Criminal Justice (Corrections)

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 391: COURTS: Creates a task force to study the effectiveness of the 18th Judicial District Court Drug Court Program

This resolution establishes a task force to evaluate the 18th Judicial District Court Drug Court Program and related behavioral health services for incarcerated individuals in Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. The eleven-member group includes representatives from the courts, health and corrections departments, mental health and substance abuse professionals, and legislative leaders. Their mandate is to examine specific operational aspects such as recidivism rates, treatment effectiveness, mental health evaluation timeliness, and the costs of the program compared to standard incarceration. The task force must hold its initial meeting within sixty days and submit a final report with findings and recommendations to state committees by February 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes a task force to evaluate drug court programs and behavioral health services, aiming to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 498: CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES: Requires the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide state inmates housed in local facilities with the same clothing and healthcare they would be provided at a state facility. (8/1/26) (OR +$31,361,677 GF EX See Note)

SB 498 requires the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide state inmates housed in local parish jails with the same clothing and healthcare products they would receive at a state facility. This change directly affects state prisoners currently confined in parish-run correctional institutions by mandating uniform care standards regardless of the facility's location. The bill ensures that these inmates are not denied essential items or medical supplies simply because they are not in a state-run prison.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill mandates equal healthcare and clothing for inmates in local facilities, requiring additional state funding of $31.4M, which increases government spending.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates equal healthcare and clothing for state inmates in local facilities, ensuring uniform care standards and protecting inmate rights.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates equal healthcare standards for inmates in local facilities, ensuring they receive the same medical supplies and care as those in state facilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1238: LABOR: Enacts the Louisiana Behind the Counter Protection Act (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens penalties for crimes against retail employees, enhancing protection for workers and victims within the criminal justice system.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens penalties for crimes against retail employees, enhancing workplace safety and protecting workers' rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Violent Crime

passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 50: CORR FACILITIES/JAILS: Requests certain state and governmental entities to report on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities, and to clarify guidance regarding available funding for such programs

This bill asks state agencies and law enforcement groups to report on how they are using opioid settlement funds for treatment and prevention programs in correctional facilities. It also requests that the Opioid Abatement Task Force and the Attorney General provide clearer guidance on which expenses are allowed under these funds. The measure aims to address concerns raised in a recent audit that many local areas have not spent their allocated money due to confusion about rules and a lack of available programs. By gathering this information, the state hopes to ensure that the millions of dollars received from opioid lawsuits are used effectively to help incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation and treatment programs in correctional facilities, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to clarify funding rules and expand opioid treatment programs in correctional facilities, directly strengthening access to healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement Substance Abuse

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1234: CRIMINAL/PENALTIES: Provides relative to penalties for hit-and-run driving (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill amends Louisiana laws to increase penalties for hit-and-run driving when the accident results in death or serious injury. It specifically targets drivers who flee the scene after causing harm, with stricter sentences applied if the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist. Under the new provisions, offenders face longer prison terms that must be served without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence, particularly if the driver has a prior record of drunk driving or vehicular homicide. The legislation also establishes that drivers who previously committed certain traffic offenses will receive even harsher mandatory minimum sentences for repeat hit-and-run incidents.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases mandatory prison terms without parole for hit-and-run offenses, expanding criminalization and restricting defendant rights.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by increasing penalties for hit-and-run incidents, protecting vulnerable road users.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing Pedestrian Safety

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 440: SPECIAL DISTRICTS: Provides for the membership of the board of commissioners in a renaissance district. (8/1/26)

This bill creates a renaissance district in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and establishes a seven-member board of commissioners to govern it. The board will include representatives from local government, law enforcement, the district attorney's office, and organizations involved in juvenile justice, with specific requirements for experience in juvenile education, rehabilitation, or incarceration. Commissioners will serve four-year terms and must be residents of the parish who are not employed by the parish police jury. The legislation focuses on restructuring oversight of juvenile detention, education, and rehabilitation services within the parish.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes governance structure including law enforcement, district attorney, and juvenile justice organizations with requirements for rehabilitation experience, indicating support for criminal justice reform.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1073: PUBLIC SFTY/CORRECTIONS: Provides for the issuance of certain documentation to inmates before their release from incarceration (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

This bill requires Louisiana's Department of Public Safety and Corrections to provide released inmates with specific documents to help them find employment, including vocational and work records, birth certificates, social security information, and a resume highlighting any skills learned in prison. It also mandates that the department coordinate with the Office of Motor Vehicles to issue special identification cards to eligible inmates who lack current state IDs upon their release, using prison time computation records as valid photo identification. Additionally, the bill establishes a new certificate of employability for inmates who have completed certain educational programs, vocational training, or passed job skills assessments, which will include their criminal history and institutional records to help employers verify their qualifications. These provisions apply to inmates released from felony sentences who designate their residence within Louisiana, while excluding certain older inmates or those unable to return to the workforce from specific resume and interview documentation requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill aids reentry by providing documentation and IDs to help inmates find employment, reducing recidivism and supporting criminal justice reform.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill aids reentry by providing employment documentation and ID cards to released inmates, facilitating their ability to find work.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 1104: CRIME: Prohibits relative to the manufacturing and sale of motor vehicle key programming or emulation devices (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

This bill prohibits the manufacture, sale, transfer, and possession of devices used to program or emulate motor vehicle keys and relay attack devices, which intercept key fob signals to unlock or start cars. The law applies to individuals and businesses but includes exceptions for law enforcement, insurance investigators, licensed automotive professionals, locksmiths, and repossession agencies. Authorized users must report lost or stolen devices to law enforcement within 48 hours, with violations punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in prison. The legislation aims to prevent unauthorized access to vehicles while allowing legitimate professionals to continue their work.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by prohibiting devices used to commit vehicle thefts, enhancing security and reducing crime.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts access to key programming devices, limiting technology use for automotive security and professional locksmiths, reducing technological freedom.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by prohibiting devices that enable unauthorized vehicle access, reducing theft and security risks.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Law Enforcement

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

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Policing

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 403: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of unauthorized possession of copper or brass material. (8/1/26)

This bill creates a new crime in Louisiana for the unauthorized possession of copper or brass materials commonly used by utilities, telecommunications companies, and other infrastructure providers. It defines specific types of copper and brass items that are protected and lists authorized possessors, including owners, public utilities, scrap recyclers, and businesses selling these materials. The law establishes penalties of up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine for basic violations, with harsher penalties of five to 99 years in prison for cases involving critical infrastructure, prior convictions related to theft or mischief, or possession of a firearm during the offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offense for unauthorized copper/brass possession, increasing potential prison time and fines without addressing root causes or rehabilitation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Firearms

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