CRIME: Provides relative to conduct that constitutes disturbing the peace (OR SEE FISC NOTE EX)
Summary
HB 60 expands Louisiana’s disturbing-the-peace statute to specifically cover intentional disruptions of religious gatherings and worship services at churches or other places of worship. The bill makes it an offense to enter or remain in a place of worship without lawful authority during a service with the intent to disturb, interrupt, or interfere, and then cause a substantial disturbance through violent, tumultuous, or threatening conduct; unreasonably loud or abusive language or noise; or physical obstruction, intimidation, or threats of force.
The bill also defines key terms such as “substantial,” “church or other place of worship,” “religious gathering or worship service,” and “acts in concert.” It expressly states that protected constitutional activity, including peaceful expressive conduct that does not substantially disrupt a service, is not prohibited. The measure is pending in the House Administration of Criminal Justice committee and would amend R.S. 14:103 while adding new provisions to the disturbing-the-peace statute.
Impact
HB 60 would add a new category of disturbing-the-peace conduct to Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:103, creating a specific offense tied to disruptions of religious services. It would also establish penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine, with enhanced penalties of up to ten years and a $10,000 fine if a dangerous weapon is used or serious bodily injury is inflicted, and up to seven years and a $7,500 fine for acting in concert with another person. The bill would affect individuals who disrupt worship services, as well as clergy, worship leaders, attendees, and law enforcement or prosecutors enforcing the statute.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have a generally supportive framing in the text and digest, emphasizing protection of religious worship and public order while preserving constitutional speech protections. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available record. The bill is still pending in committee, so its overall legislative reception cannot yet be measured from voting history.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the balance between protecting worship services and preserving First Amendment and state constitutional rights. The bill anticipates this issue by excluding peaceful expressive activity that does not substantially disturb a service, but critics could still question how terms like “substantial disturbance,” “abusive language,” or “interference” might be applied in practice. Another possible area of concern is the severity of the proposed penalties, especially the enhanced sentences for weapon use, serious bodily injury, or acting in concert.