House Bill No. by Representative Bayham establishes a statewide Animal Abuse and Neglect Registry in Louisiana, requiring individuals convicted of certain felony offenses involving animals to register with local law enforcement. The offenses that necessitate registration include sexual abuse of an animal, cruelty to animals, dogfighting, and injuring or killing a police animal. Offenders must receive written notification of their registration obligations upon release from incarceration or as a condition of probation or parole, and they are required to register in person with the local sheriff or police department. The bill specifies the information offenders must provide, such as personal details, employment information, and a current photograph.

The legislation imposes penalties for failing to register or for providing false information, which may include fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information is responsible for maintaining the registry and ensuring public access to the information while protecting sensitive data. The registration period is set for one year for first offenses and ten years for subsequent offenses, unless the conviction is overturned. The bill emphasizes that registration and notification requirements are mandatory and cannot be waived or suspended by any court, thereby enhancing public safety and accountability for individuals convicted of animal-related felonies.