Louisiana Senate Bill SR86

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/26
• Refer: 4/21/26
• Report Pass: 5/6/26
• Passed: 5/7/26

Caption

SENATE: Prohibits wearing eyeglasses with audio video capabilities in the Senate chamber unless approved by Senate President.

Summary

Senate Resolution 86 amends and readopts Senate Rule 1.2 to add a specific restriction on wearable recording technology in the Senate Chamber. The resolution prohibits any person from wearing eyeglasses with video or audio recording capability inside the chamber unless the President of the Senate gives express permission. It leaves the rest of the chamber-use rules intact, including existing limits on who may use the chamber, where the public and media may sit, and restrictions on disruptive conversations and lobbyists in certain areas. The measure is a rules change for the Louisiana Senate rather than a change to the state’s general criminal or regulatory laws. Its effect is limited to Senate chamber access and conduct, and it gives the Senate President direct authority to approve exceptions for recording-capable eyewear. The resolution is already enrolled and was adopted by a unanimous Senate vote, indicating it became an internal governing rule of the chamber.

Impact

SR86 affects the internal rules of the Louisiana Senate by adding a new prohibition on eyeglasses with audio or video recording capability in the Senate Chamber, unless approved by the Senate President. It does not amend the Louisiana Revised Statutes or create a statewide offense; instead, it governs conduct in a legislative space and expands the President’s discretion over chamber access and recording devices. The practical impact falls on senators, staff, media, lobbyists, visitors, and any person entering the chamber who might use smart glasses or similar wearable technology.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around SR86 appears strongly supportive and noncontroversial. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, 34-0, suggesting broad agreement that the chamber should limit covert or unauthorized recording technology. No committee debate or recorded opposition is provided in the materials, and the bill’s passage indicates little to no resistance among senators.

Contention

The main point of contention, to the extent one exists, is the balance between transparency and privacy/security in the Senate Chamber. The resolution specifically targets eyeglasses with audio or video recording capability, which could be seen as a response to concerns about surreptitious recording, but it also places approval authority in the hands of the Senate President. Any concern would likely come from media access, open-government advocates, or technology users who may view the rule as restrictive, though no formal opposition is reflected in the vote or available discussion.