Louisiana Lawmakers Postpone Debate on Juvenile Crime Bill

BATON ROUGE, La. — A proposal to make it easier to charge juveniles as adults has drawn sharp criticism and support from opposite sides of the criminal justice system, setting the stage for a heated debate when Louisiana lawmakers reconvene on November 22.

Senate Bill 2, a proposed constitutional amendment, would replace the current list of 14 violent crimes—such as murder and rape—eligible for adult prosecution with broader language allowing the legislature to designate any crime as eligible. Supporters argue the change is necessary to address rising juvenile violence, while critics warn it could do more harm than good.

District Attorney Hillar Moore, a vocal proponent of the bill, says the juvenile justice system is overwhelmed and ill-equipped to handle increasingly violent crimes committed by minors.

“It’s not just about murder anymore,” Moore said. “We’re seeing attempted murders, gun crimes, and even human trafficking involving juveniles. This isn’t about locking up every kid—it’s about dealing with those few cases where public safety demands adult prosecution.”

Moore emphasized that the intent is not to impose harsh sentences but to hold offenders accountable in ways the juvenile system cannot, such as barring them from carrying firearms after convictions.

However, East Baton Rouge Chief Public Defender Kyla Romanach argues the bill is unnecessary and potentially dangerous. She says the current law already gives prosecutors broad discretion to charge juveniles as adults for serious offenses.

“The list of crimes eligible for adult prosecution is extensive enough,” Romanach said. “District attorneys have all the tools they need right now to handle violent juvenile offenders.”

Romanach also warns that exposing children to adult prisons could create lasting damage.

“We know from research that putting kids in adult facilities causes trauma that makes them more likely to reoffend as adults,” she said. “This bill doesn’t make us safer—it makes our communities more vulnerable in the long run.”

Both sides agree on the urgency of addressing violent crime but remain deeply divided on how to achieve it. Moore insists the bill is narrowly targeted to extreme cases, while Romanach believes it represents a step backward for juvenile justice reform.

Since Senate Bill 2 is a constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers to advance. Lawmakers are expected to take up the debate when the session resumes on November 22.