Lawmakers Explore Virtual Process for Public Meetings

In their special session Louisiana lawmakers are exploring ways to make it easier for some people to attend public meetings online through apps like Zoom, even after the coronavirus pandemic is over. A bill advanced Thursday, Oct. 1 would allow crime victims and advocacy groups to testify from their computer during parole hearings. Lawmakers say the idea could save district attorneys time and money by making the parole process easier. The parole board, however, would still have to meet in-person. Criminals asking for parole already attend these hearings through video chat from prison. The criminals’ families would also be allowed to testify on Zoom under the proposal.