La. House To Consider Mandating Violent Crime Minimum Sentences

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — People convicted of firing a gun and killing someone in a violent crime would face at least a three-year prison sentence, under a measure nearing final legislative passage.

The House criminal justice committee narrowly agreed to advance the mandatory minimum sentence bill to the full House, with a 7-6 vote Wednesday.

Louisiana requires mandatory minimum sentences for murder and other violent crimes.

The Senate-approved proposal by Lafayette Sen. Page Cortez would set a three-year minimum sentence for a list of other crimes — including carjacking, armed robbery and manslaughter — if a gun killed someone.

Cortez says he wants to ensure appropriate sentences for crimes.

Some lawmakers suggested the public could correct sentencing complaints by voting judges out of office instead of creating new law.

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Senate Bill 196: www.legis.la.gov