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SB 278 Louisiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Prohibits the reinstatement of a driver's license suspended for driving under the influence without the installation of an ignition interlock device. (8/1/26)

SB 278 requires individuals in Louisiana to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle before their driver's license can be reinstated after a suspension for driving under the influence (DUI). It specifically applies to drivers suspended for DUI with a breathalyzer test result of 0.08% blood alcohol or higher, within ten years of a prior DUI arrest. The bill amends state law to make this device installation mandatory as a condition for regaining driving privileges. This policy change directly affects repeat DUI offenders seeking to return to driving after a suspension.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandatory interlock devices for DUI offenders reduce repeat offenses, aligning with recidivism reduction goals in criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders to enhance road safety, directly advancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2026 Last action May 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB278 Original → SB278 Engrossed · 1 edit · Apr 21, 2026
MINOR
The bill text was updated from 'Original' to 'Engrossed' status, indicating it has been reviewed and amended by the legislature. While specific substantive policy changes like funding amounts or new definitions are not visible in this header-level diff, the status change confirms the bill is in its final form for the 2026 Regular Session.
TECHNICAL

The document header and title were updated to reflect the bill's progression from 'Original' to 'Engrossed' status, signifying legislative amendments have been incorporated.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 21, 2026

How they voted

28–9
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 40
Apr 21, 2026
D Democratic12
1 Yea 9 Nay 2
75% Nay
R Republican28
27 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Amendments
1
May 12, 2026
Committee
Read by title, amended, recommitted to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
lower
May 6, 2026
Introduced
Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.
lower
May 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably (12-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.
lower
Apr 22, 2026
Committee
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
lower
Apr 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Read by title, passed by a vote of 28 yeas and 9 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.
upper
Apr 15, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably.
upper
Mar 9, 2026
Committee
Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Rick Edmonds
Rick Edmonds
RRepublican
LA
6