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LouisianaSB 3062026 Regular SessionSenate

RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS/LIBERTIES: Creates the crime of obstruction of the freedom of worship in a church or other place of worship. (gov sig)

Sponsored By: Rick Edmonds (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Administration of Criminal JusticeJudiciary C

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New penalties for people who obstruct worship

Louisiana law protects worship through a new crime covering willful interference at churches and other places of worship. Covered places include property owned, leased, or lawfully held by religious organizations for worship or religious activities. The crime covers force, threats of force, physical obstruction, intentional injury or attempted injury, and intentional property damage. It also covers denying attendees, clergy, or staff lawful movement, facility use, entry, or exit. Refusing to leave private church property after clergy request it is covered while committing, threatening, or encouraging disruptive activity. Intentional disruption during a regularly scheduled worship service is covered when it materially and substantially interferes with the service. A first offense carries a fine up to $2,500, 15 days to 6 months in jail, or both. Repeat offenses carry a fine up to $25,000, 1 year to 18 months in prison, or both. Repeat prison terms can include hard labor. An offense causing bodily injury to an attendee, clergy member, or staff member carries 2 to 10 years at hard labor. Knowingly financing or providing material support with intent to help cause the offense brings the same penalties. Peaceful protest outside private church property remains protected.

Worship victims can sue offenders and supporters

Attendees, clergy, staff, and religious organizations harmed by prohibited interference with worship can bring a civil lawsuit. They must prove the conduct caused injury, property damage, or interference with worship. Recoverable damages include physical injury, emotional distress, mental anguish, property damage, lost income, and interference with religious practice. Successful plaintiffs can also recover court costs and reasonable lawyer fees. People who knowingly help, finance, solicit, conspire, or provide material support for the conduct can also be sued. A lawsuit does not require an arrest, criminal charge, or prosecution. Courts can issue temporary restraining orders, preliminary or permanent injunctions, and rulings clarifying rights to prevent or stop the conduct. Other legal remedies remain available.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rick Edmonds

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Adam Bass

    Republican • Senate

  • Alan Seabaugh

    Republican • Senate

  • Beth Mizell

    Republican • Senate

  • Blake Miguez

    Republican • Senate

  • Brach Jerad Myers

    Republican • Senate

  • Cameron Henry

    Republican • Senate

  • Eddie J. Lambert

    Republican • Senate

  • Franklin J. Foil

    Republican • Senate

  • John C. "Jay" Morris

    Republican • Senate

  • Jeremy Stine

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael "Big Mike" Fesi

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Reese

    Republican • Senate

  • Patrick Connick

    Republican • Senate

  • Patrick McMath

    Republican • Senate

  • Robert "Bob" Owen

    Republican • Senate

  • Robert Allain

    Republican • Senate

  • Stewart Cathey Jr.

    Republican • Senate

  • Thomas A. Pressly

    Republican • Senate

  • Valarie Hodges

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 113 • No: 28

House vote • 5/11/2026

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 75, nays 20. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

Yes: 75 • No: 20

House vote • 4/29/2026

Reported with amendments

Yes: 11 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 27 yeas and 8 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

Yes: 27 • No: 8

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 379.

    5/22/2026Senate

  2. Effective date 5/22/2026.

    5/22/2026Senate

  3. Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.

    5/20/2026Senate

  4. Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.

    5/19/2026Senate

  5. Signed by the Speaker of the House.

    5/19/2026House

  6. Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 75, nays 20. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

    5/11/2026House

  7. Received from the House with amendments.

    5/11/2026Senate

  8. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/11/2026.

    5/7/2026House

  9. Read by title, amended, passed to 3rd reading.

    5/6/2026House

  10. Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

    5/5/2026House

  11. Reported with amendments (11-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

    4/29/2026House

  12. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice.

    3/25/2026House

  13. Received in the House from the Senate, read by title, lies over under the rules.

    3/24/2026House

  14. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 27 yeas and 8 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

    3/23/2026Senate

  15. Read by title. Ordered engrossed and passed to third reading and final passage.

    3/11/2026Senate

  16. Reported favorably.

    3/10/2026Senate

  17. Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary C.

    3/9/2026Senate

  18. Prefiled and under the rules provisionally referred to the Committee on Judiciary C.

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

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