We are advocating for Louisiana lawmakers to amend Revised State 15 § 574.4. section known as the "20/45" law that allows anyone sentenced to more than 30 years, served 20 years and reached the age 45 a chance to go before the parole board. Robert would have to serve 26 years before reaching 45 because he was 19. #20yearsislongenough. 

Robert's current job assignment is the inmate counsel at Madison Correctional Center in Tallulah, where he works relentlessly to help other inmates. He also teaches weekly Bible study and the Celebrate Recovery program twice a week.

Act 122 was passed in 2021 that amended the parole eligibility law. While this amendment granted Robert Cox parole eligibility upon reaching 45, it resulted in his removal from the Clemency Hearing Docket. Decision-makers thought it was a good idea to close ALL Clemency cases except for lifers. So although Robert Cox did not kill anyone he was left in prison in order to get lifers out.

This oversight of justice could have been corrected by House Bill 730 last year that was introduced by former New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis. However, two major problems resulted in the bill dying in the Criminal Justice Committee.

First, the bill was too comprehensive and would have expanded parole to more violent offenders than the 20/45 law. Therefore, if it was introduced separately it would have been more than likely to have passed.

Second, the prefiled bill received no response from you or our advocates for reform. Ending Mass Incarceration is possible but only if you start contacting your lawmakers and networking with our advocates. 

Former New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis work for his community did not go completely unnoticed and he was elected to the Senate this year. 

1. Let's get in touch with our advocates, State Representatives and Senators. Let's demand the 20/45 law remove the age requirement because 20 Years Is Long Enough. The 2023 Regular Legislative Session will convene at noon on Monday, April 10, 2023. Final Adjournment no later than 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023.