Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 402: CRIMINAL/HABIT OFFENDERS: Provides relative to the Habitual Offender Law

HB 402 modifies Louisiana's Habitual Offender Law to change sentencing for individuals convicted of three felonies classified as "crimes of violence" under state law, but without actual physical violence occurring during the offenses. It sets a new sentencing range: a fixed prison term of at least half the longest possible sentence for the third offense, but no more than twice the sentence for a first-time felony conviction. This applies to people already serving sentences for such offenses prior to June 15, 2001, meaning their sentences could be adjusted under this law. The bill specifically targets third felony convictions where the crimes meet the legal definition of "crime of violence" without involving actual physical force against people or property.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeModifies sentencing to reduce mandatory terms for non-violent habitual offenders, aligning with reform efforts to lower recidivism and avoid excessive penalties under habitual offender laws.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 792: CORRECTIONS/PRISONERS: Provides relative to the creation of screening procedures for the purpose of testing inmates for certain infectious diseases

HB 792 requires Louisiana state correctional facilities to implement standardized screening for HIV and hepatitis C virus at inmate intake or within 72 hours of incarceration. It mandates that inmates may decline screening without penalty, and all results remain confidential for medical purposes only. Parish jails may participate in the program but must receive legislative funding for reimbursement of screening costs, with the state covering treatment expenses through existing state or federal programs. The bill also establishes annual reporting requirements for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to track screening rates, positive cases, treatment access, and fiscal impacts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates HIV/hepatitis C screening in prisons with confidentiality and state-funded treatment, advancing inmate health care within corrections reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates HIV/hepatitis C screening in correctional facilities with state-covered treatment, advancing public health through early detection and care for infectious diseases.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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signed · Louisiana · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 51: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of fraudulent representation of military service or awards. (8/1/26)

SB 51 creates a new criminal offense for falsely claiming military service or awards to gain benefits. It directly affects individuals who lie about receiving military honors (like medals or service records) to obtain economic advantages, veteran benefits, or privileges. The bill establishes tiered penalties: up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail for basic false claims, up to $5,000 or 1 year for falsely claiming major awards (e.g., Medal of Honor), and up to $10,000, 5 years in prison, or restitution for fraud that secures benefits reserved for veterans or their families. Definitions clarify that "award" includes medals, ribbons, and official service records maintained by military or state forces.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense with tiered penalties, expanding criminalization of false military service claims rather than reforming justice system.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill prevents fraud in veteran benefits, protecting legitimate recipients and system integrity by penalizing false claims of military service.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights Memorials & Recognition

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 158: PROBATION: Provides relative to technical violations of probation (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 158 modifies Louisiana's probation rules to address "technical violations" (like missing check-ins or failing drug tests) for certain defendants. It allows judges to impose up to 180 days in jail without reducing the overall probation sentence for individuals on probation for non-violent offenses (excluding crimes of violence or sex offenses). This applies only to violations not involving new criminal conduct, not to serious breaches. The bill does not change sentencing for new crimes but adds a specific penalty for administrative probation breaches. The measure is currently pending in committee review.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeAllows 180-day jail for technical probation violations without reducing probation, increasing punitive measures for minor breaches - opposes reform efforts to reduce unnecessary incarceration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 168: CORRECTIONS: Creates a transitional reentry program for female parolees (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 168 establishes a structured transitional reentry program in Louisiana for female parolees, administered by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. It directly affects women who have served at least five years in prison, have no sex offense convictions, are within six months of release, have no recent disciplinary issues, and voluntarily agree to participate. The program aims to support their safe community reintegration through tailored preparation, requiring parole eligibility and adherence to department-established screening. This policy creates a formal pathway for eligible female parolees to access reentry services before release.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates structured reentry program for eligible female parolees to reduce recidivism through tailored community integration support, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 144: CRIME: Creates the crime of obstruction of a legislative proceeding (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 144 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for obstructing legislative proceedings, directly affecting individuals who interfere with lawmakers' work. The bill defines obstruction as actions like blocking committee meetings or threatening legislators to prevent their attendance or influence their decisions in legislative sessions. Penalties include up to six months in prison for basic obstruction, or one to three years if medical care is required due to the act. It broadly defines "legislative proceeding" to cover committee meetings, joint sessions, and other official legislative activities.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for obstructing legislative proceedings, expanding criminalization. Aligns with 'oppose' indicator of expanding criminalization.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 361: VOTING/REGISTRATION: Provides for the reinstatement of the voter registration of a person who is no longer under an order of imprisonment (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 361 allows individuals with suspended voter registration due to felony convictions to regain voting rights once they are no longer under an imprisonment order or have not been incarcerated for five years. It requires applicants to submit documentation from correctional officials proving their release status or 5-year non-incarceration period, excluding those convicted of election fraud. The bill streamlines the process by enabling applications via mail, fax, or electronic submission and clarifies the secretary of state's role in developing the application form. This directly affects formerly incarcerated Louisianans who have completed their sentences or parole terms related to non-election offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals post-release or after 5 years, promoting reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Probation & Parole

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 119: CRIME: Provides relative to unlawful conduct involving images of another person created by artificial intelligence (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 119 makes it a crime to unlawfully share, sell, or possess AI-generated images of another person that show nudity or intimate body parts without authorization, with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate. It directly affects anyone creating or distributing such AI images without permission, especially targeting cases involving minors (under 17), which carry harsher penalties. The law imposes penalties of up to one year in prison for general violations and up to five years (with at least one year mandatory) if the victim is a minor. It also adds new provisions to existing laws about "sexting" involving AI-generated intimate images. The bill creates specific criminal penalties for these actions without addressing broader policy impacts.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for AI image sharing with penalties, expanding criminalization rather than advancing reform or protecting rights.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStrengthens data privacy by criminalizing unauthorized sharing of AI-generated intimate images, protecting digital rights and preventing harm, especially to minors.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Artificial Intelligence

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 14, 2026

SB 46: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of unlawful operation of a group home. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

SB 46 creates a new criminal offense for operating an unlicensed group home in Louisiana. It directly affects individuals or entities managing homes that house two or more non-related people needing daily living assistance, without proper state or local licensing. The bill defines key terms (like "operator" and "unlicensed group home") and sets tiered penalties: fines up to $1,000 or 6 months in jail for basic violations; up to $10,000 or 10 years in prison (with 1 year mandatory) for conditions causing harm; and 5-40 years in prison (with 3 years mandatory) if conditions contribute to a resident's death. These penalties are triggered by specific evidence of control, such as power of attorney over residents' assets or handling their government benefits.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense with mandatory prison time, expanding criminalization of unlicensed group home operations without reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

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