SB 156 increases the maximum prison sentence for negligent homicide from 10 to 15 years in certain cases. It specifically raises the maximum to 15 years for killing a child under 10, and to 40 years for offenders over 17 who cause the death of someone under 17 through intentional or negligent mistreatment. The bill also requires courts to explain in writing why they don't sentence offenders to prison when alcohol contributed to a vehicle-related death. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of negligent homicide, particularly in cases involving minors or alcohol-related incidents.
SB 347 adds "unlawful deepfake" to the definition of "power-based violence" under Louisiana's Campus Accountability and Safety Act. The bill defines a "deepfake" as manipulated audio or video falsely appearing authentic to a reasonable observer, excluding political commentary, news, satire, or clearly disclosed content. This change directly affects college and university campuses in Louisiana, expanding how institutions address certain forms of harassment. The policy amendment specifically targets deepfakes used to control or intimidate others, aligning with existing campus safety definitions without creating new criminal penalties.
HB 265 expands Louisiana's video voyeurism law to explicitly criminalize recording the body of a deceased person using any camera, video device, or drone. The bill adds this conduct to the existing definition of video voyeurism under state law, making it a punishable offense. It covers all image-recording technology, including drones equipped with cameras, when used to observe or capture a dead person's body without consent. This directly affects individuals who might use such devices to record deceased persons, creating a new criminal penalty for this specific behavior. The law focuses on preventing exploitation of vulnerable situations involving the dead.
HB 351 repeals two specific provisions related to Louisiana's reentry preparation program for formerly incarcerated individuals. It removes a requirement (R.S. 15:827.1(E)) about reentry programs and eliminates an entrepreneurial educational curriculum component within that program. This bill directly affects inmates participating in Louisiana's reentry programs by removing these specific policy requirements from state law. The change is procedural, with no new requirements or funding added.
HB 330 amends Louisiana law to strengthen penalties for damaging graves and religious institutions. It increases fines for grave desecration to up to $500,000 or six months in jail (plus mandatory restitution), and for religious building vandalism, fines range from $500 to $5,000 based on damage costs (with imprisonment up to two years for $500+ damage). The bill directly affects individuals who intentionally damage graves or religious structures, requiring courts to order offenders to pay for the damage sustained. These provisions apply to all such offenses, with enhanced penalties specifically for religious sites.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Louisiana that would allow the governor to recommend suspending or removing district attorneys and certain judges (district, juvenile, family, or municipal courts) for malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence. If the governor recommends suspension, the Senate must approve it with a two-thirds vote; for removal, the Senate would hold a trial and require a two-thirds vote to remove the official. Removed officials would be permanently barred from holding any judicial office in Louisiana. The amendment requires voter approval in the April 2027 election and is currently pending committee review.
This bill, known as the Louisiana Behind the Counter Protection Act, strengthens penalties for crimes committed against employees working at retail and food service counters, drive-through windows, or similar customer service points. It increases the maximum fines and prison sentences for simple assault and battery when the victim is an employee performing their duties at a regulated establishment. Additionally, the law requires businesses to display a specific warning sign informing the public that workplace violence against these employees is a crime. The act defines workplace violence broadly to include physical attacks, threats, intimidation, and verbal abuse directed at staff while they are on the job.
SB 93 establishes minimum bail amounts for two specific offenses under Louisiana law: $50,000 for possession of child sexual abuse materials (R.S. 14:81.1) and $100,000 for production of such materials. This bill directly affects defendants charged with these offenses and Louisiana district courts, which must set bail at or above these minimums. The key provision requires courts using a bail schedule to enforce these fixed minimums, though judges may adjust bail higher for "good cause" under limited circumstances, such as rearrest on new charges.
SB 207 removes time limits for prosecuting certain serious misconduct by elected officials and public employees while they are serving in office or employment. It eliminates the statute of limitations for six specific offenses committed during their tenure, including abuse of office, bribery of candidates/voters, corrupt influencing, malfeasance, and public bribery. This means prosecutors can bring charges for these crimes at any time during the individual's term or employment period, without being restricted by typical time limits. The bill directly affects Louisiana elected officials (like mayors or council members) and public employees who commit these offenses while performing their duties.
HB 635 creates new Louisiana laws to protect residents from foreign agents who attempt to control their behavior using foreign laws or threats. It defines "agents of foreign adversaries" (like government-linked entities) and "transnational repression" (such as coercion or retaliation for exercising free speech, religion, or assembly rights). The bill makes it a crime for these agents to coerce people into actions violating constitutional rights or retaliate for such actions, imposing enhanced penalties on top of the underlying offense. It also declares that courts cannot enforce foreign law decisions that deny constitutional rights protected under U.S. or Louisiana law.
