House Bill No. 294 aims to enhance the rights of religious organizations by providing them with the authority to remove disruptive individuals from their premises and limiting their liability when doing so. The bill introduces a new section, R.S. 13:5233.2, which recognizes churches and other places 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, and it establishes that such requests serve as legal notice under criminal trespass laws. The bill also outlines the conditions under which reasonable force may be used to remove trespassers and provides immunity from liability for those who act within the law.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include churches and places of worship in the definition of locations where individuals can justifiably use force to prevent unlawful entry. It specifies that the use of deadly force is not authorized except in self-defense situations as defined by current law. The proposed legislation also ensures that peaceful protests outside places of worship are permitted as long as they do not obstruct access. Overall, the bill seeks to clarify the rights of religious organizations and their leaders while balancing the need for public safety and the protection of individual rights.

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