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Committee approves Landry-backed bill to create victim‑notification system tied to statewide records projects
Summary
House Bill 479, a measure to create a centralized victim‑notification system that builds on statewide records projects, was reported favorably by the House Committee on Criminal Justice.
The House Committee on Criminal Justice on April 16 reported House Bill 479 favorably, a measure to improve victim and witness notification by building a centralized electronic notification system.
Representative Jeff Landry introduced HB 479 as a straightforward victims’ rights and notification bill designed to inform victims and witnesses of case events such as releases, court dates and case dispositions. Landry said the goal is to use existing technology and system connections so victims can receive timely updates and access victim‑services resources in a centralized location.
Christopher Walters, deputy executive counsel for Governor Jeff Landry, told the committee the governor’s office supports the bill and described efforts to use ICGIS projects and other interagency connections to create a comprehensive victim‑services system that follows a case from initial incident through prosecution and any period of incarceration and release.
Committee members asked technical questions about how data would be entered and updated and how confidentiality would be protected. Walters said law enforcement could enter victim contact information at the scene or victims could register themselves through a secure portal or QR code; he said existing clerk-of-court tools (eclerksla.com) provide a model for automated notification when docket activity is entered.
Jill Dennis of the Louisiana Victim Action Network spoke in support and urged the committee to pass the bill so victims receive timely information about court dates, releases or other events. Supporters including district attorneys and law-enforcement groups filed cards in support; one red card in opposition was filed but did not present testimony.
Vice Chair Vanessa LaFleur moved favorably; no objections were recorded and the committee reported the bill favorably. Landry said he expects minor technical cleanup amendments and plans to offer them on the floor.
