Advocates for young people question whether the bills to be signed into law by the governor will actually help young people.

In New Orleans, Governor Jeff Landry is set to sign several bills on Wednesday that will significantly impact the youth justice system, sparking debate among advocates amidst concerns over juvenile crime rates.

One recent incident involved the arrest of a 14-year-old for an armed robbery near Monroe and South Claiborne Avenue. The teenager allegedly brandished a gun and demanded money from a woman before fleeing the scene. This incident has prompted questions about the root causes behind such crimes.

Kristen Rome, the executive director of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, expressed concern about two bills that will affect juvenile justice reform. Senate Bill 11 proposes placing 17-year-olds who commit crimes into the adult criminal system, while House Bill 1, known as the Truth and Transparency Bill, would allow the release of criminal records for juveniles, including their names.

Rome emphasized that the juvenile legal system focuses on rehabilitation, acknowledging the developmental stage of children’s brains. She argued that revealing juveniles’ identities could hinder their rehabilitation prospects, impacting not only the teenager arrested for armed robbery but also others who have encountered the legal system.

Governor Landry defended the bills, citing the city’s elevated crime rates, particularly among young black males. He emphasized the need to address crime in New Orleans, acknowledging the challenges faced by the city.

However, children’s advocates criticized the legislation, warning that it could exacerbate the problem by funneling more young people into the criminal justice system. Rome expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of these measures, suggesting they could perpetuate a cycle of incarceration.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Police Department reported a decrease in overall crime rates across the city, with reductions in murders, carjackings, and armed robberies. However, aggravated assaults and thefts have seen an increase, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing crime in the community.