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HLS 26RS-1259 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 837
BY REPRESENTATIVE VENTRELLA
CIVIL/LAW: Provides for liability for damages caused by an unauthorized alien
1 AN ACT
2 To enact Civil Code Article 2315.14, relative to delictual actions; to provide for exemplary
3 damages; to provide for a definition; to provide for liability of unauthorized aliens
4 and employers; to provide for applicability; and to provide for related matters.
5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. Civil Code Article 2315.14 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 Art. 2315.14. Liability for damages; unauthorized alien; exemplary damages;
8 employer
9 A. As used in this Article, "unauthorized alien" means a person who is
10 unlawfully present in the United States according to the federal Immigration and
11 Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.
12 B. In addition to general and special damages, exemplary damages may be
13 awarded to an injured party if an unauthorized alien was proven to cause the injury.
14 C. The provisions of this Article apply to an unauthorized alien and the
15 unauthorized alien's employer and statutory employer.
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-1259 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 837
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 837 Original 2026 Regular Session Ventrella
Abstract: Authorizes the award of exemplary damages in actions involving unauthorized
aliens and establishes liabilities for employers.
Proposed law defines "unauthorized alien" as a person who is unlawfully present in the U.S.
according to the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
Proposed law authorizes the award of exemplary damages, in addition to general and special
damages, when the authorized alien is held liable for damages.
Proposed law provides that proposed law applies to the unauthorized alien and the
unauthorized alien's employer or statutory employer.
(Adds C.C. Art. 2315.14)
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.