Criminal Justice (Policing)

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 92: CRIMINAL RECORDS: Requires district attorneys to submit sexual assault collection kits to the statewide tracking system. (8/1/26)

SB 92 requires Louisiana district attorney offices to submit information about sexual assault collection kits to a statewide tracking system by July 1, 2024. This mandate applies to all relevant entities, including law enforcement and healthcare providers handling these kits, to ensure consistent tracking of evidence. The law also requires the state police to report on implementation progress, including phased rollout plans, to legislative committees and the governor by January 1, 2024. The system aims to improve transparency and coordination in handling sexual assault cases, with the bill taking effect August 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires tracking of sexual assault evidence to improve prosecution efficiency and victim justice, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Violent Crime

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 34: PUBLIC SFTY/CORRECT DEPT: Provides relative to alerts for missing persons. (gov sig) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

SB 34, "Bryan's Call," establishes clear rules for missing child alerts in Louisiana. It requires AMBER Alerts for children 17 or younger in immediate danger of serious harm or death, and Level II alerts for other missing children cases that don’t meet AMBER criteria. Local police must assess alert types, but state police make the final decision and provide required training for law enforcement on using these systems. The law also grants legal immunity to broadcasters, cable operators, and law enforcement for actions related to Level II alerts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes standardized missing child alert protocols for law enforcement, improving response coordination and accountability within public safety systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 132: CRIME/BATTERY: Provides relative to battery (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 132 clarifies that intentionally directing loud sounds (like bullhorns, air horns, or amplified speakers) at a police officer’s head or ear within three feet - under circumstances likely to cause pain or hearing injury - counts as battery. It defines "close proximity" as within three feet of an officer’s ear/head and specifies that using acoustic devices to target an officer meets this standard. The bill increases penalties for battery committed by two or more people acting together or causing injuries requiring medical care, with sentences up to 7 years in prison for the most severe cases. This law directly affects individuals who use loud devices near officers, expanding what constitutes a criminal offense under Louisiana’s battery statutes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for battery against officers using loud devices, expanding criminalization of protest tactics targeting law enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing

in committee · Louisiana · House May 20, 2026

HB 255: CRIMINAL/PENALTIES: Provides relative to wearing masks in public (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 255 adds a mandatory two-year prison sentence for individuals convicted of specific violent or property crimes while wearing a mask, hood, or facial disguise to conceal their identity. It directly affects people convicted of offenses like aggravated assault on police, arson, vandalism, looting, or rioting when masked during the crime. The bill targets 40 listed offenses under Louisiana law, including crimes against officers, critical infrastructure, and public safety. It does not ban mask-wearing generally but increases penalties for masked perpetrators of these specific crimes. The law applies only when the mask-wearing was intentional to hide the offender's identity during the commission of the listed offense.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates two-year prison sentence for masked crimes, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization, opposing reform-focused criminal justice policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 106: PUBLIC RECORDS: Provides that certain photographs, audio or video recordings, digital images regarding a crime scene or used in a criminal prosecution are not public records available for release or to be copied except by clerk of court or a court order. (8/1/26)

SB 106 makes certain crime scene photographs, videos (including body camera footage), audio recordings, and digital images confidential under Louisiana law. It directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, coroners, and other public bodies that collect or maintain such evidence used in criminal cases. The bill prohibits these materials from being released as public records, except when a court specifically orders disclosure. This change applies to all media depicting crime scenes, evidence, or victims' bodies that may be used in criminal proceedings, regardless of who created or holds the material. The law ensures these sensitive materials remain confidential without a judicial order.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts public access to crime scene evidence, weakening law enforcement oversight and transparency in criminal cases.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts public access to digital crime scene evidence, enhancing data privacy protections for sensitive digital records.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing Tags Government Transparency

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 511: HIGHWAYS/OFFICE: Authorizes the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice to establish a grant program for pursuit intervention technologies (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 511 creates a grant program within Louisiana's Commission on Law Enforcement to fund pursuit intervention technologies for state, parish, and municipal police departments. The bill authorizes funding for specific safety tools like GPS tracking projectiles, vehicle-stopping nets, and remote tire deflation devices to safely end high-speed chases. Agencies must integrate these technologies into their use-of-force policies to qualify for grants, with priority given to those emphasizing reduced manual deployment risks. Funds may come from state, federal, or other sources aligned with Louisiana's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The program aims to improve officer and public safety during vehicle pursuits by supporting technology adoption.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds pursuit intervention tech (GPS, nets, tire deflation) to safely end chases, requiring integration into use-of-force policies. Promotes officer/public safety and accountability in law enforcement operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

passed · Louisiana · House May 27, 2026

HB 378: CRIME: Provides relative to using a vehicle to obstruct first responders (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 378 makes it a crime to intentionally block first responders or law enforcement officers using a motor vehicle during their duties. Drivers who hinder first responders (e.g., during emergencies) face fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, while those obstructing officers during pursuits or arrests risk fines up to $1,000 or up to two years in jail. The law explicitly excludes legitimate safety barricades used in construction, maintenance, or by government authorities performing official duties. It directly affects drivers who use vehicles to block emergency or police operations, with penalties varying based on the officer's role and circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill penalizes obstruction of first responders, strengthening law enforcement effectiveness and public safety during emergencies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Policing

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 264: DWI: Provides relative to operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 264, "Jada's Law," requires police or jail staff to confirm a person arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) is medically sober and has a blood alcohol level at or below the legal limit before releasing them from custody. It mandates securing the arrestee's vehicle (e.g., towing or holding keys) until release and requires notifying rental car companies if the vehicle is rented. The law applies directly to individuals arrested for DWI, law enforcement agencies, and rental dealers. It adds specific procedures for safe release, including requiring a sober licensed driver, rideshare, or public transit for transportation, but does not affect bail eligibility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires sobriety confirmation before DWI release, reducing immediate recidivism risk and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates sobriety checks for DWI arrests to enhance road safety, directly aligning with transportation safety standards in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Policing Public Transit

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 684: JUVENILES: Provides a diversion program for juveniles stopped or detained for misdemeanor offenses

HB 684 creates a pre-arrest diversion program for Louisiana juveniles (under 18) charged with their first nonviolent misdemeanor offense. Instead of arresting them, police must offer a civil citation allowing access to mental health services, victim restitution, or family support programs within 90 days. The program prohibits fines, fees, or criminal records for participants and requires law enforcement to report annual data on juvenile stops, program completion, and recidivism. It applies only to non-dangerous situations without weapons or immediate threats. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, with implementation rules due by December 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDiverts juveniles from arrest for nonviolent misdemeanors, offering services instead of criminal records, reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates access to mental health services as a core component of juvenile diversion, directly advancing mental health care access for minors without criminal penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement Policing Mental Health

Track