Criminal Justice

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1065: PARDON/PAROLE: Provides relative to parole eligibility, consideration, and hearings for persons convicted by a non-unanimous jury

This bill changes parole rules for people in Louisiana who were convicted by juries that did not agree unanimously on their guilt. It makes these individuals immediately eligible for parole consideration and requires parole panels to approve their release with a majority vote instead of the usual unanimous vote. The legislation also sets a timeline for parole reviews and requires written explanations if parole is denied, with new applications allowed after one year. These changes apply to sentences imposed after August 1, 2026, and affect the parole committee's duties in evaluating these specific cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by making parole more accessible for non-unanimous conviction cases, reducing barriers to rehabilitation and reentry.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1025: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to a violation of a protective order

This bill modifies Louisiana law regarding violations of protective orders in domestic abuse cases. It creates an affirmative defense for defendants who can prove the protected person voluntarily initiated contact for reconciliation without using force or coercion. The law specifically applies when the protected person requested, invited, or consented to the contact, and the defendant did not initiate the interaction themselves. This provision aims to provide legal protection for individuals attempting to reconcile relationships while maintaining accountability for those who use threats or intimidation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates affirmative defense for domestic abuse cases, potentially reducing wrongful convictions and protecting defendants' rights while maintaining protective order enforcement.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1067: CIVIL SERVICE/FIRE & POL: Provides relative to the fire and police civil service

This bill updates Louisiana's civil service laws for fire and police departments, primarily affecting municipal employees in these fields and the boards that oversee them. It strengthens the civil service board's authority to investigate personnel complaints, enforce rules within 60 days, and issue corrective actions for issues like pay disputes, working conditions, and unfair treatment. The legislation also clarifies that board investigations must be conducted openly, prohibits private communications between board attorneys and members, and ensures employees have the right to appeal decisions to court. Additionally, the bill allows prevailing employees to receive attorney fees and requires all investigations to result in written findings and conclusions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens civil service board authority to investigate personnel complaints and enforce rules, enhancing police accountability and oversight within criminal justice system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Policing

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died · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 974: BAIL: Provides for the factors in fixing the amount of bail and modifications of bail

This bill updates Louisiana's bail laws by adding specific factors judges must consider when setting bail amounts, including the presumption of innocence and the type of bail available. It also clarifies how bail can be modified, allowing courts to increase or reduce bail based on good cause, such as if a defendant is rearrested while out on bail. The legislation requires that motions to reduce bail be heard within 30 days unless there is a valid reason to delay. These changes directly affect judges, prosecutors, defendants, and their legal representatives in the criminal justice process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill updates bail laws to include presumption of innocence and clarifies modification procedures, promoting fair treatment and criminal justice reform.85% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1109: VETERANS: Provides relative to the Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill establishes a Post-Conviction Veterans Mentor Program in Louisiana to support incarcerated veterans through mentorship and transitional work facilities. The program is authorized for veterans who have served at least ten years of their sentence, have no homicide or sex offense convictions, have completed required programming, and are classified as low-risk offenders. A new Veterans Oversight Committee will be formed to supervise the program and ensure its success, while eligibility requirements include obtaining a high school equivalent and completing a mentor training program. The legislation creates a pilot program structure that allows for parole or pardon hearings after successful participation, with specific provisions for life sentence offenders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes mentorship program for incarcerated veterans to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation, directly supporting criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes a mentorship program for incarcerated veterans, providing transitional support and oversight to aid their reintegration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Violent Crime

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passed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HB 1107: CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides relative to determination of intellectual disability in capital cases

This bill establishes clear legal standards for determining intellectual disability in Louisiana capital cases, affecting defendants facing the death penalty and those seeking post-conviction relief. It defines intellectual disability as having an IQ of 70 or below, significant deficits in adaptive behavior, and both conditions manifesting before age 18. The law requires defendants to prove intellectual disability by a preponderance of the evidence during sentencing hearings, while post-conviction petitioners must provide clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the bill creates an irrebuttable presumption that a petitioner does not have intellectual disability if they score above 75 on a standardized IQ test administered by a licensed professional.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes clear standards for intellectual disability in capital cases, protecting defendants' rights and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 17, 2026

HB 967: PARDON/PAROLE: Provides relative to parole eligibility for certain offenders

This bill makes certain offenders serving life sentences eligible for parole consideration. It specifically applies to individuals who committed offenses on or before July 2, 1973, pleaded guilty, and are currently serving life sentences. The key provision removes barriers to parole eligibility for this specific group, allowing them to be considered for release under existing parole procedures. The law does not guarantee parole but ensures these offenders can be evaluated for it.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by expanding parole eligibility for certain offenders, supporting rehabilitation and reducing overcrowding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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signed · Louisiana · House May 14, 2026

HB 965: HIGHWAYS: Designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 163 as the "Sergeant William 'Billy' Earl Collins, Jr., Memorial Highway"

This bill designates a segment of Louisiana Highway 163 in Webster Parish as the "Sergeant William 'Billy' Earl Collins, Jr., Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen law enforcement officer. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation and Development to install and maintain signs for this designation, provided that local or private funding covers the costs of materials and installation. The bill applies specifically to the stretch of road between Green Tree Street and Watson Road in the town of Doyline. Implementation of the signage is contingent upon receiving sufficient funds to cover expenses up to a limit of $750 per sign.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors fallen law enforcement officer, showing support for law enforcement and criminal justice system75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 1052: CHILDRENS CODE: Provides relative to confidentiality policies and procedures pertaining to work product created, received, or maintained by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams

This bill strengthens privacy protections for sensitive information handled by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary investigative teams in Louisiana. It establishes that work product - including forensic interviews, medical records, and case notes - created during child abuse investigations is confidential and exempt from public records requests, subpoenas, and most legal discovery. The law requires these organizations to adopt written confidentiality policies that limit information sharing to authorized team members and allow disclosure only through court orders or specific legal exceptions. These provisions aim to protect the privacy of children and families while enabling professionals to collaborate effectively on abuse investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens privacy protections for child abuse investigations, protecting sensitive evidence and supporting effective law enforcement operations.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens data privacy protections for sensitive information handled by child advocacy centers, explicitly exempting work product from public records requests and subpoenas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 440: SPECIAL DISTRICTS: Provides for the membership of the board of commissioners in a renaissance district. (8/1/26)

This bill creates a renaissance district in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and establishes a seven-member board of commissioners to govern it. The board will include representatives from local government, law enforcement, the district attorney's office, and organizations involved in juvenile justice, with specific requirements for experience in juvenile education, rehabilitation, or incarceration. Commissioners will serve four-year terms and must be residents of the parish who are not employed by the parish police jury. The legislation focuses on restructuring oversight of juvenile detention, education, and rehabilitation services within the parish.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes governance structure including law enforcement, district attorney, and juvenile justice organizations with requirements for rehabilitation experience, indicating support for criminal justice reform.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement