House Bill No. by Representative Firment aims to enhance the rights of houses of worship in Louisiana by allowing them to remove disruptive individuals and providing legal protections for those who act to maintain order. The bill introduces a new section, R.S. 13:5233.2, which recognizes houses of worship as private property dedicated to the free exercise of religion. It allows religious leaders and authorized personnel to request the removal of individuals engaged in criminal trespass or substantial disruption, with such requests serving as legal notice under criminal trespass laws. The bill also outlines the conditions under which reasonable force may be used to remove trespassers and limits liability for those who act in accordance with the law.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include houses of worship in the list of places where individuals can justifiably use force to prevent unlawful entry. It establishes a presumption of reasonable belief for those using force in defense of their premises and provides for immunity hearings in cases involving the use of force by religious leaders or authorized individuals. The legislation explicitly prohibits the use of deadly force except as permitted by existing self-defense laws and allows for peaceful protests outside houses of worship, provided they do not obstruct access. Definitions for key terms such as "house of worship," "religious leader," and "substantial disruption" are also included to clarify the bill's intent.

Statutes affected:
HB294 Original: 14:19(A)(1)