HB 1259 Louisiana House · 2026 Regular Session

CRIME: Provides relative to wearing masks in public (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill modifies the language used in a law regarding wearing masks in public by changing the requirement from being "charged with a felony" to being "convicted of a felony." The change directly affects individuals who have already been found guilty of serious crimes, rather than those currently accused. By removing the word "charged," the amendment ensures that only people with final court convictions must comply with the mask mandate, excluding those who are merely awaiting trial. This adjustment narrows the scope of who is legally required to wear masks under the existing public health regulations.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
May 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced May 20, 2026 Last action May 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

HB1259 Reengrossed HB1259 Engrossed · 3 edits · May 26, 2026
MINOR
The bill was transitioned from a 'Reengrossed' version to an 'Engrossed' version, finalizing its text for the next legislative stage. A key substantive change involves the trigger for the enhanced penalty: the bill now applies when a person is 'charged' with a felony while wearing a mask, rather than waiting until they are 'convicted'. This adjustment shifts the legal threshold to the point of accusation.
Scope change
The scope of the enhanced penalty provision was broadened to apply at the stage of being charged, rather than being limited to those who have already been convicted.
ENFORCEMENT

Changed the condition for enhanced penalties from requiring a 'conviction' to requiring that the person be 'charged' with the offense.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill header and footer to reflect the change from 'Reengrossed' to 'Engrossed' status.

Adjusted the formatting of the bill title to accommodate the new 'Engrossed' designation.

Floor votes · House May 26, 2026

How they voted

6931
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 105
May 26, 2026
D Democratic33
3 Yea 29 Nay 1
87% Nay
R Republican72
66 Yea 2 Nay 4
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
1
May 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 69, nays 30. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
lower
May 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read by title, substitute title adopted, lies over in the same order of business, substitute for HB No. 255 reported by the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice (8-3).
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Bayham
Mike Bayham
RRepublican
LA
103