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HB 1234

CRIMINAL/PENALTIES: Provides relative to penalties for hit-and-run driving (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham and 30 co-sponsors

Louisiana HB 1234 increases penalties for hit-and-run, especially when the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist, adding mandatory minimum-like terms and harsher prison sentences.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 1234

Summary of Louisiana HB 1234 (2026) – Christina Larsen Act

Basic Information

  • Bill: HB 1234 (Substitute for HB 84)
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Topic: Criminal penalties for hit-and-run driving
  • Sponsor: Representative Knox (Co-sponsor: Alonzo Knox)
  • Status: As of the drafting, scheduled for floor debate; previously passed committee with 9-0 vote.

Purpose and Intent

  • To modify and strengthen penalties for the crime of hit-and-run driving, with enhanced consequences when the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist.
  • The bill is titled the “Christina Larsen Act.”

Key Provisions and Changes

Amendments to Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 14:100(C)(2) and (3))

  • The bill retains the existing offense of hit-and-run driving but increases penalties under certain circumstances.

For Hit-and-Run Violations Resulting in Death or Serious Bodily Injury (C(2))

  • Current-law framework preserved, with added specifics:

    • If death or serious bodily injury is a direct result of the accident and the driver knew or should have known that such harm occurred, and the driver’s vehicle was directly involved:
    • Fine: Up to $5,000
    • ** imprisonment:** Not less than 2 years and not more than 10 years
      • Two of the years must be served without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence (or both).

  • Pedestrian/Bicyclist Victim Enhancement:

    • If the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist, at least 2 years of the sentence must be served without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

For Hit-and-Run Violations with Death or Serious Bodily Injury (C(3))

  • For cases meeting all listed conditions, the offender shall be imprisoned for:

    • Not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years (with or without hard labor).
    • Conditions include:
    • Death or serious bodily injury is a direct result of the accident.
    • The driver knew or should have known the vehicle was involved or caused the accident.
    • Prior convictions related to intoxicated/impaired driving or vehicle-related offenses within 10 years (specific offenses listed include:
      • Driving while intoxicated or under the influence
      • Vehicular homicide
      • Vehicular negligent injuring (including first-degree negligent injury)

  • Pedestrian/Bicyclist Victim Enhancement:

    • If the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist, at least 5 years of the sentence must be served without parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.

Who Is Affected

  • Offenders charged with hit-and-run driving.
  • Victims: heightened penalties when the victim is a pedestrian or bicyclist.
  • Law Enforcement and the Judiciary: new mandatory-minimum-like components (e.g., minimum years served without parole/probation) and enhanced sentencing guidelines.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill includes a housekeeping update to current statute (R.S. 14:100(C)(2) and (3)).
  • It is named to be cited as the “Christina Larsen Act.”
  • Legislative action timeline noted:
    • Read by title and engrossed; floor debate scheduled.
    • Previous committee action: substitute title reported 9-0 from the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee.

Potential Impact

  • Deterrence and accountability for hit-and-run drivers, especially where vulnerable road users (pedestrians and bicyclists) are harmed.
  • Increased minimums for certain scenarios (e.g., 5-year minimum for certain hit-and-runs resulting in death or serious injury with prior related offenses; 2-year minimum for pedestrian/bicyclist victims in less severe scenarios).
  • Possible rise in prison terms and reduced opportunities for early release in targeted cases.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to current law side-by-side or map the specific terms to hypothetical scenarios (e.g., different victim types and prior offenses).

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

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