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HB 1034

CRIME: Authorizes the establishment of temporary protection zones (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Bacala

Louisiana allows local officials to issue temporary, 72-hour safety zones with written proclamations and penalties for violations.

Effective date: 05/15/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1034

Summary of HB 1034 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorizes certain local government officials to issue written proclamations establishing temporary protection zones within their jurisdiction to protect public safety.
  • Creates a new criminal offense framework tied to violations of these temporary protection zones.

Key Provisions

Establishment of Temporary Protection Zones

  • Authorized Officials: Parish presidents, mayors, sheriffs, chiefs of police, or chief executive officers of political subdivisions.
  • Authority: May issue a written proclamation establishing one or more temporary protection zones as needed to ensure public safety.
  • Geographic Scope: Zones may include highways, shorelines, waterways, or other areas within the issuing authority’s jurisdiction.
  • Public Notice and Filing: Proclamations must be:
    • In writing
    • Contain: circumstances necessitating the zone, precise geographic boundaries, start date/time, and restrictions on access or activities
    • Publicly publicized and filed with the clerk of court

Duration and Renewal

  • Duration: A temporary protection zone remains in effect only as long as necessary for security and not longer than 72 hours from issuance.
  • Renewal: A new temporary protection zone may be established after expiration if warranted.

Penalties for Violations

  • General standard: Individuals must comply with the proclamation and any lawful directives from law enforcement.
  • Penalties if violated after notification:
    1. Wrongful use of public property:
      • Fine up to $500, or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.
    2. Serious bodily injury or property damage over $5,000:
      • Imprisonment at hard labor for up to 5 years.
    3. Death of any person:
      • Imprisonment at hard labor for up to 21 years.

Effective Date

  • Effective upon the governor’s signature, or if the governor does not sign, upon lapse of the constitutional time for gubernatorial action.
  • If vetoed and later approved by the legislature, the act becomes effective the day after approval.

Clarifications (Amendments)

  • Committee amendments clarify that the bill does not grant authority to act in a manner inconsistent with existing law (specifically R.S. 40:1796).

Who Is Affected

  • Local governments and their designated officials (parish presidents, mayors, sheriffs, chief of police, or equivalent executives) gain a new tool to manage public safety during emergencies.
  • Residents and visitors within the jurisdiction of the issuing authority may be subject to temporary restrictions and mandated compliance within the protected zones.
  • Violators of zone proclamations or directives face specified criminal penalties.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Proclamation must be issued in writing, with specified content, and publicly disseminated and filed.
  • Each zone is limited to 72 hours unless a new zone is proclaimed (still subject to necessity).
  • The bill provides an orderly process for notice, boundaries, and enforcement, but does not create broader, long-term zones beyond the 72-hour default.

Overall Assessment

HB 1034 creates a narrowly scoped mechanism for rapid, temporary safety zones in Louisiana jurisdictions, with a clear written proclamation standard and explicit enforcement penalties. The 72-hour cap balances the need for quick action with limits on prolonged restriction, and amendments address compatibility with existing law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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