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Bill

HB 85

CRIME/FELONIES: Creates a statewide registry for individuals convicted of certain felony offenses involving animals (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham

HB 85 establishes a statewide registry requiring felony animal cruelty convicts to register, enabling cross-jurisdiction law enforcement tracking and prevention of repeat offenses.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.
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Bill Summary · HB 85

Legislative bill overview

HB 85 creates a statewide registry requiring individuals convicted of specific felony animal offenses to register with state authorities. The bill establishes a centralized database to track these offenders across Louisiana, similar to existing registries for other crime categories. Implementation would involve the development of registry procedures, reporting requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.

Why is this important

Animal cruelty felonies have historically lacked centralized tracking mechanisms, potentially allowing offenders to evade detection across jurisdictions. A registry could help law enforcement prevent repeat offenses, protect animals in vulnerable settings, and inform institutions (like shelters, veterinary clinics, or pet-sitting services) about individuals with documented felony histories. This reflects growing recognition of animal cruelty as a serious criminal matter linked to broader public safety concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional scope: Uncertainty about which specific felony animal offenses trigger registry requirements (e.g., aggravated cruelty only, or broader categories including fighting/neglect), potentially leading to selective enforcement or unintended consequences
  • Privacy and civil liberties: Concerns about permanent public registries affecting employment, housing, and social reintegration of convicted individuals, particularly if the offense occurred years prior or circumstances were mitigating
  • Administrative burden and cost: Questions about funding mechanisms for creating/maintaining the statewide database, staff training, and ongoing compliance monitoring across parishes

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

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