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SB 128

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Requires a written report when any law enforcement officer uses force on a member of the public. (8/1/25)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Carter and 2 co-sponsors

Louisiana law now requires police officers to file written reports whenever they use any force against the public, effective August 1, 2025.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 426.
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Bill Summary · SB 128

Legislative bill overview

SB 128 mandates that Louisiana law enforcement officers submit a written report whenever they use any force against a member of the public. The bill became law on August 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor and is now Act No. 426.

Why is this important

Written force reporting creates an official record of police encounters involving force, enabling oversight, accountability, and data collection on use-of-force patterns. This documentation can inform policy decisions, identify training needs, and provide evidence for investigations or civil litigation related to police conduct.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill requires reports for "any force," which could encompass minor physical contact (guiding an arm, light restraint) or only significant force, creating inconsistent implementation across departments
  • Administrative burden: Requiring written reports for all force incidents may increase paperwork significantly, potentially diverting officer time from other duties and creating storage/processing challenges for departments
  • Enforcement mechanism unclear: The bill does not specify penalties for non-compliance, consequences for incomplete reports, or how compliance will be monitored and enforced

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

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