1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill 74, recently introduced by Senator Alan Seabaugh. This legislation proposes to automatically send 15-year-olds to adult court for any felony, which I believe is a deeply misguided approach to juvenile justice. The rejection of all four constitutional amendments on March 29, particularly Amendment 3, demonstrated the clear will of the voters to protect our youth from policies that would expand the legislature’s control over juvenile prosecutions. SB 74 not only disregards this mandate but also strips critical discretion from judges, district attorneys, and juvenile courts, undermining the ability to consider the unique circumstances and potential for rehabilitation in each case. Moreover, with Louisiana recently approving a $39 million “secured care” youth facility, it raises serious concerns that this bill is designed to maintain a pipeline of youth into the system, prioritizing profit over justice. Our focus should be on rehabilitation and support for young individuals, not on punitive measures that fail to address the root causes of their actions. I urge you to consider the long-term impact of SB 74 on our youth and our community. Instead of pushing for harsher penalties, we should be advocating for policies that provide resources for rehabilitation and support to help our children grow into responsible citizens. Please stand with me in saying NO to SB 74. I encourage you to oppose this bill and promote a more compassionate approach to juvenile justice. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.