You need to ASK QUESTIONS on this HOUSE committee amendment.

HOUSE committee amendments [LINK]:

• Adjusts bill language to clarify penalties for violating provisions related to automated traffic enforcement (cameras, speed enforcement devices, etc.). QUESTION ON THIS which part does it change, which amendments? Need clarification because the amendments are referencing citation codes and need clarity.
• Removes proposed changes related to R.S. 32:44(A) and 46(A). QUESTION ON THIS: how does this affect the red light cameras (32:44A) and the definition of electronic devices (46A) does it remove all of the changes in the bill and all amendments?
• Requires markings at school zones ("Entering School Zone" and "School Zone Ahead") to be painted in black lettering instead of white for clarity.
• Requires mailed traffic citations to include a prepaid return envelope or an internet link (such as a QR code) to access a certification form online without charge.
• Makes technical corrections for consistency and accuracy throughout

SENATE floor amendment set 4379 971 [LINK]:

• Updates definitions to clearly specify what constitutes a "mobile speed camera," including manned, unmanned, or portable devices that capture photographic or video evidence of speeding violations.
• Clarifies that criminal fines or fees cannot be imposed through citations issued by mail from automated speed enforcement or portable/mobile cameras.
• Ensures failure to pay these mailed citations does not result in negative credit reporting.

SENATE floor amendment set 4769 945 [LINK]:

• Prohibits red light cameras statewide.
• Limits automated speed enforcement devices and mobile cameras exclusively to school zones during specific school-related hours.
• Requires clear signs and pavement markings to alert drivers of camera enforcement in school zones.
• Prohibits placing cameras within a half-mile of speed-limit changes of 10 mph or more (except in school zones).
• Mandates clearly marked law enforcement vehicles or reflective vests when handheld devices are used.
• Prevents criminal penalties or credit-reporting consequences for camera-issued citations.
• Provides a free administrative appeal process for camera tickets.
• Clarifies affidavit rules if the vehicle owner wasn't the driver at the time of the violation.

SENATE committee amendments [LINK] soften the penalties and more broadly allow the use of the cameras to issue citations by mail under more strict conditions:

• Must be operated by sworn law enforcement officers (not contractors).
• Cannot be placed within half a mile of major speed limit changes (except in school zones).
• Must have clear warning signs posted 500–1,000 feet before the device.
• Enforcement personnel must be visibly identified (marked car or reflective vest).
• Special restrictions apply in school zones (no citations if not speeding before entry and proper signage must exist).

Amends Louisiana's malfeasance in office statutes. The bill specifically targets the use of handheld, manned, or unmanned automated speed enforcement devices—commonly known as speed cameras—when employed to issue citations by mail in a manner inconsistent with existing traffic laws. Under this legislation, such use would be classified as malfeasance in office, a criminal offense. The bill is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Creates the crime of unauthorized use of rental service equipment and establishes penalties for failing to return rented equipment as agreed.

Key Provisions: 

- Defines the offense as using or keeping rental equipment past the return date without payment, or failing to pay per the rental agreement. 

- Applies to non-vehicle equipment rented for 30 days or less. 

- Penalties scale by equipment value: 

 - Under $1,000: up to 6 months jail or $1,000 fine 

 - $1,000–$4,999: up to 5 years or $3,000 fine 

 - $5,000–$24,999: up to 10 years or $10,000 fine 

 - $25,000 or more: up to 20 years or $50,000 fine 

- Courts must also order restitution equal to daily rental charges until the equipment is returned. 

- Provides defenses if the renter returns equipment within 72 hours, was refused return, the item was destroyed, or it was stolen or legally seized. 

- Successful criminal defenses do not exempt renters from civil liability. 

- Effective August 1, 2025.

Creates a special state fund to redirect revenue from local traffic camera fines to parish sheriffs for juvenile rehabilitation programs.

Key Provisions: 

- Establishes the Communities Aligned to Help Educate Youth Fund (CATHEY Fund) in the state treasury. 

- Requires local governments to remit all revenue from automated traffic enforcement devices (e.g., red light and speed cameras) to the state each month. 

- Beginning FY 2026–2027, the legislature must appropriate the prior year’s funds to parish sheriff’s offices based on population share. 

- Funds must be used exclusively for juvenile rehabilitation programs. 

- Prohibits local ordinances from overriding this dedication. 

- Effective July 1, 2025.

SENATE committee amendment 1 technical and amendment 2 states: "(a) A national and state fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information in the office of state police pursuant to R.S. 15:587.1 and R.S. 17:15(A)(1)(c)."

Allows public school boards to contract with transportation network companies (TNCs) to transport students under 18.

Key Provisions: 

- Drivers must be 23+, licensed for 3+ years, and pass criminal and child abuse background checks. 

- Requires training in CPR, child safety, and transporting students with disabilities. 

- Vehicles must seat 8 or fewer, be under 13 years old, and pass inspections. 

- Real-time GPS tracking and parent contact features required. 

- TNCs must carry insurance covering unaccompanied minors. 

- Effective upon governor’s signature.

Changes how ad valorem tax value for movable property of out-of-state companies with no Louisiana office is allocated among parishes.

SENATE committee amendment 1 [LINK] slows the shift of assessed value allocations from East Baton Rouge Parish to other parishes, phasing it in over four years instead of three and delaying full reallocation until 2029.

Key Provisions of original bill: 

- Replaces default allocation to East Baton Rouge Parish with a formula based on each parish’s share of active railroad track miles. 

- Allows assessors to claim property located in their parish as of January 1. 

- Louisiana Tax Commission must publish annual track mileage data.

Phase-In: 

- 2026: 33% by track miles, 67% to East Baton Rouge 

- 2027: 67% by track miles, 33% to East Baton Rouge 

- 2028 and after: 100% by track miles

Applies to tax years starting January 1, 2026. 

Effective upon governor’s signature.

Designates the boat launch at Bussey Brake Wildlife Management Area in Morehouse Parish as the "William Kinnison 'Kinny' Haddox Boat Launch."

Key Provisions: 

- Officially names the boat launch near the north entrance of Bussey Brake WMA. 

- Directs the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to install and maintain signage. 

- Effective August 1, 2025.