SPECIAL DAY/WEEK/MONTH: Designates May 11 through 16, 2026, as National Police Week 2026 in Louisiana

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Sawyer

Louisiana designates May 11–16, 2026 as National Police Week in the state to honor fallen officers and recognize related observances and memorials.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Purpose and Intent

Designates May 11–16, 2026, as National Police Week 2026 in Louisiana.

Honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty, in Louisiana and across the United States.

Recognizes the contributions of law enforcement personnel and acknowledges upcoming national events related to National Police Week, including the Candlelight Vigil.

Key Provisions and Changes

Proclamation designation: The Louisiana House of Representatives designates a specific 6-day period (May 11–16, 2026) as National Police Week 2026 in the state.

Memorial acknowledgment: The resolution notes the inclusion of Louisiana officers’ names on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and it references recent additions (names listed in the resolution).

Observance details:

May 13, 2026, Candlelight Vigil (National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund) is highlighted as part of the observance.
May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, with U.S. and Louisiana flags to be flown at half-staff per Governor’s order.

Community and statewide sentiment: The resolution expresses solidarity, prayer, and support for fallen officers and their families.

Who/What Is Affected

State government and public institutions in Louisiana are acknowledged in recognizing National Police Week.

Law enforcement communities in Louisiana are the primary beneficiaries of recognition and support.

The public, including residents and families of fallen officers, through heightened awareness and commemorative activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative action: House Resolution 263 (HR 263) is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, designating a commemorative observance timeframe.

Effective period: The designation is specifically for May 11–16, 2026, with May 15 identified as Peace Officers Memorial Day and related flag protocol.

Observance context: The resolution aligns Louisiana with National Police Week activities, including the Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2026.

Notable Details

The resolution recognizes the broader context of National Police Week, the ongoing sacrifice of officers, and publicly lists recent Louisiana officers added to the National Memorial.

The measure is sponsored by Representative Sawyer (with a co-sponsor noted as Paul Sawyer) and reflects ceremonial acknowledgment rather than creating new duties, funding, or regulatory changes.

Overall, HR 263 serves to formally designate a specific week in May 2026 for National Police Week observances in Louisiana and to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.