The bill, introduced by Senator Morris, amends R.S. 14:25 to establish enhanced penalties for individuals who act as accessories after the fact to sex offenses. It defines an accessory after the fact as someone who, after a felony has been committed, harbors, conceals, or aids the offender with the intent to help them avoid arrest or punishment. The bill retains the provision that an accessory can be tried and punished even if the principal felon has not been apprehended.

Under the new provisions, the penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses are significantly increased. Specifically, those who assist in sex offenses not punishable by life imprisonment will face a minimum sentence of half the minimum and a maximum of half the maximum sentence applicable to the principal offender. For sex offenses that are punishable by life imprisonment, the accessory will face a mandatory sentence of hard labor for a minimum of ten years and a maximum of fifty years, without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of the sentence. This legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB410 Original:
SB410 Engrossed: