Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HB 51: BAIL: (Constitutional Amendment) Restricts post-conviction bail for certain offenders (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 51 proposes a constitutional amendment to Louisiana's Constitution that would prohibit bail after a conviction for certain offenses. Specifically, it would ban bail for defendants convicted of an "aggravated offense" (as defined in state law) committed against a minor victim. This change would apply only after a conviction and before sentencing or final judgment, affecting individuals found guilty of these specific crimes against children. The amendment requires voter approval in the 2026 election to take effect.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBans bail after conviction for crimes against minors, reducing defendant rights and increasing punitive measures per indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

passed · Louisiana · Senate May 19, 2026

SB 313: CLERKS OF COURT: Prohibits clerks of court's vendors from charging additional electronic filing fees in criminal and traffic actions. (8/1/26)

SB 313 prohibits Louisiana county clerks of court from charging additional fees for electronic filings in criminal cases, including related service fees. This directly affects criminal defendants, their attorneys, and court staff who use electronic filing systems for criminal matters. The bill amends the Code of Criminal Procedure to ensure no extra charges are assessed beyond standard filing costs for electronic submissions in criminal cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for electronic filings in criminal cases, improving access to court processes and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 1034: CRIME: Authorizes the establishment of temporary protection zones (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances public safety through temporary protection zones, strengthening law enforcement capabilities and community security measures.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 26: HEALTH SERVICES: Provides relative to opioid treatment programs. (gov sig)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves administrative barriers for opioid treatment facilities, advancing rehabilitation programs aligned with criminal justice reform.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves administrative review requirement for opioid treatment facilities, streamlining operations and improving access to healthcare services under public health programs.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 76: CORRECTIONS/PRISONERS: Provides relative to notification of inmates released from a parish prison or jail or state correctional facility (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 76 requires sheriffs or their designated staff to immediately notify specific parties when an inmate is improperly released from a parish prison or jail due to administrative errors, mismanagement, or staff mistakes. It mandates notification to law enforcement agencies, the victim of the inmate’s crime, any known witness (regardless of testimony), and individuals specified by the district attorney. The bill defines "improper release" broadly to include clerical errors or facility mismanagement, and clarifies that "local media outlets" may also be notified. This law directly affects parish prison staff, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors in Louisiana.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates notifications after improper releases to prevent recidivism, enhancing accountability in corrections and victim safety within criminal justice system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 161: HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Provides relative to bail conditions for defendants alleged to have committed certain human trafficking offenses (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill imposes strict bail conditions to protect trafficking victims, banning contact and restricting defendant roles, advancing victim safety in criminal justice.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 151: CRIMINAL/RECORDS: Provides relative to expungement of arrest information (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 151 (Louisiana) establishes specific document requirements for individuals seeking to expunge arrest records. It mandates that applicants submit court records (like minute entries or disposition reports), criminal background checks, and certification letters from district attorneys verifying no current convictions, pending charges, or participation in diversion programs. The bill directly affects people with arrest records who qualify for expungement under Louisiana law, streamlining the application process by standardizing required paperwork. This procedural bill does not change eligibility for expungement but clarifies the documentation needed when filing a motion. (Bill text: Code of Criminal Procedure Article 978.1, as enacted by Louisiana Legislature.)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 151 streamlines expungement requirements, reducing barriers for individuals with arrest records - aligns with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 125: SEX OFFENSE/REGISTRY: Provides relative to the supervised release of sex offenders (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies and mandates detailed sex offender registration requirements, strengthening oversight and compliance in corrections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 98: CRIMINAL/VICTIMS: Provides a penalty for the unlawful disclosure of confidential information relating to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protections by penalizing unauthorized disclosure of confidential info, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim safety and rights.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects victim data privacy through criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, directly aligning with data privacy safeguards in technology policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 320: CRIME/SEX OFFENSES: Creates the crime of unlawful exposure by an inmate (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 320 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for inmates who expose their intimate body parts (genitals, pubic hair, anus, vulva, or female breast nipples) to correctional staff with the intent of sexual gratification or harassment. It applies specifically to individuals incarcerated in jails, prisons, or detention facilities, targeting conduct directed at employees of those facilities. Violations carry penalties of up to three years in prison, a $2,500 fine, or both for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The bill also amends existing law to include this new offense under the definition of "sex offense" for registration and notification purposes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for inmate sexual exposure in corrections, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization in correctional facilities.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Criminal Justice