Senate Bill No. 106, introduced by Senator Kleinpeter, amends existing public records law to enhance the confidentiality of certain crime scene materials. Specifically, it establishes that photographs, audio or video recordings, and digital images related to a crime scene or used in criminal prosecutions are not considered public records and cannot be released or copied, except by a clerk of court or through a court order. The bill amends R.S. 44:4.1(B)(30) and enacts R.S. 44:4(65), which outlines specific categories of sensitive evidence that are protected from public access, including depictions of autopsies, dead bodies, sexual assaults, and other graphic content.

The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026, and aim to safeguard the privacy of victims and sensitive information in criminal cases. The bill also allows for limited access to these records under specified circumstances, ensuring that while the public's right to information is acknowledged, the need for confidentiality in certain cases is prioritized. The amendments made during the legislative process included clarifying the types of evidence that would be exempt from public disclosure and granting clerks of court the authority to review these materials.

Statutes affected:
SB106 Original: 44:1(B)(30)
SB106 Engrossed: 44:1(B)(30)
SB106 Reengrossed: 44:1(B)(30)