HB 985 Louisiana House · 2026 Regular Session

SEX OFFENSE/REGISTRY: Provides relative to identification procedures for sex offenders (EG1 +$200,000 SG EX See Note)

This bill requires sex offenders in Louisiana to carry identification documents that clearly mark them as such, including QR codes and orange "sex offender" text on both driver's licenses and special identification cards. The law mandates that these individuals renew their identification annually at a motor vehicle office, where they must verify their registration information including address and employer details before receiving a new card or license. Anyone who intentionally fails to comply with these requirements faces fines of up to $500 or up to six months in jail, and the provisions apply to all registered sex offenders regardless of when their conviction occurred.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 23, 2026 Last action May 19, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

HB985 Original HB985 Engrossed · 5 edits · Apr 29, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was amended to clarify that sex offenders must carry their current driver's license (not just the special ID card) and to explicitly require the license to display 'sex offender' in orange text. It also added a penalty for intentionally failing to meet these requirements and clarified that these rules apply to all registered sex offenders regardless of when they were convicted.
Scope change
The scope was expanded to apply to all registered sex offenders regardless of the date of conviction, and the requirement to carry identification was broadened to include the standard driver's license.
REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that the driver's license must include the words 'sex offender' in orange color.

Added a requirement that sex offenders must carry their last issued driver's license on their person at all times when outside their residence.

Added a provision stating that a sex offender who obtains a special identification card must forfeit their driver's license.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a specific penalty of a fine up to $500 or imprisonment for up to six months for intentionally failing to meet the new requirements.

SCOPE

Clarified that the provisions apply to all registered sex offenders regardless of the date of conviction.

Floor votes · House Apr 29, 2026

How they voted

921
Passed · 12 other
Total votes 105
Apr 29, 2026
D Democratic33
24 Yea 1 Nay 8
72% Yea
R Republican72
68 Yea 4
94% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
4
Committee
5
May 19, 2026
Committee
Read by title. Recommitted to the Committee on Finance.
upper
May 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senate Committee amendments read and adopted.
upper
May 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported with amendments.
upper
Apr 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 92, nays 1. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
lower
Apr 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably (10-0).
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Kellee Hennessy
Kellee Hennessy
RRepublican
LA
64