Louisiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana HB656: CORRECTIONS: Creates a pilot program that provides certain DPS&C programming and services to inmates (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Status: Signed into law, June 2, 2026
What the bill says
An act To enact R.S. 15:830.4, relative to programing for inmates; to provide for the establishment of a pilot program; to provide for programming topics; to provide for attendance and accessibility; to provide for duties of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections; to provide for rulemaking; and to provide for related matters.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT To enact R.S. 15:830.4, relative to programing for inmates; to provide for the establishment of a pilot program; to provide for programming topics; to provide for attendance and accessibility; to provide for duties of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections; to provide for rulemaking; and to provide for related matters. Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana: Section 1. R.S. 15:830.4 is hereby enacted to read as follows: §830.4. Access to Programming Pilot Program; establishment A. Subject to the availability of funds and appropriate resources, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections is hereby authorized to establish and administer the Access to Programming Pilot Program for the purpose of making programming available to all of the following: (1) Juvenile offenders. (2) Inmates sentenced to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections who are in the custody of the sheriff at a parish prison or jail. B. The programming shall include all of the following topics: (1) Rehabilitation services that encompass educational and vocational opportunities. (2) Mental health services. (3) Suicide awareness and prevention. Page 1 of CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. HLS 26RS-527 ORIGINAL HB NO. C. The department shall provide attendance options as follows: (1) Through simultaneous audio-visual transmission for juveniles housed in juvenile facilities. …
Sponsors
- Bryant, Marcus (D, 96) · primary sponsor
- Bayham Jr., Michael (R, 103)
- Billings, Beth (R, 56)
- Carpenter, Barbara (D, 63)
- Carter Sr., Wilford (D, 34)
- Chassion, Tehmi (D, 44)
- Freeman, Aimee (D, 98)
- Freiberg, Barbara (R, 70)
- Henry, Dana (D, 100)
- Johnson, Travis (D, 21)
- Marcelle, Denise (D, 61)
- Martinez, Chasity (D, 60)
Latest actions
- : Effective date: 08/01/2026.
- : Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 663.
- : Sent to the Governor for executive approval.
- : Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.
- : Signed by the President of the Senate.
- : Received from the Senate without amendments.
- : Rules suspended. Read by title, passed by a vote of 35 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.
- : Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.
- : Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
- : Reported favorably.
Votes
- Senate Vote on HB 656, FINAL PASSAGE (#1269) (May 26, 2026): 35 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Vote on HB 656, FINAL PASSAGE (#878) (May 5, 2026): 101 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HB656?
- HB656 is a bill in the Louisiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): CORRECTIONS: Creates a pilot program that provides certain DPS&C programming and services to inmates (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX).
- What does HB656 do?
- In its own words: An act To enact R.S. 15:830.4, relative to programing for inmates; to provide for the establishment of a pilot program; to provide for programming topics; to provide for attendance and accessibility; to provide for duties of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections; to provide for rulemaking; and to provide for related matters.
- What is the status of HB656?
- Signed into law as of June 2, 2026. Latest action: Effective date: 08/01/2026. (June 2, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB656?
- Bryant, Marcus (D, 96), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB656?
- On the Louisiana Legislature website: https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26RS&b=HB656
Source: official Louisiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.