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HB 91

CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides relative to disclosure of criminal records during trial

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Wiley

HB 91 modifies Louisiana trial procedures to regulate when and how defendants' prior criminal records can be disclosed or discussed during court proceedings.

Becomes HB 1245.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 91

Legislative bill overview

HB 91 modifies Louisiana's rules governing when and how criminal records can be disclosed or referenced during trial proceedings. The bill specifically addresses what information about a defendant's prior criminal history can be presented to a jury and under what circumstances such disclosures are permissible.

Why is this important

Criminal records disclosures significantly impact trial outcomes, as juries may be prejudiced by knowledge of prior convictions even when that history is legally irrelevant to the current case. This bill directly affects the fairness of trials and the balance between prosecutors' ability to establish credibility issues and defendants' rights to fair proceedings unbiased by irrelevant criminal history.

Potential points of contention

  • Victim and witness protection vs. disclosure rights — Expanding or restricting when prior records can be mentioned may either help prosecutors establish patterns or unfairly prejudice defendants based on unrelated past conduct
  • Prosecutorial discretion — The bill's specific provisions could either enhance or limit prosecutors' ability to impeach defendant testimony or establish relevant background information
  • Jury bias concerns — Changes to disclosure rules must balance the need for relevant information against the risk that juries will improperly use prior records to determine guilt on current charges rather than evaluating present evidence

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

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