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HB 330

CRIMINAL/PENALTIES: Provides relative to the desecration of graves and religious institutions (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham

HB 330 increases fines and adds restitution for grave desecration and vandalism, with a new mandatory restitution for damage to religious buildings.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 330

Summary of HB 330 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Purpose and Intent

HB 330, sponsored by Rep. Bayham, seeks to increase penalties and add a restitution requirement for two criminal offenses involving the desecration of graves and vandalism of institutions, including religious buildings. The bill amends existing statutes to raise fines, extend possible imprisonment, and mandate restitution when the vandalism targets a religious building.

Key Provisions

1) Desecration of Graves (R.S. 14:101)

  • Current law: Fine up to $500; imprisonment up to 6 months.
  • HB 330 changes:
    • New maximum fine: up to $1,000 (increased from $500).
    • Imprisonment: Up to 6 months remains the same.
    • Restitution: Court must order restitution for damages in addition to the criminal penalties.

2) Institutional Vandalism (R.S. 14:225)

  • Present law penalties vary by amount of damage.
    • If damage < $500: Fine up to $500 or up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.
    • If $500 ≤ damage < $50,000: Fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years (hard labor optional), or both.

  • HB 330 changes:

    • For damage < $500: Fine increased to up to $1,000 (imprisonment cap remains up to 6 months).
    • For $500 ≤ damage < $50,000: Fine increased to a range of $1,000 to $5,000 (imprisonment up to 2 years, or both; the cap increases and new floor added).

  • Restitution (new): If the vandalism affects a religious building or structure (as defined in the statute), the court must order restitution for damages, in addition to other penalties.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Offenders convicted of desecration of graves or institutional vandalism.
  • Institutions and properties targeted, with specific emphasis on religious buildings for the restitution requirement.
  • Courts: responsible for imposing penalties and ordering restitution.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective amendments amend and reenact specified subsections:
    • R.S. 14:101(B) (desecration of graves)
    • R.S. 14:225(B)(1) and (2) (institutional vandalism)
    • New R.S. 14:225(D) (restitution provision for religious buildings)
  • The bill outlines that restitution must be ordered in cases involving vandalism against religious buildings.
  • The Digest notes the bill would apply to offenses as defined under the amended sections, with penalties applicable upon conviction.

Summary in One Sentences

HB 330 upscales penalties for desecration of graves and institutional vandalism, and adds a mandatory restitution requirement when the vandalism involves religious buildings, enhancing deterrence and financial accountability for such offenses.

Additional Details

  • Amendments and enactment: The bill amends R.S. 14:101(B) and 14:225(B)(1)-(2); adds R.S. 14:225(D).
  • Legislative history: Read by title and passed to engrossed on 4/16/2026; favored in committee on 4/15/2026; originally introduced in 2026; co-sponsored by Mike Bayham.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law vs. proposed law language, or a brief impact assessment for affected stakeholders (e.g., counties, religious organizations, crime victims).

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

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