SB 313 prohibits Louisiana county clerks of court from charging additional fees for electronic filings in criminal cases, including related service fees. This directly affects criminal defendants, their attorneys, and court staff who use electronic filing systems for criminal matters. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure no extra charges are assessed beyond standard filing costs for electronic submissions in criminal cases.
This bill requires individuals convicted of vehicular homicide where the victim is a parent with a minor child to pay child support to the surviving child. The law mandates that offenders follow the existing child support payment schedule outlined in state law. It applies specifically to cases where a parent dies due to a vehicle-related crime, ensuring financial support for the remaining child. The measure adds a financial obligation to the criminal penalties already imposed for this offense.
HB 68 adds a specific offense to Louisiana's disturbing the peace law, prohibiting the interruption of worship services or religious ceremonies at churches or other places of worship. The bill defines this conduct as disturbing the peace, with penalties including fines up to $500, imprisonment up to six months, or both, and requires at least 15 days of the sentence to be served without probation. This law directly affects individuals who disrupt religious gatherings, making such interruptions a criminal offense. The bill does not change existing penalties for other disturbing the peace violations but specifically targets disruptions at religious sites.
HB 76 requires sheriffs or their designated staff to immediately notify specific parties when an inmate is improperly released from a parish prison or jail due to administrative errors, mismanagement, or staff mistakes. It mandates notification to law enforcement agencies, the victim of the inmate’s crime, any known witness (regardless of testimony), and individuals specified by the district attorney. The bill defines "improper release" broadly to include clerical errors or facility mismanagement, and clarifies that "local media outlets" may also be notified. This law directly affects parish prison staff, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors in Louisiana.
HB 161 modifies bail conditions for defendants accused of human trafficking (under R.S. 14:46.2) or trafficking children for sexual purposes (R.S. 14:46.3). It requires courts to impose strict conditions if the defendant poses a threat to the victim, including banning all contact with the victim, their residence, workplace, school, and any communication (including electronic). The bill also prohibits defendants from working in specific roles like transportation drivers, home service workers, childcare facilities, or door-to-door sales. These measures aim to protect victims and prevent potential reoffending during pretrial release.
HB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.
HB 98 strengthens protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking by creating criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of their confidential information. The bill prohibits individuals from intentionally releasing, disclosing, transferring, or disseminating victim-identifying details - such as abuse status, family members, or agency involvement - and imposes fines up to $2,500 or up to one year in prison for violations. It also shields community shelters from liability if staff or others unlawfully disclose such information. These provisions apply to service providers, law enforcement, and agencies handling victim cases, ensuring sensitive data remains confidential. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to prevent re-victimization through information leaks.
HB 320 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for inmates who expose their intimate body parts (genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples) to correctional staff with the intent of sexual gratification or harassment. It applies specifically to individuals incarcerated in jails, prisons, or detention facilities, targeting conduct directed at employees of those facilities. Violations carry penalties of up to three years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The bill also amends existing law to include this new offense under the definition of "sex offense" for registration and notification purposes.
This bill protects healthcare providers and individuals from civil and criminal liability when they distribute or use Naloxone and other opioid reversal drugs even after their labeled expiration dates have passed. It allows people acting in good faith to administer these medications to someone believed to be having an opioid overdose without fear of legal consequences, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Healthcare professionals are also shielded from disciplinary action by licensing boards for actions covered under this immunity, though federally certified facilities must still follow federal rules regarding expired medications. The law defines "shelf-life end date" based on federal labeling requirements and takes effect upon the governor's signature.
HB 92 updates Louisiana's rape laws by adding a new circumstance for first-degree rape: when the victim cannot resist due to the offender's force overpowering their ability to resist. It revises indictment forms to specifically include "forcible or second degree rape" as a charge and modifies jury verdict options for first-degree rape cases, removing "oral sexual battery" as a separate offense. The bill repeals the existing crime of oral sexual battery (R.S. 14:43.3) and makes technical adjustments to related legal provisions. These changes directly affect how prosecutors charge rape cases and how juries determine verdicts in court.
