House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to amend and reenact various provisions related to bail bond enforcement in Louisiana. The bill introduces the definition of "bail enforcement agent," which refers to a licensed bail agent involved in the apprehension of individuals who have failed to appear in court. It also expands the scope of regulations concerning the use of pen registers, trap and trace devices, and adds cellular tracking devices, mandating that these can only be used with a court order. The bill establishes penalties for violations, including fines and potential suspension or revocation of a bail enforcement agent's license for repeated offenses.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for bail enforcement agents when applying for a court order to use a cellular tracking device. If approved, they must document all information collected during the investigation. The bill also clarifies that a bail enforcement agent qualifies as an "investigative or law enforcement officer" under certain conditions, such as when a bench warrant has been issued for a defendant's failure to appear. Furthermore, it allows sureties to file motions for warrants when defendants are found incarcerated in another parish within Louisiana, enhancing the enforcement capabilities of bail agents.
Statutes affected: HB100 Original: 15:1313(S, 15:1318(H)