Senate Bill No. 35, introduced by Senator Wheat, aims to create a new crime of disturbing the peace at places of religious worship in Louisiana. The bill prohibits individuals from petitioning, picketing, demonstrating, protesting, or assembling within fifty feet of a place of worship in a manner that intentionally and willfully disrupts or interferes with the exercise of religious freedom. The legislation defines "place of worship" to include churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, shrines, and other buildings regularly used for religious activities.

Violators of this new law would face a fine of $500 and a jail sentence of 15 days, with no option for probation or suspension of the sentence. Each day a violation occurs would be considered a separate offense. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and includes an amendment that specifies the requirement for the disruption or interference to be willful and intentional.