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.
This bill increases penalties for committing arson against religious buildings in Louisiana. It directly affects individuals charged with setting fire to places of worship and law enforcement officials who prosecute such cases. The law establishes minimum prison sentences of two years without parole for simple arson, with a maximum of 30 years, and sets higher penalties of 12 to 30 years without parole if the fire causes injury or death. These provisions apply to anyone convicted of the crime under the amended state statutes.
HB 84 reclassifies certain felony hit-and-run driving offenses as "crimes of violence" under Louisiana law. Specifically, it designates hit-and-run driving causing injury or death (as defined in R.S. 14:100(C)(2) or (3)) as a crime of violence, directly affecting drivers convicted of these specific hit-and-run cases. The bill requires courts to formally label these offenses as "crimes of violence" in sentencing records (per Code of Criminal Procedure Article 890.3(C)(28)) and prevents them from qualifying for minimum sentence waivers (per Article 890.1(D)(35)). This change ensures these cases receive mandatory sentencing considerations as violent crimes.
HB 169 adds a new condition for both probation and parole in Louisiana: individuals must waive extradition to Louisiana from any U.S. or international jurisdiction and agree not to contest being returned. This applies to anyone on probation or parole who leaves Louisiana, requiring them to pay the full cost of extradition (based on their ability to pay) if returned from outside the state. The bill amends Louisiana law to include this requirement as a standard condition during probation or parole placement. It directly affects individuals under probation or parole supervision who travel outside Louisiana, imposing a financial obligation for their return. The law aims to streamline the return process for offenders who leave the state.
SB 86 would require mandatory minimum sentences for individuals who help or support others committing specific sex offenses against minors. It specifically targets people who aid or abet crimes like molestation of juveniles (under R.S. 14:81.2) or aggravated crime against nature (under R.S. 14:89.1), imposing half the mandatory sentence for the principal offender on these abettors. The bill directly affects those who assist in these offenses, not just the primary perpetrators. Currently pending before Louisiana's Judiciary Committee, it aims to strengthen penalties for secondary involvement in crimes against children.
HB 100 creates a new felony offense for speeding in Louisiana, defined as operating a vehicle more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This law directly affects drivers who exceed speed limits by this margin, making it a criminal offense punishable by fines of at least $1,000, imprisonment for a minimum of six months, or both. The bill establishes mandatory minimum penalties for this specific speeding behavior, distinguishing it from standard speeding violations. It applies statewide to all motor vehicle operators who commit this offense.
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.
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.
SB 58 imposes mandatory minimum sentences for "aggravated flight" from law enforcement officers in Louisiana. It requires a minimum one-year prison term (without parole or early release) for fleeing police, increasing to two years if the flight causes serious injury. The bill also mandates that fines from these offenses must fund police pursuit training or safety technology, not general agency budgets. Additionally, it requires insurance proceeds related to such crimes to follow existing legal handling rules. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of fleeing police and changes how related fines are used by law enforcement agencies.
SB 199 imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for second and subsequent offenses related to prostitution in Louisiana. For a second conviction of purchasing commercial sexual activity, offenders face at least six months in prison (with no parole eligibility for that period), plus fines of $1,500-$2,000. Similarly, second or subsequent solicitation offenses require a minimum six-month prison term (with no parole eligibility) and the same fines. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these specific repeat offenses, with half of collected fines directed to a state fund under R.S. 15:539.4.
