Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 169: CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Provides relative to extradition as a condition of probation or parole (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)

HB 169 adds a new condition for both probation and parole in Louisiana: individuals must waive extradition to Louisiana from any U.S. or international jurisdiction and agree not to contest being returned. This applies to anyone on probation or parole who leaves Louisiana, requiring them to pay the full cost of extradition (based on their ability to pay) if returned from outside the state. The bill amends Louisiana law to include this requirement as a standard condition during probation or parole placement. It directly affects individuals under probation or parole supervision who travel outside Louisiana, imposing a financial obligation for their return. The law aims to streamline the return process for offenders who leave the state.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAdds extradition waiver and cost payment as probation/parole condition, restricting offender movement and imposing financial burden, opposing reform efforts92% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 811: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to arrest records in domestic abuse matters

HB 811 amends Louisiana's bail-setting rules to allow judges to consider a defendant's past arrest records for domestic abuse battery (even if those arrests didn't result in convictions) when determining bail in current domestic abuse cases. This affects defendants facing domestic abuse charges and judges setting bail amounts. The key provision adds a new factor (Article 316(11)) requiring judges to review the defendant's arrest history for domestic abuse battery within the past five years. It does not change whether an arrest leads to conviction, only that non-conviction arrests become a consideration for bail. The bill focuses on safety and ensuring court appearance by expanding the factors judges may weigh.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires judges to consider past domestic abuse arrest records (even without convictions) in bail decisions, strengthening victim safety protocols within criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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passed · Louisiana · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 86: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Provides mandatory minimum sentences for persons who aid and abet a defendant convicted of certain sex offenses involving juveniles. (8/1/26) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

SB 86 would require mandatory minimum sentences for individuals who help or support others committing specific sex offenses against minors. It specifically targets people who aid or abet crimes like molestation of juveniles (under R.S. 14:81.2) or aggravated crime against nature (under R.S. 14:89.1), imposing half the mandatory sentence for the principal offender on these abettors. The bill directly affects those who assist in these offenses, not just the primary perpetrators. Currently pending before Louisiana's Judiciary Committee, it aims to strengthen penalties for secondary involvement in crimes against children.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes mandatory minimum sentences for aiding sex offenses against minors, increasing punitive sentencing. This aligns with 'oppose' indicators (increases mandatory sentences) in criminal justice context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 289: CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Provides relative to the time period between conviction and sentencing (EN DECREASE LF EX See Note)

HB 289 sets a minimum three-day waiting period between a felony conviction and sentencing in Louisiana courts. It requires courts to delay sentencing for at least 24 hours after denying a motion for a new trial or arrest of judgment. Defendants may waive this waiting period by pleading guilty or expressly agreeing to immediate sentencing. The bill directly affects felony defendants in Louisiana criminal cases by standardizing timing between conviction and sentencing. It does not change sentencing guidelines or penalties, only the procedural timeline.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds 3-day waiting period between felony conviction and sentencing, protecting defendant rights and ensuring due process in sentencing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

vetoed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SB 125: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Increases the compensation cap for the wrongful conviction compensation law. (8/1/26) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

SB 125 increases compensation for people wrongfully convicted in Louisiana. It raises the annual payment rate from $25,000 to $40,000 per year incarcerated, with a new maximum total of $600,000 starting August 1, 2026 (up from $400,000 previously). It also allows those convicted before July 2022 to apply for supplemental payments (up to $40,000 annually) by August 1, 2027, and offers a $250,000 lump sum option for new claims filed after July 2022. The bill directly affects Louisiana residents who were wrongfully imprisoned and seek financial redress under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases wrongful conviction compensation, directly advancing criminal justice reform by providing redress and protecting civil rights for affected individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

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signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 320: CRIME/SEX OFFENSES: Creates the crime of unlawful exposure by an inmate (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for inmate sexual exposure in corrections, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization in correctional facilities.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 279: CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides relative to trial of misdemeanors

HB 279 changes Louisiana's criminal procedure by requiring jury trials for certain misdemeanors. It mandates that defendants charged with offenses punishable by a fine exceeding $2,500 or imprisonment over six months must be tried by a jury of six jurors. This directly affects individuals facing misdemeanor charges where the potential penalties meet either threshold. The law applies immediately to all pending cases, both before and after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates jury trials for misdemeanors with higher penalties, protecting defendant rights and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence

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passed · Louisiana · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 97: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Constitutional amendment to require the prosecutor's consent for a defendant to waive his right to a trial by jury. (2/3 - CA13s1(A))

SB 97 is a proposed constitutional amendment to Louisiana's Constitution that would require prosecutors' written consent before a defendant can waive their right to a jury trial in non-capital criminal cases. Currently, defendants can waive jury trials without prosecutor approval (except in capital cases), but this amendment would mandate written consent from the prosecutor, which must be obtained at least 45 days before trial and would be irrevocable. It directly affects defendants facing non-capital criminal charges (those not punishable by death or requiring hard labor confinement) and prosecutors who would need to approve such waivers. The amendment, if approved by voters, would change the constitutional provision governing jury trials in criminal cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts defendant right to waive jury trial without prosecutor consent, reducing individual rights in criminal proceedings per bill's mandate.95% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 316: PUBLIC DEFENDER: Provides relative to the Louisiana Public Defender Fund. (8/1/26) (OR -$158 GF EX See Note)

SB 316 amends Louisiana law to establish clear funding rules for the state's Public Defender Fund, directly affecting public defender offices across all judicial districts. The bill sets a minimum annual deposit amount calculated by multiplying district attorney warrants by a specific value (including retirement benefits) plus a $15,000 supplement per warrant. It mandates that at least 75% of the fund must be allocated each year to district public defender offices and indigent defender funds, while allowing the state public defender to distribute remaining funds for supplemental assistance. The law ensures funds are used exclusively for implementing the Louisiana Public Defender Act and related programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates minimum annual deposits and 75% fund allocation to public defender offices, ensuring stable funding for essential legal services under state budget management.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates minimum funding for public defender offices (75% allocation) and sets specific deposit rules, directly strengthening public defense resources in criminal justice system.95% confidence

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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

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights