Criminal Justice (Corrections)

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

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 883: GAMBLING: Provides relative to enforcement of illegal online gambling (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

HB 883 defines illegal online gambling as any internet-based game where players risk money for potential winnings, including sites using dual-currency systems. It targets operators, payment processors, and platform providers (like websites hosting gambling content), requiring them to block transactions with sites listed by the attorney general. Violations can result in fines up to $210,000 for operators or $20,000 for facilitators, plus up to five years in prison, with doubled penalties if minors are involved. The bill also mandates forfeiture of profits from illegal gambling activities.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill imposes criminal penalties for online gambling operations, expanding criminalization (fines, prison terms) rather than advancing reform or reducing enforcement.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill imposes strict penalties on online gambling platforms, restricting technology-enabled gambling services through transaction blocking and heavy fines.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 86: DOMESTIC ABUSE: Creates a statewide registry for individuals convicted of multiple domestic abuse offenses

HB 86 creates a statewide registry for individuals convicted of two or more domestic abuse offenses in Louisiana, directly affecting repeat offenders convicted under specific laws (such as battery, aggravated assault, stalking, or violating protective orders). The bill requires these individuals to register with local law enforcement upon release or as a probation/parole condition, providing detailed personal information including addresses, employment, vehicles, and physical descriptions. Offenders must pay a $250 annual fee ($100 of which funds domestic abuse programs), and failure to register or provide false information is punishable by fines up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The registry, maintained by the state bureau, will be publicly accessible to enhance community safety awareness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRegistry for repeat domestic abuse offenders enhances monitoring to reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of public safety and offender management.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Law Enforcement

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 586: WEAPONS/FIREARMS: Creates the crime of allowing a minor child to access a readily dischargeable firearm (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 586 creates a new crime in Louisiana for adults who fail to secure a loaded firearm where a minor under 15 could access it, leading to the minor discharging the firearm (causing injury/death) or threatening behavior in public places/schools. It imposes penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Key exceptions include minors accessing firearms for hunting, lawful self-defense, or if the firearm was unlawfully taken. The law defines "secure" as using a lock or trigger device and specifies "readily dischargeable" means a loaded firearm.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for firearm negligence, expanding criminalization per indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 330: CRIMINAL/PENALTIES: Provides relative to the desecration of graves and religious institutions (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for grave/religious vandalism with stricter fines/jail terms, directly expanding criminalization without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 298: CRIME/SEX OFFENSES: Provides relative to conduct that constitutes third degree rape

HB 298 expands Louisiana's definition of third-degree rape to include non-consensual sexual acts committed when a victim is confined in a correctional facility (such as a jail, prison, or detention center). This specifically affects victims held in such facilities by making their exploitation a distinct criminal offense under third-degree rape. The bill adds a new provision (Section A(5)) to the law, clarifying that confinement in a correctional facility is one circumstance where rape is deemed non-consensual. It also defines "correctional facility" broadly and states that "simple rape" and "third-degree rape" are now synonymous under this law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands legal protection for vulnerable victims in correctional facilities, aligning with civil rights safeguards in criminal justice reform by clarifying rape offenses in specific confinement scenarios.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 82: DWI: Provides relative to penalties for DWI offenses (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 82 amends penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses by changing a specific penalty duration from "twelve months" to "twelve years." This change directly affects individuals convicted of DWI offenses, significantly increasing the potential jail time for certain violations. The bill modifies an existing penalty provision within the DWI statute, focusing on the length of incarceration rather than introducing new categories or requirements. As a substantive policy change, it represents a major adjustment to sentencing for DWI convictions in the jurisdiction.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases DWI penalties from 12 months to 12 years, raising mandatory incarceration without rehabilitation focus95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 270: VOTERS/VOTING: Provides for absentee voting by mail by qualified incarcerated voters (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 270 allows qualified incarcerated individuals in Louisiana to vote by mail absentee ballot. It amends voting law to specifically permit people held in any Louisiana correctional facility (or outside their parish) to request mail-in ballots after registering, removing a prior barrier. This directly affects incarcerated voters who meet eligibility requirements (like not being convicted of a felony disenfranchisement offense) but were previously unable to vote by mail under existing rules. The key provision adds an exception to registration rules, enabling them to formally request absentee ballots via mail under new Section R.S. 18:115(F)(2)(f). The bill does not change voting eligibility but provides a voting method for those already qualified.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities, advancing criminal justice reform by expanding civil rights access and removing barriers to participation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Tags Elections

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 275: CHILDREN/ABUSE: Provides relative to the minimum sentencing for child domestic abuse convictions (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 275 (Louisiana) creates a "Domestic Abuse Child Endangerment Law" that increases penalties for domestic abuse battery when a child under 13 is present. The bill mandates a minimum 3-year prison sentence (up to 6 years) for offenders convicted of domestic abuse battery if a minor child 13 or younger was present at the scene. This directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse battery in Louisiana where children were present during the incident. The law adds this mandatory sentencing requirement to existing penalties under Louisiana law, without changing the core definition of the crime.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates minimum 3-year prison sentence for domestic abuse battery with child present, increasing mandatory penalties per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Sentencing