Technology (Data Privacy)

HB 734 creates Louisiana's "A.I. Bill of Rights," granting residents specific protections regarding artificial intelligence use. It requires AI companies to disclose when users interact with AI systems, prohibits unauthorized use of names/images/likeliness, and restricts "companion chatbots" (AI systems designed to mimic human relationships) from minors. The bill also mandates data privacy safeguards for personal information collected by AI companies and allows consumers to pursue civil lawsuits for violations. These provisions directly affect Louisiana residents, AI technology companies, and state agencies (which are barred from contracting with certain foreign AI entities).

HB 471 prohibits businesses from charging different prices to consumers based on personal data collected through surveillance (like browsing history, location, or purchase habits). It directly affects consumers who might face unfair pricing and businesses using such data for personalized pricing. The bill allows price differences only if justified by actual costs or part of transparent discount programs for specific groups (e.g., veterans, students), with clear rules about how data can be used. Violations give consumers a legal right to sue under existing laws.

HB 843 creates the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment and Privacy Protection Act in Louisiana, directly affecting victims of sexual offenses (defined under state law). It allows these victims to request the removal of their personal information - including home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and employment details - from public records and websites. Public bodies and third parties must remove this information within 72 hours of a valid written request, with failure to comply risking misdemeanor penalties (up to 18 months in jail or $5,000 fine). The law does not apply to records maintained by the secretary of state’s office, and it includes specific definitions for terms like "protected individual" and "personal information."

HB 141 requires attorneys to remove specific personal information from court filings starting January 1, 2026, directly affecting lawyers who file documents. The bill prohibits including the first five digits of Social Security numbers, tax IDs, driver's license numbers, full birth dates, financial account numbers, or other protected data. It mandates electronic filing systems (with paper as an alternative) managed by Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority, ensuring filings are deemed filed at the time of electronic confirmation. Public access to electronically filed documents will follow existing rules for paper filings. The law aims to protect individuals' private information from being exposed in court records.

HB 791, Louisiana's "People's A.I. Act," requires chatbot providers operating in the state to obtain clear, affirmative user consent before collecting personal data or input data during interactions. It mandates that providers: (1) avoid deceptive design practices ("dark patterns"), (2) provide transparent, accessible privacy notices in multiple languages, and (3) implement strict safeguards for handling personal data or de-identified data. The bill directly affects companies creating or distributing chatbots, imposing new obligations for data privacy, transparency, and user consent. Key provisions include banning inferred consent, requiring standalone consent requests, and defining terms like "personal data" and "de-identified data" to clarify compliance.

HB 55 prohibits the public disclosure of jurors' personal information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, images, or likenesses, to protect juror privacy and safety. It allows courts to disclose such information only if a person demonstrates "good cause" and the court approves, while permitting courts to limit disclosures to safeguard juror identity. Violating this prohibition carries penalties of up to $1,000 fines, six months in jail, or both. The bill specifically exempts these privacy protections from Louisiana's public records laws, ensuring juror details remain confidential unless court-approved.