The Special Crime Session has concluded, and Senator Katrina Jackson Andrews, Representative Adrian Fisher, and Representative Pat Moore have returned to Ouachita Parish. The Louisiana Legislature Chambers passed bills that will impact the community, teenagers, young adults, and constituents in various ways. For example, SB3 was passed. This bill mandates that 17-year-olds who commit non-violent or violent crimes will be tried as adults. If sentenced to jail, they will be sent to an adult prison facility. Other bills eliminate parole and probation and reduced time for good behavior. Some bills extend jail time, while others increase the duration of imprisonment. Collaborative efforts will be made to implement preventive measures against crime. Elected officials will work to educate children from birth to four years old, offer afterschool programs to address poverty, and tackle the root causes of crime. The plan is clear. Starting this week, meetings will be held with pastors, church leaders, elected officials, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and constituents to inform and educate about the new laws and their implications. Dates and times will be announced on Facebook, radio stations, and in newspapers. If there are any questions, individuals are encouraged to contact their state legislative offices. Parents are urged to attend these meetings as their children need to understand the consequences of their decisions. For those needing assistance with their children, the community will provide support. Everyone must contribute to preventing teens and young adults from entering jail or prison. Need another reason to vote or understand why voting matters?