WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 985

SEX OFFENSE/REGISTRY: Provides relative to identification procedures for sex offenders (EG1 +$200,000 SG EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kellee Hennessy

HB 985 replaces sex-offender IDs with QR-coded licenses or IDs, mandates annual renewal and on-person carrying, and forfeiture between the two credential types.

Read by title. Recommitted to the Committee on Finance.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 985

Summary of HB 985 (2026 Louisiana Regular Session)

Purpose and intent

HB 985 amends existing Louisiana law to modify identification procedures for individuals who are required to register as sex offenders. The bill focuses on how sex offenders’ driver’s licenses and special identification cards (special IDs) are issued, displayed, renewed, and enforced, with the aim of improving law enforcement’s ability to identify and verify sex-offender status.

Effective Date: January 1, 2027

Key provisions and changes

Driver’s licenses (R.S. 32:412(I))

  • Replace the current “restriction code” approach with a QR code on the back of the driver’s license for sex offenders. The QR code is intended to assist law enforcement in determining whether the license holder is a sex offender.
  • Eliminate the requirement to print the words “sex offender” in orange on the license.
  • Require the sex offender to carry the license on their person at all times when outside their residence.
  • Issuance period: a license issued under these provisions remains valid for one year from issuance.
  • Renewal and registration linkage: at renewal, the offender must complete annual re-registration (as required by Chapter 3-B of Title 15) and verification of current information (address, contact numbers, employer, etc.). The Bureau electronically transmits verified re-registration data to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which may proceed with license renewal.
  • Penalties: intentional failure to meet these requirements carries a penalty of a fine between $100 and $500, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.
  • Consequence of license action: a sex offender who obtains a separate special ID card under the bill’s framework would forfeit the driver’s license to OMV.

Special identification cards (R.S. 40:1321(J))

  • Establish a special identification card for sex offenders that includes:
    • A QR code on the back to indicate sex-offender status.
    • The words “SEX OFFENDER” in all capital letters, orange in color.
    • Valid for one year from issuance.
  • Carrying requirement: the sex offender must carry the special ID on their person at all times when outside the residence.
  • Renewal process: annually renew the special ID at a motor vehicle field office, after completing sex-offender registration (per Chapter 3-B).
  • Verification: renewal requires confirmation from the Bureau that re-registration is complete and verified (including address, contact information, employer details, etc.).
  • Interplay with other IDs: if a person with a special ID later obtains a driver’s license, they must forfeit the special ID to OMV.
  • Penalties: as with licenses, intentional failure to meet these requirements carries a fine of $100 to $500, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.

Who is affected

  • Individuals required to register as sex offenders under Louisiana law (R.S. 15:542 et seq., Chapter 3-B).
  • These individuals would be issued either a driver’s license under the amended provisions or a new special ID card, each with specific identification features (QR codes, orange “SEX OFFENDER” labeling, mandatory carrying requirements).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act specifies that the changes take effect January 1, 2027.
  • Annual renewal and re-registration processes are emphasized for both licenses and special IDs, with electronic data transmission to OMV as part of the renewal workflow.
  • Violations carry defined criminal penalties (fines and possible imprisonment) for non-compliance.

Notable details

  • QR codes replace the prior restriction code (and orange lettering) approach for both licenses and special IDs.
  • There is a cross-linkage provision: obtaining a separate driver’s license or special ID under the other framework triggers forfeiture of the prior credential (license or special ID).
  • The bill preserves many existing features of the current statutory framework but adds enforcement-focused identification methods (QR codes) and annual renewal requirements.

If you’d like, I can compare HB 985 to current law section-by-section or provide potential administrative implications for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the OMV.

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

Sign in to ask a question.