Requires a written report when any law enforcement officer uses force on a member of the public. (8/1/25)
Summary
SB 128 creates a new Louisiana law requiring the Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to adopt a policy on mandatory reporting whenever a peace officer uses physical force that results in serious bodily injury to a member of the public. The reporting requirement applies whether or not the encounter leads to an arrest, and the policy must specify when a use-of-force report is required and who must complete it.
The bill sets a deadline of January 1, 2026, for POST to adopt the policy, and it applies statewide to all law enforcement agencies. Agencies are allowed to adopt stricter reporting rules if they choose, so the measure establishes a minimum statewide standard rather than limiting local departments from imposing additional requirements.
Impact
The bill enacts R.S. 40:2554 and adds a new statewide reporting mandate tied to law enforcement use of force resulting in serious bodily injury. It affects POST, all Louisiana law enforcement agencies, and officers who use force in qualifying incidents by requiring a formal written reporting policy and procedures for compliance. The law does not itself spell out every reporting detail, but it directs POST to define the operational requirements and allows agencies to exceed the state baseline.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad bipartisan support for the bill. It passed the Senate unanimously, passed the House overwhelmingly, and was ultimately adopted in conference without recorded opposition. The lack of committee transcript material limits insight into debate, but the votes indicate the measure was generally viewed favorably across both chambers.
Contention
There is little evidence of major controversy in the available record. The only notable procedural friction appears in the House, where an amendment motion drew some opposition before final passage, suggesting possible discussion over the scope or wording of the reporting requirement. Any substantive concern likely centered on how much discretion POST and local agencies would retain in defining reportable force incidents and who would be responsible for completing reports, but the final votes show those issues did not prevent enactment.