Gov. Jindal Likely to Veto Bill to Reduce Prison Crowding

Gov. Bobby Jindal may veto a bill to reduce prison crowding. The bill, named HB1255 and sponsored by Rep. Katrina Jackson (D), intends to reduce the state's prison population by offering violent offenders an opportunity at parole earlier than the current Louisiana law allows.

The Times Picayune is reporting that Judge Fredericka "Ricky" Wicker of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals said she has heard Jindal might veto the bill.

"Governor Jindal is disquieted by any bill that has any effect on violent offenders," said Wicker, who is a former member of the Louisiana Sentencing Commission.

The intent of the bill is to make our system smarter," said state Rep. Joe Lopinto, R-Metairie, who spoke in favor of it on the House of Representatives floor. "The bill affects only those offenders who would be getting out of prison anyway."