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.
This bill establishes clear legal standards for determining intellectual disability in Louisiana capital cases, affecting defendants facing the death penalty and those seeking post-conviction relief. It defines intellectual disability as having an IQ of 70 or below, significant deficits in adaptive behavior, and both conditions manifesting before age 18. The law requires defendants to prove intellectual disability by a preponderance of the evidence during sentencing hearings, while post-conviction petitioners must provide clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the bill creates an irrebuttable presumption that a petitioner does not have intellectual disability if they score above 75 on a standardized IQ test administered by a licensed professional.
This bill requires individuals convicted of vehicular homicide where the victim is a parent with a minor child to pay child support to the surviving child. The law mandates that offenders follow the existing child support payment schedule outlined in state law. It applies specifically to cases where a parent dies due to a vehicle-related crime, ensuring financial support for the remaining child. The measure adds a financial obligation to the criminal penalties already imposed for this offense.
This bill creates a new legal framework allowing local government leaders like mayors, parish presidents, or police chiefs to establish temporary protection zones for public safety. These zones can cover roads, shorelines, or other areas and must be announced in writing with clear boundaries, reasons for the restriction, and effective times, while also being publicly notified and filed with the court clerk. The zones can last up to 72 hours and may be renewed if safety concerns persist, with violations punishable by fines, jail time, or hard labor depending on the severity of the offense.
SB 26 repeals two Louisiana statutes (R.S. 40:2116(B)(5) and 2159) that required facility need reviews for opioid treatment programs. This bill directly affects opioid treatment facilities in Louisiana by removing a specific administrative review requirement. The key change is eliminating the need for these facilities to undergo a separate review process before operating, streamlining their regulatory compliance under state law.
HB 161 modifies bail conditions for defendants accused of human trafficking (under R.S. 14:46.2) or trafficking children for sexual purposes (R.S. 14:46.3). It requires courts to impose strict conditions if the defendant poses a threat to the victim, including banning all contact with the victim, their residence, workplace, school, and any communication (including electronic). The bill also prohibits defendants from working in specific roles like transportation drivers, home service workers, childcare facilities, or door-to-door sales. These measures aim to protect victims and prevent potential reoffending during pretrial release.
HB 102 creates a new criminal offense for "second degree cruelty to elderly and persons with infirmities," targeting intentional or negligent mistreatment causing serious injury to vulnerable individuals. It directly affects caregivers - including family members, neighbors, nursing homes, and care facilities - and applies to elderly people (60+), those with disabilities, or individuals in residential care settings. Key provisions define the crime, set penalties of up to 40 years in prison (with a mandatory minimum of 5 years if death occurs), and include an affirmative defense for spiritual healing methods. The bill also designates this offense as a "crime of violence" under Louisiana law, impacting sentencing in related cases.
HB 125 amends Louisiana law to clarify and require courts to provide written notification to sex offenders about registration and notification rules at sentencing. It specifies registration periods (15 years, 25 years, or lifetime) and update frequencies (annually, every six months, or every 90 days) based on offense type, such as crimes against minors or aggravated offenses. The bill mandates that offenders provide detailed personal information - including addresses, employment, photos, DNA, and online identities - to law enforcement within three business days of moving, being released from custody, or changing residence. This applies directly to individuals convicted of sex offenses under Louisiana law, ensuring consistent implementation of registration requirements.
HB 98 strengthens protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking by creating criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of their confidential information. The bill prohibits individuals from intentionally releasing, disclosing, transferring, or disseminating victim-identifying details - such as abuse status, family members, or agency involvement - and imposes fines up to $2,500 or up to one year in prison for violations. It also shields community shelters from liability if staff or others unlawfully disclose such information. These provisions apply to service providers, law enforcement, and agencies handling victim cases, ensuring sensitive data remains confidential. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to prevent re-victimization through information leaks.
This bill protects healthcare providers and individuals from civil and criminal liability when they distribute or use Naloxone and other opioid reversal drugs even after their labeled expiration dates have passed. It allows people acting in good faith to administer these medications to someone believed to be having an opioid overdose without fear of legal consequences, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Healthcare professionals are also shielded from disciplinary action by licensing boards for actions covered under this immunity, though federally certified facilities must still follow federal rules regarding expired medications. The law defines "shelf-life end date" based on federal labeling requirements and takes effect upon the governor's signature.
