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 754 Original 2020 Regular Session Dustin Miller
Abstract: Expands the authority of livestock brand inspectors as peace officers by granting them
certain law enforcement and police powers when exercising their duties under specific
situations or by request of local law enforcement agencies.
Present law requires livestock brand inspectors have certain powers and duties as peace officers to
perform law enforcement functions relative to rules and regulations enacted by the La. Board of
Animal Health, Part 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 3 of the La. Revised Statutes of 1950, provisions in the
La. Criminal Code related to the theft of animals, the illegal branding or marking of animals, the
disposition of strayed animals, the theft of any farm machinery, equipment, or supplies, and with
respect to any other farm-related crime.
Proposed law retains present law and expands the powers and duties of livestock brand inspectors
to add the following:
(1) While on special assignment during any riot, insurrection, or any declared disaster or while in
protection of immovable property, movable property, assets, and resources of the Dept. of
Agriculture and Forestry, any commissioned livestock brand inspector will possess all the powers
and authority of regular law enforcement officers of this state.
(2) Upon the request of any regular law enforcement agency of this state, livestock brand inspectors
must prevent and detect crime, apprehend criminals, enforce the criminal and traffic laws of the state,
keep the peace and good order in the state in the enforcement of the state's police powers, and
perform any other related duties imposed upon them by the legislature.
(Adds R.S. 3:734(C) and (D))