SB 35 Louisiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of disturbing the peace at a place of religious worship. (8/1/26) (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

SB 35 creates a new crime for disrupting religious worship by prohibiting petitioning, picketing, protesting, or assembling within 50 feet of a place of worship in ways that disrupt, threaten, intimidate, or interfere with someone exercising religious freedom. It directly affects individuals engaging in such activities near churches, synagogues, mosques, or other regularly used religious sites. Violations carry a $500 fine and up to 15 days in jail per day of the offense, with each day considered a separate violation. The bill explicitly aims to protect religious freedom as guaranteed by the U.S. and Louisiana constitutions.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Last action May 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB35 Original SB35 Engrossed · 1 edit
MINOR
The bill was amended to require that any disruption or interference with religious freedom be committed 'intentionally and willfully' to be considered a crime. This addition clarifies that accidental or unintentional actions do not violate the law, making the statute more specific and protecting against over-enforcement of peaceful activities.
REQUIREMENT

Added the requirement that violations must be committed 'intentionally and willfully' to establish criminal liability.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported with amendments.
upper
Mar 9, 2026
Committee
Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary C.
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bill Wheat
Bill Wheat
RRepublican
LA
37