HB 1090

HLS 26RS-2733  ENGROSSED
 2026 Regular Session
 HOUSE BILL NO. 1090
 BY REPRESENTATIVE BAYHAM
 CRIMINAL/PENALTIES: Provides relative to sentencing for arson of a religious building
1AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact R.S. 14:52.1(B) and to enact R.S. 14:52.1(C), relative to simple arson
3of a religious building; to increase penalties for violations; to provide penalties in
4cases involving injury or death; and to provide for related matters.
5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6Section 1. R.S. 14:52.1(B) is hereby amended and reenacted and R.S. 14:52.1(C) is
7 hereby enacted to read as follows:
8§52.1. Simple arson of a religious building
9*       *  *
10B. Whoever commits the crime of simple arson of a religious building shall
11be fined not more than fifteen twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor
12for not less than two eight nor more than fifteen thirty years. At least two years of
13the sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of parole, probation,
14or suspension of sentence.
15C. When injury or death occurs due to a violation of this Section, the
16offender shall be fined not more than twenty thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard
17labor for not less than twelve nor more than thirty years. At least two years of the
18sentence of imprisonment shall be imposed without benefit of parole, probation, or
19suspension of sentence.
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 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
 are additions.
HLS 26RS-2733  ENGROSSED
  HB NO. 1090
  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 1090 Engrossed  2026 Regular Session  Bayham
Abstract: Increases the penalty for simple arson of a religious building.
Present law provides for the crime of simple arson of a religious building.
Present law provides a penalty of a fine up to $15,000 and between eight and 15 years of
imprisonment.
Proposed law increases the maximum fine from $15,000 to $20,000.
Proposed law increases the sentence for violations from between two to 15 years to between
eight to 30 years.
Proposed law provides that when injury or death occurs due to a violation, the offender shall
be fined not more than $20,000 and imprisoned not more than 12 nor more than 20 years.
(Amends R.S. 14:52.1(B); Adds R.S. 14:52.1(C))
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.