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

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Policing

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 969: CRIMINAL/VICTIMS: Provides relative to compensation for victims of criminal offenses (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

This bill updates Louisiana's Crime Victims' Compensation Fund by renaming it from the Crime Victims Reparations Fund and establishing clearer rules for how funds are collected and distributed. It requires gambling operators to deposit unclaimed pari-mutuel ticket money into the fund, specifically for health care services related to sexually oriented criminal offenses. The legislation also mandates that parole committees order restitution from offenders who caused financial harm to victims, with payments directed to the compensation fund if victims cannot be located. Additionally, the bill prohibits the assignment of crime victim compensation payments to third parties and repeals the Victims of Vehicular Homicide Act.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim compensation fund and mandates restitution, enhancing victim support within criminal justice system85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Victims' Rights Violent Crime

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 1070: CRIMINAL/JUSTICE: Provides relative to the Trial Court Case Management Information Fund (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV)

This bill requires courts to charge defendants an additional three-dollar fee, reduced to one dollar in smaller municipalities, to fund a trial court case management information system. The money collected is placed in a special state fund managed by the judicial administrator, which can only be used to develop and maintain computer systems that help judges, clerks, law enforcement, and other officials manage criminal and juvenile justice cases more efficiently. The bill also establishes the administrator's role in coordinating with policy boards and conducting compliance checks to ensure the fees are properly collected and spent.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds trial court case management systems to improve efficiency in criminal and juvenile justice case handling for judges, clerks, and law enforcement.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds development and maintenance of computer systems for court case management, directly supporting technology infrastructure in the justice system.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

passed · Louisiana · House Mar 19, 2026

HR 31: COMMENDATIONS: Commends Chief Judge Ree Casey Jones and Caddo Juvenile Court on the achievements of S.T.A.R. Court, Louisiana's first specialized court against human trafficking

This bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes Chief Judge Ree Casey Jones and the Caddo Juvenile Court for their work on S.T.A.R. Court, Louisiana's first specialized court focused on human trafficking. The resolution highlights the development of a multi-disciplinary team that creates trauma-informed service plans for at-risk youth and trafficking victims, and notes that this model has been replicated across other parishes in the state. It formally expresses appreciation for the efforts to support and protect at-risk youth through specialized treatment and recovery programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill commends specialized court addressing human trafficking with trauma-informed services, supporting criminal justice reform and victim protection85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Judges

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passed · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HR 73: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to study mandatory issuance of protective orders

This bill directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to study whether protective orders should be automatically issued when someone is arrested for domestic abuse. The study will examine current procedures and compare them with Colorado's mandatory order system, with findings due by January 4, 2027. It does not change existing laws but instead asks state legal experts to research how mandatory orders might work in Louisiana. The results will go to the House of Representatives to help inform future decisions about domestic violence protections.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill directs study on mandatory protective orders for domestic abuse arrests, potentially strengthening victim protection and improving criminal justice response to domestic violence.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

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signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 1054: EVIDENCE: Provides relative to self-authentication of certain evidence

This bill establishes a process for law enforcement agencies to use written certificates to authenticate video footage from unmanned aircraft systems in criminal, juvenile, and certain civil forfeiture cases. Under the new rules, agencies must provide notice of intent to use this certificate method at least 45 days before trial, with a shorter five-day notice required for juvenile court cases. Defendants have the right to request the testimony of the person who operated the aircraft within 30 days of receiving notice, and if they do so, the footage cannot be admitted solely based on the certificate. The legislation defines key terms like "footage" and "unmanned aircraft system" and allows law enforcement to use electronic signatures for certificates.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill streamlines evidence authentication for law enforcement drone footage, improving judicial efficiency while maintaining defendant rights through notice requirements and testimony requests.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

passed · Louisiana · House Mar 19, 2026

HR 23: COMMENDATIONS: Commends Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard and his law enforcement team for their work in stopping child predators

This bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard and his law enforcement team for their efforts in combating child predators. It specifically highlights their work on a sting operation that led to the arrest of thirteen men and acknowledges the risks officers took to protect children. The resolution expresses appreciation for their service but does not create new laws or policies. It is a symbolic measure intended to honor the law enforcement personnel rather than change any legal procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill commends law enforcement for stopping child predators, indicating support for criminal justice efforts despite being symbolic.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 1005: INDIGENT DEFENSE: Provides relative to the office of the state public defender (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill reorganizes Louisiana's public defender system by creating a new state-level Office of the State Public Defender under the governor's office to oversee and coordinate public defense services across the state. It establishes a Public Defender Oversight Board to supervise the system and grants its members protection from personal liability for official actions, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. The legislation also clarifies definitions for district public defender employees, adjusts how certain court funds can be used to support indigent defense programs, and sets specific staffing and funding provisions for juvenile public defender positions in Orleans Parish.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public defense system by creating oversight board and protecting officials, improving access to legal representation for indigent defendants.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 403: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of unauthorized possession of copper or brass material. (8/1/26)

This bill creates a new crime in Louisiana for the unauthorized possession of copper or brass materials commonly used by utilities, telecommunications companies, and other infrastructure providers. It defines specific types of copper and brass items that are protected and lists authorized possessors, including owners, public utilities, scrap recyclers, and businesses selling these materials. The law establishes penalties of up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine for basic violations, with harsher penalties of five to 99 years in prison for cases involving critical infrastructure, prior convictions related to theft or mischief, or possession of a firearm during the offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offense for unauthorized copper/brass possession, increasing potential prison time and fines without addressing root causes or rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 991: CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Provides relative to sentencing guidelines

This bill updates Louisiana's sentencing guidelines to include a new factor that courts must consider when deciding whether to grant probation or suspend a sentence. It allows judges to weigh a defendant's history of being a victim of domestic abuse, human trafficking, child trafficking, or sexual assault if there is a clear connection between that victimization and the current crime. When a court finds this connection exists, it must also order a presentence investigation before making sentencing decisions. The bill also adds a general provision for courts to consider any other relevant mitigating circumstances in their sentencing determinations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill introduces victimization history as a sentencing factor, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism for victims of abuse, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Probation & Parole Sentencing

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