As bills fly through the Louisiana legislature during Gov. Jeff Landry's criminal justice reform special session, some lawmakers are asking "how much will this cost?"
Sen. Jimmie Harris (D-New Orleans) tells WWL-TV no one has mentioned anything about how these programs will be paid for.
"Do we have to cut somewhere? Do we have to rob Peter to pay Paul? Is it funding that's currently there?" Harris asked. "These are all of the questions that have not been answered when the bills come over."
Harris said lengthening sentences and limiting probation opportunities will mean taxpayers spending more money to keep more people in jail.
Other lawmakers argue that it costs society if criminals are treated too leniently.
"It's an unfortunate cost because you would hope that the ultimate outcome is that you discourage criminal behavior," said Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Pineville). "That is the idea of increasing penalties and increasing the severity of the consequences of illegal action."
