Louisiana House Bill HB991

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/26
• Introduced: 3/23/26
• Refer: 3/24/26

Caption

CRIMINAL/SENTENCING: Provides relative to sentencing guidelines

Summary

HB 991 amends Louisiana’s sentencing guidelines in Code of Criminal Procedure Article 894.1 to add an explicit mitigating factor for judges to consider when deciding whether to suspend a sentence or grant probation. The bill provides that if a defendant was a victim of domestic abuse, human trafficking, trafficking of children, or sexual assault, and there is a rational, causal, and temporally proximate connection between that victimization and the offense, the court may weigh that circumstance in sentencing. It also requires the court to order a presentence investigation when that finding is made. The bill further adds a catchall mitigating factor allowing courts to consider “any other relevant mitigating circumstance.” In practical terms, HB 991 would broaden the range of circumstances a judge may consider at sentencing and make the listed victimization-related factor more formally recognized in Louisiana law.

Impact

HB 991 would amend C.Cr.P. Art. 894.1(B)(33) and add new Art. 894.1(B)(34), expanding the statutory list of mitigating factors used in sentencing decisions. It would not change criminal offenses or penalties directly, but it would affect how courts evaluate whether to suspend a sentence or place a defendant on probation, particularly for defendants whose offenses are connected to prior abuse or trafficking victimization. The bill also creates a mandatory presentence investigation requirement under Article 875 when the specified victimization finding is made, which could affect court procedure, probation services, and sentencing records.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a criminal justice reform and trauma-informed sentencing proposal, with an emphasis on recognizing the effects of abuse and exploitation on defendants’ conduct. There are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided materials, so no formal opposition or support is documented here. The bill’s pending status in the House Administration of Criminal Justice committee suggests it had not yet advanced at the time of the available information.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the scope of the new mitigating factor and how directly the defendant’s victimization must relate to the offense. The bill requires a “rational, causal, and temporally proximate connection,” which may prompt debate over how narrowly or broadly judges should apply the standard. Another possible issue is the added presentence investigation requirement, which could raise concerns about administrative burden, delay, or consistency in sentencing, while supporters would likely view it as necessary to ensure informed and individualized sentencing for survivors of abuse and trafficking.