Letlow Files Judicial Efficiency and Reform Act

Legislation realigns Louisiana’s federal judicial districts to improve public safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has filed the Judicial Efficiency and Reform Act to improve public safety in Louisiana’s Capital Region. The bill would reduce caseloads in the Middle District, which houses Baton Rouge, by shifting West Feliciana Parish to the Western District.

Louisiana has three federal judicial districts. West Feliciana Parish currently falls within the Middle District, creating significant case backlogs due to an excessive litigatory environment often involving the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

The Middle District currently has 25% more new filings per judge than the Western District, spreading resources thin at a time of continued violent crime concerns in the Baton Rouge area. The current chief judge has also released several notably violent offenders in recent months — including a convicted rapist — as attorneys for illegal immigrants fight deportation efforts at every turn. These legal battles often lead to dangerous criminals being released into local communities, while also delaying justice throughout the entire court system. 

“Louisiana’s federal courts are desperately in need of a more balanced system that protects public safety, provides justice for victims, and holds criminals accountable,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. “We have seen outrageous examples of violent criminals released from Louisiana Lockup as lawyers for illegal immigrants and other violent criminals flood sympathetic judges with lawsuits. We need to rebalance the system to ensure our courts work better and make Louisiana communities safer.”

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