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 375 Reengrossed 2021 Regular Session Freeman
Abstract: Provides for victims of sexual assault to receive early termination of their residential
leases.
Proposed law provides definitions for "sexual assault", "sexual assault victim", "reasonable
documentation", and "qualified third party".
Proposed law provides that in order to receive an early termination, the lessee shall do all of the
following:
(1)Assert in writing to the lessor that the lessee is a victim of sexual assault and requests an
early termination.
(2)Provide reasonable documentation of a sexual assault within the prior six months.
(3)Assert in writing that the lessee shall not willingly and voluntarily permit the sexual offender
further access to, visitation on, or occupancy of the lessee's residential dwelling unit.
(4)Fulfill all requirements of a lessee under the lease agreement.
Proposed law requires the lessor to terminate the lease agreement on a mutually agreed-upon date
within 30 days of written request for early termination, and provides that the lessee is liable for rent
through the early termination date of the lease and outstanding obligations to the lessor.
Proposed law provides that the lessor shall be entitled to an immediate eviction of a sexual assault
offender upon presenting reasonable documentation of the assault.
Proposed law provides that the lessee shall vacate the residential property by the date agreed upon
to avoid liability for future rent.
Proposed law provides for a certification of sexual assault form to be completed by the lessee and
a qualified third party.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 9:3261.2) Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
original bill:
1. Specify that a "qualified third party" includes a prosecuting attorney or investigating law
enforcement officer who has personal involvement in the investigation or prosecution of
any criminal case relative to the sexual assault.
2. Add that the lessor is entitled to an immediate eviction of a sexual assault offender upon
presenting the court with reasonable documentation of the assault.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Redefine "sexual assault" to include any nonconsensual sexual contact included but not
limited to any act in R.S. 15:541(24).
2. Add an effective date.