Senate Bill No. 157, introduced by Senator Cathey, aims to establish the crime of unauthorized use of rental service equipment in Louisiana. The bill defines unauthorized use as either the intentional taking or use of rental equipment without payment as per the rental agreement or the continued possession of the equipment beyond the specified return date without timely additional payments. The bill outlines specific definitions for terms such as "equipment," "rental agreement," "rental service," and "renter," and sets forth penalties based on the value of the equipment involved, ranging from imprisonment for up to six months and fines for equipment valued under $1,000 to imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines for equipment valued at $25,000 or more.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals convicted of this crime must pay restitution to the rental service for each day the equipment is overdue. It also provides several defenses against prosecution, including returning the equipment within 72 hours of the return date, being refused return by the rental service, or being unable to return the equipment due to destruction or theft. However, even if a renter successfully asserts one of these defenses, they are not exempt from civil liability for damages related to the failure to return the equipment. The proposed law is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.