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HB 673

PROPERTY/ABANDONED: Authorizes the state fire marshal to require owners of abandoned or blighted structures to install and maintain security cameras on property

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Phelps

Requires owners of abandoned or blighted structures to install, maintain exterior security cameras with 30-day footage retention.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Commerce.
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Bill Summary · HB 673

Summary of HB 673 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorizes the state fire marshal, or their designee, to require owners or lessees of abandoned or blighted structures to install and maintain security cameras on the property.
  • The goal is to enhance safety and protection of life and property by ensuring clear, discernible footage of the exterior of such structures.

Key Provisions

  • Authority: The state fire marshal (or designee) may require owners or lessees of abandoned or blighted structures to install and maintain security cameras.
  • Coverage of Cameras: Cameras must be capable of obtaining clear, discernible footage of every portion of the exterior of the structure.
  • Retention: The security cameras must store and maintain all footage for a minimum period of 30 days.
  • Legal Additions: The bill adds a new provision to the Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 40:1563(P)) establishing these requirements.

Who Is Affected

  • Owners and lessees of abandoned or blighted structures within the jurisdiction of the state fire marshal.
  • Property owners facing abandonment or blight issues who must install and maintain exterior surveillance cameras meeting the bill’s specifications.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and Sponsorship: Bill introduced in the 2026 Regular Session; co-sponsored by Rep. Tammy Phelps.
  • Committee Action: Referred to the House Committee on Commerce (read by title March 9, 2026; initial referral February 27, 2026).
  • Amendments: The House Committee on Commerce proposed amendments to the original bill, clarifying language related to “maintenance of security cameras on abandoned or blighted structures.”
  • Effective Date: The text provided does not specify an effective date; typically, if enacted, the law would take effect on a future date specified in the final act.

Additional Notes

  • The amendment (Amendment No. 1) clarifies that the bill concerns “maintenance of security cameras on abandoned or blighted structures; and to provide for…” as a descriptor in the statute, aligning with the sponsorship’s intent.
  • The bill text requires that cameras capture exterior footage of the entire structure and retain footage for at least 30 days, imposing ongoing surveillance and data retention responsibilities on property owners.

Potential Impacts (Considerations)

  • Public Safety: Potentially improves incident response and investigation capabilities related to abandoned or blighted properties.
  • Privacy and Data: Raises considerations about surveillance, data storage, access, and retention policies for footage.
  • Compliance Burden: Introduces a regulatory obligation and cost for affected property owners (installation and ongoing maintenance of cameras, and data storage).

This summary covers the bill’s core purpose, provisions, affected parties, and procedural context based on the available text and amendments. If the bill progresses, attending committee reports or final act language will provide the exact scope, definitions, and effective date.

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

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