Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 479: CRIMINAL/JUSTICE: Creates the Fiscal Truth in Sentencing Act (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 479, the Fiscal Truth in Sentencing Act, requires Louisiana district clerks of court to provide quarterly reports to the legislative auditor containing sentencing data, including the number of sentences and total confinement years per judge, excluding traffic cases. It specifically mandates reporting on juvenile cases sentenced to incarceration (20+ years) starting in 2026. The legislative auditor uses this data, combined with annual budget figures from criminal justice agencies, to create annual reports projecting five-year incarceration costs and average per-person costs. This law aims to improve budget transparency for the criminal justice system by standardizing data collection and reporting.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires sentencing data transparency for juvenile cases (20+ years), enhancing oversight in criminal justice through legislative audit of sentencing practices.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Sentencing

Track

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

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

Track

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

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 100: CRIME: Creates the crime of felony speeding (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 100 creates a new felony offense for speeding in Louisiana, defined as operating a vehicle more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This law directly affects drivers who exceed speed limits by this margin, making it a criminal offense punishable by fines of at least $1,000, imprisonment for a minimum of six months, or both. The bill establishes mandatory minimum penalties for this specific speeding behavior, distinguishing it from standard speeding violations. It applies statewide to all motor vehicle operators who commit this offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates felony speeding with mandatory minimums (6 months, $1000+), expanding criminalization and increasing penalties, opposing reform efforts.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates felony penalties for excessive speeding (30+ mph over limit), directly enhancing road safety standards under transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Traffic Safety

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 480: COURTS/CRIMINAL: Provides for participation in reentry courts

HB 480 amends Louisiana law to clarify eligibility for reentry courts and workforce development sentencing programs. It removes a prior restriction on defendants with sex offense convictions (defined under R.S. 15:541) and specifies that participation is barred only for crimes of violence (with 15 listed exceptions, including aggravated assault, robbery, and battery of police officers). The bill also repeals outdated provisions and requires district attorneys to consent to participation for eligible violent crime cases. This directly affects criminal defendants facing charges who may qualify for reentry court programs instead of standard sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves barrier for sex offense cases in reentry courts, expanding rehabilitation access to reduce recidivism while maintaining violent crime exceptions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 82: DWI: Provides relative to penalties for DWI offenses (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 82 amends penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses by changing a specific penalty duration from "twelve months" to "twelve years." This change directly affects individuals convicted of DWI offenses, significantly increasing the potential jail time for certain violations. The bill modifies an existing penalty provision within the DWI statute, focusing on the length of incarceration rather than introducing new categories or requirements. As a substantive policy change, it represents a major adjustment to sentencing for DWI convictions in the jurisdiction.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases DWI penalties from 12 months to 12 years, raising mandatory incarceration without rehabilitation focus95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 275: CHILDREN/ABUSE: Provides relative to the minimum sentencing for child domestic abuse convictions (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 275 (Louisiana) creates a "Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment Law" that increases penalties for domestic abuse battery when a child under 13 is present. The bill mandates a minimum 3-year prison sentence (up to 6 years) for offenders convicted of domestic abuse battery if a minor child 13 or younger was present at the scene. This directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse battery in Louisiana where children were present during the incident. The law adds this mandatory sentencing requirement to existing penalties under Louisiana law, without changing the core definition of the crime.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates minimum 3-year prison sentence for domestic abuse battery with child present, increasing mandatory penalties per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Sentencing

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 58: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Imposes a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

SB 58 imposes mandatory minimum sentences for "aggravated flight" from law enforcement officers in Louisiana. It requires a minimum one-year prison term (without parole or early release) for fleeing police, increasing to two years if the flight causes serious injury. The bill also mandates that fines from these offenses must fund police pursuit training or safety technology, not general agency budgets. Additionally, it requires insurance proceeds related to such crimes to follow existing legal handling rules. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of fleeing police and changes how related fines are used by law enforcement agencies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates fines fund police training/safety tech (not general budgets), promoting fiscal responsibility through targeted revenue allocation for public safety programs.95% confidence ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeImposes mandatory minimum sentences (1-2 years) without parole for fleeing police, increasing penalties and aligning with tough-on-crime policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Sentencing

passed · Louisiana · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 91: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Provides relative to sentencing of defendants who are survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. (8/1/26) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

SB 91 allows defendants convicted of felony offenses before August 1, 2026, who are survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault to request resentencing after that date. To qualify, they must provide documentation proving their survivor status, prior conviction, and evidence linking their abuse experience to the crime. If approved, courts must reduce sentences to specific limits (e.g., life without parole reduced to 30 years, or 15+ year sentences reduced to 7.5 years), considering the abuse as a mitigating factor. The bill excludes certain offenses like sex offender registrations or violent crimes requiring specific additional proof. This applies only to those already serving sentences on or after August 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows resentencing for abuse survivors, reducing harsh sentences to align with trauma-informed justice, directly advancing criminal justice reform by addressing systemic inequities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Sentencing Victims' Rights

Track