Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 523: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Provides relative to defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

SB 523 is a procedural amendment that modifies an existing law regarding defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. The specific change expands the scope of the current provision to include two additional subparts, thereby broadening the legal protections available to these individuals. This bill does not introduce new policies or create new programs but rather adjusts the text of an already enacted statute to ensure it covers a wider range of related legal situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands legal protections for defendants who are victims of abuse, trafficking, or assault, aligning with criminal justice reform and victim rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Violent Crime

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 321: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Requests the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice to receive input, feedback, and suggestions relative to uniform protocols for examinations for survivors of domestic violence

This resolution asks the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice to study how forensic medical exams for domestic violence survivors are currently handled across the state. The goal is to create consistent rules for these exams so that victims in rural areas receive the same care and evidence collection standards as those in cities. The commission will also look into making the payment process for these specialized medical services clearer and more reliable. To help with this study, the commission is invited to gather input from various groups, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and domestic violence advocates. Finally, the commission must submit its findings and suggestions to the legislature by June 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes uniform protocols for forensic exams of domestic violence survivors, improving evidence collection standards and victim care across the state.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to standardize forensic medical exams for domestic violence survivors, improving access to consistent care and evidence collection standards across the state.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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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 May 26, 2026

HB 998: CRIMINAL/VICTIMS: Provides relative to the examination and medical care of victims of human trafficking-related offenses and domestic violence offenses involving strangulation (EG INCREASE SD EX See Note)

This bill expands Louisiana's existing forensic medical examination requirements to include victims of human trafficking and domestic violence involving strangulation, alongside current protections for sexual assault victims. It mandates that healthcare providers offer these specialized examinations to survivors, which include physical trauma assessments, patient interviews documenting abuse history and strangulation incidents, and collection of forensic evidence such as biological specimens and photographic documentation. The legislation also requires that examinations occur in private spaces with access to victim advocates, and it updates statutory definitions to clarify which offenses qualify for these protections. Healthcare facilities must follow specific procedures for treating survivors, including mandatory reporting for minors and provisions for emergency medical care and evidence preservation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim protection protocols in criminal justice by expanding forensic examination requirements for trafficking and strangulation cases, enhancing evidence collection and victim care.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates healthcare providers offer specialized forensic examinations to victims of trafficking and strangulation, expanding access to critical medical services and protecting patient rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Violent Crime

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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 Jun 12, 2026

HB 983: APPROPRIATIONS: Appropriates funds for the expenses of the judiciary for Fiscal Year 2026-2027

HB 983 allocates approximately $229.6 million in state funds to cover the operational expenses of Louisiana's judicial system for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill directly affects the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, District Courts, and related judicial bodies by providing financial support for salaries, administrative costs, retirement benefits, and specialized programs. Key provisions include funding for judge and staff compensation, the Judicial Administrator's Office, the Judiciary Commission, the Law Library, the Judicial College, and various support services such as the Louisiana Protective Order Registry and the Families in Need of Services Program. The legislation also covers information technology expenses and contributions to judicial retirement and pension systems.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $229.6M for judiciary operational expenses, directly funding essential government services and public sector salaries.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill allocates $229.6M to fund judicial system operations, salaries, and administrative costs, directly supporting criminal justice infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Pensions State Budget Courts Domestic Violence Judges

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1064: COURTS: Provides relative to a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

This bill establishes a two-year pilot program for a Domestic Violence Intervention Court within the Nineteenth Judicial District Court in Louisiana. The program targets defendants convicted of domestic abuse-related offenses who are assessed as at-risk of reoffending, offering them voluntary participation in a specialized court track that combines judicial supervision with treatment and accountability measures. Key provisions include mandatory batterer intervention programming using evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, regular court appearances, compliance with individualized case plans, and access to services such as mental health screening, substance abuse referrals, and victim safety planning. The court will operate with a coordinated team including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and victim advocates, while collecting data on recidivism and program outcomes to evaluate effectiveness for potential statewide expansion.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes domestic violence intervention court pilot program focusing on rehabilitation, treatment, and accountability for defendants, reducing recidivism risk through specialized court track.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 306: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to court costs and fees in domestic abuse cases

HB 306 requires domestic violence perpetrators in Louisiana to pay all court costs, attorney fees, enforcement fees, evaluation fees, expert witness fees, and medical/psychological care costs for victims (adults or children) related to the abuse. This applies during the initial phase of domestic abuse cases, before the first hearing. After the initial hearing, standard civil rules apply, and each party covers their own attorney fees. The bill directly affects domestic violence victims (by reducing their financial burden) and perpetrators (by shifting cost responsibility to them).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires domestic violence perpetrators to cover victim costs, enhancing accountability and reducing financial burden on victims in criminal justice proceedings.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates perpetrators cover medical/psychological care costs for victims, ensuring access to healthcare services without financial barriers for domestic abuse survivors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 371: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Creates a public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. (8/1/26) (EG INCREASE SG EX See Note)

SB 371 creates a public registry for Louisiana residents with two or more convictions for specific domestic violence offenses (like aggravated battery, stalking, or rape) when the victim was a household member, family member, or dating partner. Offenders must register in person with their parish sheriff and notify law enforcement within 14 days of release or probation, incurring a $150 fee to cover registry costs. The registry excludes individuals already required to register as sex offenders or child predators under other laws. It applies to second or subsequent convictions occurring on or after August 1, 2027, for offenses listed in the bill, including equivalent out-of-state crimes. The law aims to enhance public safety by tracking repeat offenders through mandatory registration and notification.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders to enhance public safety and prevent recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 366: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Provides relative to continuance of hearings in domestic abuse matters

HB 366 limits court delays in domestic abuse cases by restricting the maximum continuance (postponement) of temporary restraining order hearings to 15 days, unless "good cause" is shown for an extension. This directly affects domestic abuse victims seeking immediate protection through temporary restraining orders. The bill amends Louisiana law to require courts to justify longer delays, preventing indefinite postponements. It focuses on streamlining the process for victims to secure safety orders without unnecessary delays.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLimits court delays in domestic abuse cases to ensure timely protection for victims, advancing victim safety within criminal justice proceedings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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