HB 132: CRIME/BATTERY: Provides relative to battery (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX) - Louisiana

HB132 Original → HB132 Act · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill fundamentally changes the definition of battery to include intentionally directing loud sounds at another person, rather than just battery against a police officer. It removes specific penalties for group offenses and replaces the detailed police-specific rules with a broader definition of battery that covers causing pain or hearing injury through sound. The change expands the law to apply to the general public instead of focusing solely on interactions with law enforcement.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from a specific crime of battery against a police officer to a general definition of battery that includes directing sound at any person.

DEFINITION

Changed the definition of battery from a specific crime involving police officers to a general act of using force or violence against any person.

Added a new specific definition of battery that includes intentionally directing sound at another person in close proximity if it can cause pain or hearing injury.

REQUIREMENT

Removed specific enhanced penalties for group offenses committed against police officers, replacing them with general battery statutes.

Replaced the detailed police-specific provisions (Sections D and E) with a general definition of battery.

ELIGIBILITY

Removed the specific provision that defined 'battery of a police officer' to include acoustic devices like bullhorns or sirens.

HB132 Enrolled → HB132 Original · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill creates a new specific offense for directing sound, such as from a bullhorn or air horn, at a police officer in close proximity if it causes pain or hearing injury. It defines 'close proximity' as being within three feet of the officer's head or ear and establishes enhanced penalties for group attacks.

Scope change

The bill expands the definition of battery to include non-contact acts like directing loud sounds at officers, specifically targeting acoustic devices.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'battery of a police officer' to include intentionally directing sound at an officer's ear or head under circumstances capable of causing pain or hearing injury.

Defined 'close proximity' as being within three feet of the officer's ear or head, or positioned to direct sound primarily at that range.

REQUIREMENT

Added a list of specific acoustic devices, including bullhorns, megaphones, air horns, sirens, and whistles, that can be used to commit this offense.

Included a constitutional exemption clause ensuring the law does not prohibit activities protected by the U.S. or Louisiana Constitutions.

ENFORCEMENT

Established enhanced penalties for group offenses, imposing fines up to $2,000 and 1-5 years imprisonment for two or more people acting in concert, with stricter terms if medical attention is required.

HB132 Reengrossed → HB132 Enrolled · 3 edits · May 12, 2026

MINOR

The bill transitioned from a 'Reengrossed' version to an 'Enrolled' version, which is the final form signed by the Governor. The substantive policy content, including the definition of battery and the addition of 'directing of sound' as a crime, remains consistent between the two versions. The primary changes are administrative, involving the removal of committee digests and the addition of official signatures.

Scope change

No change in the scope of the law; the bill covers the same subject matter in both versions.

TECHNICAL

Removed the 'Reengrossed' header and the legislative digest explaining the bill's purpose.

Added the 'Enrolled' header and signatures from the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and Governor.

Updated page numbering from 'Page 1 of 2' to 'Page 1 of 1' to reflect the final single-page format.

HB132 Engrossed → HB132 Reengrossed · 3 edits · May 11, 2026

MINOR

The bill was reengrossed to remove provisions that created a separate, enhanced crime for battering a police officer. The original version added specific penalties for attacking police, but the new version eliminates these special rules entirely. The bill now only focuses on amending the general definition of battery to include intentionally directing harmful sounds at a person.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed from covering general battery and specific battery against police officers to covering only the general definition of battery.

SCOPE

Removed the creation of a specific crime and enhanced penalties for battering a police officer.

ENFORCEMENT

Eliminated mandatory minimum sentences and specific fine amounts that applied only to attacks on police officers.

DEFINITION

Retained the addition of 'directing sound' to the general definition of battery, meaning intentionally making loud, harmful noises at someone is now a crime.

CRIME/BATTERY: Provides relative to battery (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

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