House Bill No. by Representative Jordan aims to enhance the collection and reporting of data by law enforcement agencies in Louisiana, focusing on transparency and accountability in policing practices. The bill introduces new provisions requiring agencies to collect and submit detailed reports on various interactions with the public, including traffic stops, use of force incidents, and complaints against officers. It mandates the collection of demographic information about individuals involved in these incidents, such as race, age, and any limitations in English proficiency or disabilities. The bill establishes a phased timeline for implementation, with larger agencies required to begin data collection by January 1, 2025, and submit their first reports by April 1, 2026, while smaller agencies have staggered deadlines extending to 2028.

Significantly, the bill repeals the existing Law Enforcement Data Task Force and replaces it with a framework that mandates direct data collection and reporting from law enforcement agencies to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice. It outlines penalties for non-compliance, including the withholding of funds and potential civil penalties for agency heads who fail to submit required data. The legislation also ensures that the collected data will be public records and empowers organizations with civil rights missions to seek injunctive relief against non-compliant agencies. Overall, the bill seeks to improve public safety and community trust in law enforcement through systematic data collection and analysis, addressing potential biases in policing practices.

Statutes affected:
HB573 Original: 15:2(A), 15:1212(B)(4), 15:1(F)