Several new laws and policy changes are set to take effect across Louisiana beginning January 1, 2026, impacting drivers, homeowners, court proceedings, insurance policyholders, and those involved in civil lawsuits. The changes stem from legislation passed during recent sessions and reflect a broader shift in public safety, legal standards, and consumer protections.

Key Louisiana Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026

• Hands-free driving law fully enforced
• Modified comparative fault standard in injury lawsuits
• Limits on recoverable medical expenses in civil cases
• Expanded tax credits for home fortification projects
• New licensing requirements for residential roofing contractors
• Mandatory electronic or in-person court filings for attorneys
• Insurance companies required to disclose credit score use

One of the most visible changes involves the state’s expanded hands-free driving law. Beginning January 1, full enforcement will begin following the end of a grace period. Drivers will no longer be allowed to hold a mobile phone while driving for texting, scrolling, browsing, or similar actions. Penalties will increase in school zones and construction zones, and repeat violations may result in steeper fines.

Louisiana will also see a major shift in how fault is assessed in personal injury lawsuits. The state is moving from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault standard. Under the new law, a person found to be 51 percent or more responsible for an accident will be barred from recovering damages. Those found 50 percent or less at fault may still recover compensation, but any award will be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Changes are also coming to how medical expenses are calculated in injury cases. Under the new law, plaintiffs may only recover the amount actually paid for medical care rather than the higher amounts originally billed by healthcare providers. Supporters say the change brings awards more in line with real costs, while critics argue it may limit recovery for some injured parties.

Homeowners will see new incentives aimed at strengthening properties against severe weather. Expanded tax deductions and credits will be available for qualifying home fortification projects, including improvements that increase wind resistance. One measure allows homeowners to receive up to a $10,000 tax credit for qualifying roof fortification upgrades.

New licensing requirements will also take effect for residential roofing contractors. For roofing projects exceeding $7,500, contractors must now hold a state-issued residential roofing license or a residential construction license with a roofing designation. The law is intended to protect homeowners from unqualified contractors, particularly following major storms.

Court procedures will also change beginning in 2026. Attorneys will be required to submit court filings electronically or in person in paper form, in accordance with systems established by each clerk of court. The move is aimed at modernizing court operations and improving efficiency statewide.

Additionally, insurance companies operating in Louisiana will be required to disclose to policyholders whether credit scores are used in determining insurance premiums. While full implementation of this requirement begins later in 2026, the change marks a shift toward greater transparency for consumers.

Together, the new laws represent a mix of safety enforcement, legal reform, and consumer-focused policy changes that will affect residents across the state as the new year begins.

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from Dec. 22 through Dec. 28.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Bunkie Police Department Special Response Team conducted an operation to apprehend two wanted fugitives on Sunday, Dec. 28. With assistance from the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bunkie Police Department made the following arrests with the accompanying charges:

Rickey L. Brown, 38, Bunkie

• Second Degree Rape (warrant)
• Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile (warrant)
• Forgery (warrant)
• Contempt – Failure to Appear (warrant)

Travis Hagger, 43, Bunkie

• Second Degree Battery of a Police Officer (warrant)
• Flight from an Officer (warrant)
• Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence (warrant)
• Disarming of a Police Officer (warrant)

While attempting to serve the warrant on fugitive Travis Hagger, the following individuals were arrested for interfering with officers during the attempt to apprehend the suspect and received several charges.

Constance M. Hagger, 24, Plaucheville

• Resisting an Officer
• Obstruction of Justice
• Accessory After the Fact

Dennis R. Roy, 48, Bunkie

• Accessory After the Fact
• Obstruction of Justice

Latasha R. Hagger, 43, Bunkie

• Resisting an Officer (two counts)
• Obstruction of Justice
• Accessory After the Fact

All suspects were taken into custody and transported to Avoyelles Parish Detention Center #1. 

Assistant Chief of Police Brandon Horton issued the following statement: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office for assisting us in apprehending these two fugitives. Partnering with other agencies is a vital part of accomplishing our mission in public safety. This operation conducted by our Special Response Team is a prime example of our commitment to removing criminals from our streets and making the citizens of Bunkie safer.”

Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

As fireworks stands and tents experience increased business after Christmas, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to prioritize both safety and awareness when purchasing and using fireworks.

For the current end-of-year season, more than 600 retail fireworks stands are permitted statewide. State law requires all wholesale and retail fireworks sellers to be properly licensed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office in parishes and municipalities where fireworks sales are permitted. Fireworks may be sold through 11:59pm on January 1, 2026.

The State Fire Marshal strongly recommends that families attend organized public fireworks displays rather than setting off fireworks themselves. For those who choose to buy fireworks, it is important to confirm that the retailer is properly permitted. Consumers may ask to view a stand’s permit at any time. Any suspected illegal or unsafe fireworks sales should be reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 1-800-256-5452 or through the agency’s website at www.lasfm.org.

The office also emphasizes the importance of using fireworks responsibly. According to recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries continue to increase nationwide.
To help prevent accidents, the State Fire Marshal recommends the following safety measures:

• Keep fireworks at least 200 feet from buildings, vehicles, and flammable debris
• Never let children handle fireworks; offer safe alternatives like glow sticks
• Avoid using fireworks if impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Light one firework at a time and monitor with a hose or bucket of water nearby
• Soak used fireworks before disposal—never toss them dry into the trash

Residents are also urged to consider local weather conditions before using fireworks. Check for any active burn bans and be mindful of dry conditions when selecting a safe area for fireworks use.

14-year-old Reid L. experienced a hunt he’ll never forget while hunting in Avoyelles Parish.

A buck the family had seen on trail cameras for a few days stepped out, giving Reid the opportunity every young hunter dreams of. As Reid grabbed his rifle and braced for the shot, he could hardly believe it was happening: the deer was enormous. After he fired, he unloaded his gun and prayed that he had made a clean hit. With help from his grandpa and a tracking dog, the deer was recovered just 50 yards away in thick cover.

Reid described the moment simply: “At that moment, I was the happiest boy alive. When I picked up his horns, I said to myself, ‘I’m never going to kill a deer like this ever again!”

The buck weighed 223 pounds and was a 14-point, unofficially scoring 164. Reid says his family was incredibly proud, and the experience is one he’ll never forget. The buck will be mounted and proudly displayed in his home.

Congratulations to Reid on an incredible hunt. LDWF love seeing young people getting outdoors and carrying on Louisiana’s hunting traditions.