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LA HB1054
Bill
Status
Engrossed
4/14/2026
Primary Sponsor
Debbie Villio
Click for details
AI Summary
- Enacts Code of Evidence Article 902.1 allowing law enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticated through a certificate rather than requiring live testimony from the drone operator
- Requires parties to provide written notice at least 45 days before trial (5 days for noncriminal juvenile cases) with a certificate containing operator name, agency, date/time of recording, and statement that footage is a true copy
- Applies to criminal cases, juvenile court cases, family court criminal matters, and civil forfeiture proceedings arising from criminal activity
- Defendants may demand live testimony from the drone operator by filing a written demand within 30 days of receiving notice (3 days for noncriminal juvenile cases), which removes the self-authentication status
- If defendant fails to timely demand testimony, the drone footage is automatically admissible as self-authenticating without requiring the operator to testify
Legislative Description
Provides relative to self-authentication of certain evidence
EVIDENCE
Last Action
Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
4/29/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary C4/15/2026
Administration of Criminal Justice3/31/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available