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 27 Engrossed 2017 Regular Session Connick
Abstract: Amends the definition of "household member" for purposes of domestic abuse assistance
and application of certain domestic abuse offenses to include all persons presently or
formerly living in the same residence as spouses.
Present law (R.S. 14:35.3) defines the crime of domestic abuse battery as the intentional use of force
or violence committed by one household member or family member upon the person of another
household member or family member.
Present law (R.S. 14:37.7) defines the crime of domestic abuse aggravated assault as an assault with
a dangerous weapon committed by one household member or family member upon another
household member or family member.
Present law provides for the issuance of temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and other
assistance under the Protection From Family Violence Act for victims of domestic abuse committed
by one family member or household member against another family member or household member.
For purposes of present law, "household member" is defined as any person of the opposite sex
presently or formerly living in the same residence with the defendant as a spouse, whether married
or not.
Proposed law amends the present law definition of "household member" by removing the restriction
that a "household member" must be a person of the opposite sex for purposes of eligibility for
domestic abuse assistance and the application of domestic abuse battery and domestic abuse
aggravated assault.
(Amends R.S. 14:35.3(B)(5) and 37.7(B)(2) and R.S. 46:2132(4))