DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 717 Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Smith
Abstract: Prohibits parishes and municipalities from enacting certain ordinances with respect to
victims of domestic abuse and other crimes who request the assistance of law enforcement
and other emergency officials.
Proposed law prohibits a parish or municipality from enacting ordinances that impose penalties on
persons who are victims of domestic abuse or other crimes for contacting law enforcement or other
emergency officials to request assistance. Prohibits a parish or municipality from enacting
ordinances that impose penalties on any other person who contacts law enforcement or other
emergency officials on behalf of someone else if the person had a reasonable belief that assistance
was needed to prevent a property loss, personal injury, or death.
Proposed law prohibits a parish or municipality from enacting ordinances that impose penalties on
property owners whose tenants, or persons acting on behalf of the tenants, contact law enforcement
or other emergency officials to request assistance with a domestic abuse incident or other crime.
Proposed law defines a "penalty" as a charge, fine, fee, or other monetary assessment.
Proposed law prohibits a parish or municipality from enacting ordinances that authorize the eviction
of a tenant or the termination or suspension of a rental agreement signed by a tenant as result of the
tenant, or someone acting on behalf of the tenant, contacting law enforcement or other emergency
officials to request assistance with a domestic abuse incident or other crime.
Proposed law grants any person the right to bring a civil action against any parish or municipality
if the parish or municipality takes action against such person pursuant to an ordinance enacted in
violation of proposed law. Provides for remedies from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Requires that the provisions of proposed law be given prospective application only and not be
deemed to affect any ordinance adopted prior to the effective date of proposed law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:9701)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill: 1. Add provision that proposed law be given prospective application only and not be
deemed to affect any ordinance adopted prior to the effective date of proposed law.