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Bill

HB 309

CRIME: Provides for the crime of walking on a crosswalk while looking at a cellphone (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham

Louisiana would criminalize pedestrians using cellphones while crossing marked crosswalks, aiming to reduce distracted walking injuries through criminal penalties.

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Bill Summary · HB 309

Legislative bill overview

HB 309 would create a new criminal offense in Louisiana for pedestrians who use cellphones while crossing at marked crosswalks. The bill establishes walking while distracted by mobile devices as a punishable crime, with enforcement mechanisms against violators.

Why is this important

Distracted walking has been linked to increased pedestrian injuries and fatalities. This bill represents an attempt to address public safety by creating legal consequences for behavior that diverts attention during high-risk crossing situations. However, it raises questions about enforcement practicality and whether criminalization is the appropriate policy tool.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Police would need to visually confirm cellphone use and prove it occurred specifically during crosswalk traversal, creating practical difficulties and potential for inconsistent application
  • Criminalization scope: Creating a criminal charge for this behavior may be disproportionate compared to civil penalties or warnings, potentially burdening the justice system for infractions
  • Constitutional concerns: Challenges regarding vague definitions (what constitutes "looking at") and selective enforcement based on officer discretion could invite legal challenges

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

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