Criminal Justice

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1257: CRIMINAL/JUSTICE: Prohibits certain individuals from having an ownership interest or financial interest in any company that provides electronic monitoring services (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill amends an existing law to expand the list of law enforcement officials who are prohibited from owning or having financial interests in companies that provide electronic monitoring services. The specific change adds "chief of police, constable, marshal" to the categories of individuals already restricted, which currently include sheriffs. By updating the text, the legislation ensures these additional officials are also barred from profiting from the industry they regulate. The measure was recently passed by the House of Representatives and sent to the Senate for further consideration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability by prohibiting certain officials from owning interests in electronic monitoring companies they regulate.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

passed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HR 323: SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Commends the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate programs and volunteers and designates May 27, 2026, as CASA Day at the Capitol

This resolution honors the Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs and volunteers for their work supporting abused and neglected children in the state's court system. It specifically recognizes James Barse as the Volunteer Advocate of the Year and Ja'Nika Stanley as the Heart of Advocacy Award recipient. Additionally, the bill designates May 27, 2026, as CASA Day at the Capitol to highlight the contributions of these community members.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors CASA programs that support abused children in the court system, strengthening juvenile justice support mechanisms.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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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 · Louisiana · House Jun 3, 2026

HR 321: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Requests the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice to receive input, feedback, and suggestions relative to uniform protocols for examinations for survivors of domestic violence

This resolution asks the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice to study how forensic medical exams for domestic violence survivors are currently handled across the state. The goal is to create consistent rules for these exams so that victims in rural areas receive the same care and evidence collection standards as those in cities. The commission will also look into making the payment process for these specialized medical services clearer and more reliable. To help with this study, the commission is invited to gather input from various groups, including hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and domestic violence advocates. Finally, the commission must submit its findings and suggestions to the legislature by June 2027.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes uniform protocols for forensic exams of domestic violence survivors, improving evidence collection standards and victim care across the state.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to standardize forensic medical exams for domestic violence survivors, improving access to consistent care and evidence collection standards across the state.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 481: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: Provides relative to motions for a new trial. (8/1/26)

This bill amends Louisiana's Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify how courts handle motions for a new trial. It establishes that appellate courts can only review these motions if there was a legal error, rather than re-evaluating the facts or evidence. To succeed, a defendant must prove that no reasonable jury could have found them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution. This change standardizes the legal test for granting new trials and limits the scope of appellate review to questions of law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill clarifies appellate review standards to prevent fact-reopening, protecting defendant rights and ensuring fair trial outcomes.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 64: COURTS: Requests a study to make recommendations regarding behavioral health courts

This bill directs the Louisiana Supreme Court's drug and specialty court program to conduct a study on the potential effectiveness, impact, and costs of establishing behavioral health courts in three specific parishes: Ouachita, East Baton Rouge, and Orleans. The program is required to complete this study and submit its findings and recommendations to relevant House and Senate committees no later than January 1, 2027. This legislative request focuses on gathering data to inform future decisions regarding the expansion of these specialized court programs.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes behavioral health courts to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1183: SUPPLEMENTAL PAY: Provides supplemental pay to persons employed by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections as a probation or parole officer (OR +$6,264,000 GF EX See Note)

This bill proposes to provide an additional $6,000 annually in state funding to probation and parole officers within the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. To qualify for this extra compensation, officers must be full-time employees earning at least $800 per month, have completed a certified training program, and have at least one year of service, which can include prior experience as a deputy sheriff. The payment of $600 per month is contingent upon a future constitutional amendment regarding the state budget being approved by voters.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $6.264M in state funding to increase compensation for probation and parole officers, directly supporting public safety services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides supplemental funding to probation and parole officers, enhancing workforce stability and potentially improving supervision effectiveness.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill provides supplemental pay to probation and parole officers, directly increasing wages and supporting worker compensation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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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

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1208: MOTOR VEHICLES: Provides for law enforcement use of fleet camera systems to issue citations for certain traffic offenses

This Louisiana legislation authorizes law enforcement officers to use fleet camera systems to issue citations for driving on the right side of multilane highways without requiring a traffic stop. The bill mandates that these citations be mailed to the vehicle owner and includes an administrative hearing process for drivers to contest the violation. All fines collected from these citations will be allocated to the Louisiana Office of State Police. Finally, the bill requires state agencies to implement public awareness campaigns and signage to notify motorists about the new enforcement procedures.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances law enforcement efficiency and funding by authorizing fleet cameras for citations, strengthening criminal justice operations.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens transportation safety by authorizing enforcement of traffic regulations via camera systems, directly addressing vehicle regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

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