them, requires registration for electronic monitoring service providers, establishes a centralized registry for data collection, imposes stricter penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring equipment, and encourages collaboration between providers and state and law enforcement agencies. The legislation aims to bolster public safety, create accountability on electronic monitoring providers, and bolster the effectiveness of electronic monitoring programs in Louisiana.
“Public safety is by far the highest priority issue area concerning our local business community,” said Adam Knapp, BRAC president & CEO. “We applaud the Louisiana Legislature for their efforts in advancing public safety and protecting our community’s interests through HB 556. This passage will bring valuable enhancements to electronic monitoring in Louisiana, promoting accountability, deterrence, and improved data collection.”
“The current ankle monitoring system is not working the way we need it to,” said District Attorney Hillar Moore. “Oversight of the program has been lacking, allowing for repeat crimes to occur. This is a simple issue we can fix. By strengthening electronic monitoring programs in Louisiana, we are bolstering our efforts to create a safer community. I commend the Louisiana Legislature for their dedication to public safety and their commitment to protecting the interests of our community.”
“By enhancing electronic ankle monitoring efforts, we are providing more accountability to individuals arrested for violent crimes and making available more tools to law enforcement to assist in investigative efforts,” said Chief of Police Murphy Paul. “The mandatory operating requirements for OTS devices and companies, along with the imposition of stricter penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring equipment, will greatly enhance accountability and deterrence. Additionally, the creation of a centralized registry for data collection and the encouragement of collaboration between providers and state and law enforcement agencies will lead to improved information sharing and coordination, enabling us to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats.”
The passage of this legislation marks a win for BRAC’s 2023 legislative agenda, which included focusing on legislation that enhances public safety. BRAC’s annual legislative wrap-up can be found in full at brac.org/legislative-priorities.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) is an aggressively ambitious regional economic development organization with a bias for action. BRAC seeks to push Baton Rouge beyond the status quo, unleash its potential, and support a vibrant business community that believes the finish line does not exist. BRAC seeks to accelerate economic opportunity in the Baton Rouge Area, for everyone, through BRING IT! Baton Rouge, its five-year, regional strategic plan. Learn more about BRAC at brac.org.
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