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 590 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Leopold
Abstract: Allows prior bad acts of domestic abuse or cruelty to a juvenile be admissible in criminal
proceedings.
Proposed law provides that when an accused is charged with a crime involving abusive behavior
against a family or household member, or with acts which constitute cruelty involving a minor,
evidence of the accused's commission of another crime, wrong, or act involving assaultive behavior
against a family or household member, or acts which constitute cruelty involving a minor may be
admissible and may be considered for its bearing on any matter to which it is relevant, subject to the
balancing test provided in present law.
The balancing test in present law provides that although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its
probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues,
or misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, or waste of time. Proposed law retains
the balancing test of present law regarding evidence of prior acts of domestic abuse.
(Adds C.E. Art. 412.4)