WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 664

LOCAL GOVT/ORDINANCES: Provides relative to maximum penalties imposed for violations of parish ordinances

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy LaCombe

Increases the maximum fine for parish ordinance violations from $500 to $1,500, while keeping jail time and community service unchanged.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 664

Summary of HB 664 (2026, Louisiana)

Bill overview

  • Title: LOCAL GOVT/ORDINANCES: Provides relative to maximum penalties imposed for violations of parish ordinances
  • Bill number: HB 664
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Sponsor: Rep. LaCombe (Co-sponsor: Jeremy LaCombe)
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Subject: Increases the maximum fine for violations of parish ordinances

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to modify the penalties for violations of parish ordinances by increasing the maximum allowable fine. It retains the existing structure of penalties (fine, possible jail time, and optional community service) but raises the upper limit on the monetary penalty.

Key provisions

  • Current law (as amended): The maximum penalty for violating a parish ordinance is:
    • A fine of up to $500
    • Up to 30 days in parish jail
    • Optional community service up to 100 hours (in addition to or in lieu of the fine/jail)
  • Proposed change (HB 664): Increase the maximum fine from $500 to $1,500. All other penalties and provisions remain the same:
    • Maximum jail time: 30 days
    • Maximum community service: up to 100 hours
    • The increase applies to the maximum penalty for violations of parish ordinances

Affected entities

  • Who is affected: Municipalities and parishes in Louisiana responsible for enacting and enforcing parish ordinances, as well as violators subject to parish ordinance penalties.
  • Administrative impact: Parish officials who administer fines and penalties would be authorized to impose higher fines (up to $1,500) for violations of parish ordinances, subject to any additional statutory or local considerations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Not specified in the excerpt. (The text provided does not include a specific effective date.)
  • Legislative history:
    • Read by title and referred to the Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs
    • Reported favorably (15-0) by the committee
    • Scheduled for floor debate in April 2026
    • Passed to 3rd reading after being engrossed
  • Format note: The bill as filed changes only the specified subsection of R.S. 33:1243(A)(1); all other provisions remain unchanged.

Potential impact

  • Penalties and deterrence: Allows parishes to levy higher fines (up to $1,500) for ordinance violations, which could enhance deterrence and provide municipalities with greater revenue tools for enforcement.
  • Equity considerations: As with any increase in fines, consideration may be given to the affordability and proportionality of penalties relative to violators and the nature of violations.
  • Operational considerations: Parish courts and law enforcement must align enforcement practices with the new maximum if enacted.

Notable details

  • The bill explicitly increases the fine cap but leaves imprisonment, community service, and other penalties at their current levels (30 days jail; up to 100 hours community service).
  • The change is limited to parish ordinances; city ordinances are not addressed.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law vs. HB 664 language or a brief pros/cons analysis of the proposed rate increase.

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

Sign in to ask a question.