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
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
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
Bill Wheat
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SB 35
Scope: LA
Hi! I can help you understand SB 35. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline