2013 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 15 - Criminal Procedure
RS 15:326 - Administration of assessment tool and evaluation report

§326. Administration of assessment tool and evaluation report

A. For purposes of this Chapter, after January 1, 2014, all criminal divisions within the Twenty-Second Judicial District Court shall use a single validated risk and needs assessment tool prior to sentencing an adult offender.

B. The assessment tool shall be administered at the time of arraignment by trained and certified personnel within the court's misdemeanor probation office. However, upon the court's own motion or by motion of defense counsel, for good cause shown, the court may order the administration of a subsequent assessment. An evaluation report shall be prepared based upon the findings of the assessment tool.

C. The evaluation report shall be made available to the court and defense counsel prior to the initial pretrial conference, but shall otherwise remain confidential and kept as part of the record under court seal.

D. The district court shall develop policies and protocols no later than January 1, 2014, regarding the administration and use of the assessment tool and evaluation reports pursuant to this Chapter. These policies shall include confidentiality periods, maintaining the integrity of the assessment tool, training, and data collection and sharing among affected entities. The Twenty-Second Judicial District Court is authorized to provide funding for any expenses related to the administration and use of the assessment tool and evaluation reports.

Acts 2013, No. 347, §1.