COURTS: Provides relative to the use of cellular devices in courts and courthouses

HLS 26RS-371 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 183
BY REPRESENTATIVE MCMAKIN
COURTS: Provides relative to the use of cellular devices in courts and courthouses
1 AN ACT
2 To enact Chapter 44 of Title 13 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, to be comprised
3 of R.S. 13:6001 and 6002, relative to access to certain cellular devices in courts and
4 courthouses; to provide for the use of cell phones in the various courthouses in the
5 state; to provide for parameters for the prohibition of cell phone usage in
6 courthouses; and to provide for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. Chapter 44 of Title 13 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950,
9 comprised of R.S. 13:6001and 6002, is hereby enacted to read as follows:
10 CHAPTER 44. ACCESS TO CELLULAR DEVICES IN
11 COURTS AND COURTHOUSES
12 §6001. Legislative findings; intent
13 A. The legislature recognizes that access to courts and courthouses is vital
14 to the operation of the judicial system in this state. The legislature also recognizes
15 that a fundamental requirement for the proper operation of the Louisiana judicial
16 system is the ability to have access to means of communication, research, and vital
17 information while participating in court proceedings. Louisiana citizens should have
18 access to means of communication, research, and vital information in a timely
19 manner on matters pertinent to them and their pending judicial matters.
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-371 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 183
1 B. It is therefore the intent of the legislature to authorize the use of cell
2 phones in all courts and courthouses in this state to allow access to means of
3 communication, research, and vital information while participating in court
4 proceedings.
5 §6002. Access to courts and courthouses; cell phone usage
6 A. The provisions of this Section apply to all courts in this state, including
7 but not limited to the Louisiana Supreme Court, courts of appeal, family courts,
8 juvenile courts, parish courts, city courts, municipal courts, and traffic courts.
9 B. No court shall adopt rules that prohibit the use of cellular devices,
10 including but not limited to cellular phones in the portions of the courthouse outside
11 of the courtroom. Each court may adopt rules that prohibit the use of cellular
12 devices, including but not limited to cellular phones in the areas inside the
13 courtroom.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 183 Original 2026 Regular Session McMakin
Abstract: Provides for the use of cell phones in all courts including the courts of Orleans
Parish.
Proposed law provides for the use of cellular devices, including cell phones, within state
courts.
Proposed law provides that it is the intent of the legislature to allow ready access to means
of communication, research, and vital information for citizens on matters pertinent to them
and their pending judicial matters.
Proposed law applies to all courts in the state of La., including the La. Supreme Court, courts
of appeal, family courts, juvenile courts, parish courts, city courts, municipal courts, and
traffic courts.
Proposed law prohibits courts from adopting rules that ban the use of cell phones in the areas
of the courthouse that are outside the courtroom.
Proposed law authorizes the prohibition of cell phone usage in the areas inside the
courtroom.
(Adds R.S. 13:6001 and 6002)
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.