Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HB 51: BAIL: (Constitutional Amendment) Restricts post-conviction bail for certain offenders (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 51 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's Constitution that would prohibit bail after a conviction for certain offenses. Specifically, it would ban bail for defendants convicted of an "aggravated offense" (as defined in state law) committed against a minor victim. This change would apply only after a conviction and before sentencing or final judgment, affecting individuals found guilty of these specific crimes against children. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 election to take effect.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBans bail after conviction for crimes against minors, reducing defendant rights and increasing punitive measures per indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted other

passed · Louisiana · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 313: CLERKS OF COURT: Prohibits clerks of court's vendors from charging additional electronic filing fees in criminal and traffic actions. (8/1/26)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for electronic filings in criminal cases, improving access to court processes and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted other

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 416: STATE EMPLOYEE RET: Provides relative to reemployment of retirees to fill critical shortage positions within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, corrections services. (2/3-CA10s(29)(F)) (8/1/26) (EN SEE ACTUARIAL NOTE FC)

This bill allows retired state employees to return to work in specific critical shortage positions within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, overriding the usual two-year reemployment ban for those who retired under early retirement incentive plans. To qualify, positions must be full-time roles that have been advertised through civil service rules but received too few applicants, including leadership roles like majors and captains, as well as nurses and social workers. Retirees who return to these positions can keep their full retirement benefits while both they and the department continue making required contributions to the retirement system, though they do not earn additional service credit or benefits. The department secretary must certify the need for each position and review annually whether reemployment remains necessary, while disability retirees are excluded from returning under this provision.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill addresses critical staffing shortages in corrections and public safety, improving operational capacity and potentially enhancing public safety outcomes.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill addresses critical workforce shortages by allowing retired employees to return to essential positions, strengthening public safety staffing and protecting workers' employment opportunities in critical roles.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 1034: CRIME: Authorizes the establishment of temporary protection zones (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill creates a new legal framework allowing local government leaders like mayors, parish presidents, or police chiefs to establish temporary protection zones for public safety. These zones can cover roads, shorelines, or other areas and must be announced in writing with clear boundaries, reasons for the restriction, and effective times, while also being publicly notified and filed with the court clerk. The zones can last up to 72 hours and may be renewed if safety concerns persist, with violations punishable by fines, jail time, or hard labor depending on the severity of the offense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances public safety through temporary protection zones, strengthening law enforcement capabilities and community security measures.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 26: HEALTH SERVICES: Provides relative to opioid treatment programs. (gov sig)

SB 26 repeals two Louisiana statutes (R.S. 40:2116(B)(5) and 2159) that required facility need reviews for opioid treatment programs. This bill directly affects opioid treatment facilities in Louisiana by removing a specific administrative review requirement. The key change is eliminating the need for these facilities to undergo a separate review process before operating, streamlining their regulatory compliance under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves administrative barriers for opioid treatment facilities, advancing rehabilitation programs aligned with criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves administrative review requirement for opioid treatment facilities, streamlining operations and improving access to healthcare services under public health programs.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 68: CRIME: Provides relative to conduct that constitutes disturbing the peace (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds new criminal offense for disrupting religious services with mandatory penalties, expanding criminalization and increasing sentences beyond standard disturbing the peace.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 76: CORRECTIONS/PRISONERS: Provides relative to notification of inmates released from a parish prison or jail or state correctional facility (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates notifications after improper releases to prevent recidivism, enhancing accountability in corrections and victim safety within criminal justice system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 161: HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Provides relative to bail conditions for defendants alleged to have committed certain human trafficking offenses (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill imposes strict bail conditions to protect trafficking victims, banning contact and restricting defendant roles, advancing victim safety in criminal justice.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 102: CRIME: Creates the crime of second degree cruelty to the elderly and persons with infirmities (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new crime with up to 40-year penalties, expanding criminalization. Aligns with 'oppose' indicators (increases criminalization, expands sentencing) without reform elements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 151: CRIMINAL/RECORDS: Provides relative to expungement of arrest information (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 151 (Louisiana) establishes specific document requirements for individuals seeking to expunge arrest records. It mandates that applicants submit court records (like minute entries or disposition reports), criminal background checks, and certification letters from district attorneys verifying no current convictions, pending charges, or participation in diversion programs. The bill directly affects people with arrest records who qualify for expungement under Louisiana law, streamlining the application process by standardizing required paperwork. This procedural bill does not change eligibility for expungement but clarifies the documentation needed when filing a motion. (Bill text: Code of Criminal Procedure Article 978.1, as enacted by Louisiana Legislature.)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 151 streamlines expungement requirements, reducing barriers for individuals with arrest records - aligns with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice