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HR 322

CRIME/HOMICIDE: Creates the Task Force on Sentencing for Second Degree Murder

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marcus Bryant and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates a Task Force to study and recommend changes to how Louisiana defines and sentences second-degree murder, including the mandatory life-without-parole penalty.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 322

Summary of HR 322 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose and intent

  • Creates the Task Force on Sentencing for Second Degree Murder to study, analyze, and evaluate how second degree murder is defined, applied, and punished in Louisiana.
  • The goal is to determine the best changes to sentencing for second degree murder and provide recommendations to the legislature.

Key provisions and changes proposed

  • Establishes a Task Force on Second Degree Murder to review:

    • The definition of second degree murder in Louisiana (R.S. 14:30.1), including:
    • Specific-intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm.
    • Homicide committed without intent during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of certain enumerated felonies (felony murder doctrine).
    • The current penalty: mandatory, non-discretionary life imprisonment at hard labor without parole eligibility, probation, or suspension of sentence (R.S. 14:30.1(B)).
    • How Louisiana’s framework compares to other jurisdictions, especially regarding:
    • Whether second degree murder aligns conceptually with national legal definitions.
    • Whether the mandatory life without parole penalty is appropriate or proportionate.
    • Availability and use of empirical data on:
    • Proportions of second degree murder indictments/convictions based on specific-intent theory versus felony-murder theory.
    • The volume of cases prosecuted under the felony murder doctrine.

  • Task Force composition (members):

    • Chairwoman of the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice (or designee).
    • One Louisiana House member appointed by the Speaker.
    • Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections (or designee).
    • Chairwoman of the Board of Pardons (or designee).
    • Executive Director of the Committee on Parole (or designee).
    • Executive Director of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association (or designee).
    • Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association (or designee).
    • State Public Defender (or designee).
    • Executive Director of the Louisiana Parole Project (or designee).

  • Leadership and operation:

    • Chair and Vice-Chair to be elected by a majority of the task force at its first meeting.
    • First meeting required to be held no later than September 1, 2026.
    • Meetings, quorum, and voting rules to be determined by the task force; majority constitutes a quorum; majority vote needed for official actions.
    • Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem or expense reimbursement as allowed by their respective organizations.

  • Administrative and procedural provisions:

    • Task force subject to the Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law.
    • The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections will staff and provide facilities for the task force.
    • The task force may set its own meeting times and locations.

  • Duration and reporting:

    • The task force terminates after completing its work or no later than February 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
    • A written report detailing findings and recommendations must be submitted to the legislature by February 1, 2027.

Who would be affected

  • Directly affected: the legislative process and policymakers evaluating the harshness and proportionality of second degree murder sentencing.
  • Indirectly affected: defendants charged with or convicted of second degree murder, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, parole and corrections systems, and public safety stakeholders, who may see future policy changes based on the task force’s recommendations.
  • No immediate statutory changes are enacted by HR 322 itself; it launches a study and recommendation process.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • First meeting by September 1, 2026.
  • Task force operates under standard House rules; meetings open to the public under Open Meetings Law; records public under Public Records Law.
  • Report due to the legislature by February 1, 2027.
  • Task force terminates upon completion of its work or February 1, 2027, whichever occurs first.
  • Supported administratively by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Nota on context

  • Louisiana currently imposes life imprisonment without parole for second degree murder (mandatory, non-discretionary).
  • The bill addresses potential alignment with national practice and data-driven policy decisions regarding whether this sentencing framework is appropriate or should be adjusted based on empirical evidence.

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

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