2018 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 15 - Criminal Procedure
RS 15:1199.25 - Mentor program for Veterans Court probation program; job assistance

§1199.25. Mentor program for Veterans Court probation program; job assistance

            A. Veterans shall serve as mentors of the Veterans Court probation program upon receiving a favorable recommendation by the Board of Pardons based on a pre-screen assessment developed by the Board of Pardons. As mentors, these incarcerated veterans may serve as liaisons between the program and the participant. Each mentor shall work in close association with the court and its officers to assist in coordinating strategies for careful monitoring and the production of effective assistance for the success of the participant. The purpose of the mentor role is to serve as the first line of defense against relapse and recidivism.

            B. The department, through placement of the offender in a transitional work program, shall facilitate work opportunities for veterans participating in the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program.

            C.(1) Any mentor who is employed shall be responsible for the cost of his room, board, clothing, and other necessary expenses unless other means of payment are approved by the department.

            (2) The wages of any such veteran shall be disbursed for the following purposes subject to the approval of the department:

            (a) The room and board of the veteran including food and clothing.

            (b) Necessary travel expenses to and from work and other incidental expenses of the veteran.

            (c) Any court-ordered child support owed by the veteran.

            (d) Any court-ordered restitution, or restitution owed to the department, or any other obligations acknowledged by the veteran in writing, or which have been reduced to judgment. The obligations may be paid in installments approved by the department.

            (e) The balance, if any, owed to the veteran upon his discharge.

            (3) The wages of an employed veteran shall not be less than the customary wages for an employee performing similar services.

            (4) In no case shall veterans participating in such programs be authorized or permitted to work or to continue working on a project or job involved in a labor dispute.

            D. Deductions for room, board, and other administrative costs resulting from participation of employment in connection with a transitional facility authorized by this Part shall not exceed the limits set forth in R.S. 15:1111.

            Acts 2018, No. 273, §1.