Committee adopts amendment and advances bill to authorize temporary protection zones for public safety

Chairman Bakala presented House Bill 1034 on April 15, which would authorize local elected executives and law‑enforcement chiefs to establish temporary protection zones for public safety, limited to 72‑hour proclamations with required findings.

The author said the statute is designed to allow short, narrowly tailored restrictions to protect the public—for example, perimeter controls near a space launch—but made clear the zones must be proclaimed and the proclamation must state reasons and geographic boundaries. The committee adopted Amendment 3670, a technical change clarifying that the statute does not grant authority inconsistent with RS 40:1796, the state law concerning firearms.

Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana testified in opposition and warned the bill’s current language could allow a “broad, unfettered Fourth Amendment dragnet” unless stronger guardrails are added. “I believe there will need to be serious guardrails placed on what is or isn't in that proclamation … in order for this to feel constitutional,” she said. Other members sought clarification and the author said he was willing to work with critics to tighten language; multiple members expressed willingness to support the amended bill.

After adopting the committee amendment and discussion of duration and renewal mechanics, the committee reported HB 1034 as amended by voice vote.