Louisiana House Bill HCR79

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/17
• Refer: 5/17/17
• Report Pass: 5/23/17
• Engrossed: 6/1/17
• Passed: 6/2/17

Caption

Requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study state laws governing domestic abuse, domestic violence, and stalking

Impact

If adopted, the findings and recommendations sought by HCR79 could lead to significant revisions in the state's existing domestic violence laws. This includes reevaluating current statutes to ensure that they adequately protect victims, offer clear definitions, and provide comprehensive measures for holding abusers accountable. The bill aims to collaborate with the United Against Domestic Violence Coalition to ensure that any proposed legislation aligns with progressive standards for domestic violence prevention and victim support. Hence, this could lead to systematically improved outcomes for victim protections across Louisiana.

Summary

HCR79, introduced by Representative White, urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to undertake a comprehensive study of state laws related to domestic abuse, domestic violence, and stalking. The bill acknowledges Louisiana's troubling status as having the second-highest rate of domestic violence homicides in the nation. It highlights the necessity for a cohesive understanding and legislative framework surrounding domestic abuse, particularly in defining behaviors that constitute domestic violence as well as the nuances of coercive control. There is also a noted inconsistency in the state's laws concerning the domestic abuse battery statute and the categorization of certain acts that should enhance sentencing.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR79 appears to be largely positive among those advocating for stronger measures against domestic abuse and violence. Stakeholders and advocacy groups view the pursuit of a thorough review of existing laws as a critical and timely step toward enhancing victim rights and protective measures. There is general support for the idea that all aspects of domestic abuse—including emotional and psychological abuse—should be explicitly defined and addressed in the law. Conversely, there may be opposition from those who fear that broadening the definitions could lead to unintended consequences in legal repercussions or enforcement.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from discussions on how to define domestic abuse comprehensively and whether existing penalties for perpetrators are adequate. The bill proposes the need for revisions particularly related to the non-physical aspects of abuse—underscoring the challenges in delineating behaviors for which legal consequences should apply. Additionally, there is a concern that any changes to laws surrounding protective orders may need careful evaluation to ensure they do not inadvertently hinder victims from obtaining necessary protections. Thus, the legislative process sparked by HCR79 may uncover divergent views on the appropriate balance between protecting victims and ensuring fair legal procedures.