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Committee backs higher mandatory bonds for child-exploitation offenses
Summary
The committee reported SB93 favorably; the bill would set mandatory minimum bonds of $50,000 for possession and $100,000 for production of child sexual-abuse material (production involves hands-on offenses), according to sponsor testimony and law-enforcement witnesses.
Senator Mizell told the committee SB93 would raise mandatory minimum bonds on child exploitation cases to address inconsistent bonding practices across parishes.
The sponsor said SB93 would set a $50,000 minimum bond for possession and production thresholds tied to hands-on offenses, with a $100,000 mandatory minimum where production (hands-on abuse) is involved. Captain Joe Patu of the Louisiana State Police Special Investigation Section told members that bonds for child-exploitation cases vary widely—from about $2,500 in some cases to much higher amounts in others—and that some offenders have reoffended after release.
Senator Barrow asked for clarification about current bond practices and moved to report SB93 favorably; the committee approved the motion with no objections. The measure will proceed to the next legislative step.
